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contentsmaroonweekly.com // March 15, 2012

PublisherMick Maynard

business Managerandrea Maynard

editor in Chief Chris shepperd

Managing editorChris Zebo

design/layoutChris Weachock

Writers

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autumn dawsonshauna lewiserin Mcallister

brandon nowalktobin redwine

ian soares

distributionMeredith Morse

erin tanner

internsMorgan brown

Jon gomezMeredith Morse

lauren PlattChris Weachock

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calendarMarch 15 - March 29 // Find out what is going on in BCS. We have the scoop on everything.

best lifestyleBest of BCS // See who won in this year’s Best of BCS awards.

best diningBest of BCS // See who won in this year’s Best of BCS awards.

moviesTop 20 picks // See what Brandon has to say about this weeks top 20 box office hits.

best nightlifeBest of BCS // See who won in this year’s Best of BCS awards.

for giveaways and prizes follow us on twitter @maroonweekly

4 // maroon weekly March 15, 2012 www.maroonweekly.com

March 15Salsa NightFrom 9pm to 11pm enjoy a two-hour professional dance lesson before dancing the night away with DJ Traxx and his collection of salsa, merengue, and bachata 9pm-2am on Thursday, March 1 @ Velocity

Karaoke NightEvery Thursday & Sunday night, Schotzis offers a night full of karaoke. Sunday night drink specials include $1 domestics, $2 wells, and $3 Vegas bombs and Jager bombs. 10pm-2am on Thursday, March 1 @ Schotzis

ArtfestThe students at TAMU will be featured artists at this years Artfest. The exhibit will be held on the 11th floor. For more information check out the website ath t t p : / / v a c . t a m u . e d u

9am-6pm on Thursday, in Rudder Tower.

Sol CatWanting a little bit of SXSW without having to travel to Austin? These three bands, Sol Cat, Ravello & Kingston Springs are bringing a special preview show to Bryan. With just $5 cover, this is a special treat of what to expect at SXSW. 8pm at Village Café.

March 16Zero HourAt midnight, the St. Patricks Day Countdown clock will hit 00:00. Grab a Perfect Pint of Guiness or one of O’Bannons fine Irish whiskeys for a toast at midnight on Friday at O’Bannon’s.

Friday Night FlightsCan’t ever decide what wine to have? Come by Terrazzo every Friday to try three wine flights for only $10.

6pm-11pm on Friday, March 16 @ Terrazzo

Crawfish BoilThe 22nd season of the Famous Tap Crawfish Boil is underway. Go Fridays for delicious crawfish and lively music. 6pm-12am on Friday, March 16 @ The Tap

Friday’s Finest LadiesMr. 10-4 Promotions and Velocity have teamed up to bring a night dedicated to the ladies. This dress-to-impress night lets the first 50 ladies in free for a night of hip-hop, house, and top 40. 9pm-2am on Friday, March 16 @ Velocity

V.I.C. & TYGABoth being members of the Billboard 100 list, V.I.C and Tyga are young american rappers. They are both working on their sophomore albums set to

be released this year. Don’t miss this high energy show at Daisy Dukes. 9pm on Friday at Daisy Dukes.

Industry NightFor all those in the service industry, the Century Cafe in the Four Points Sheraton says “thank you” by offering Happy Hour till Midnight every Friday. 5pm-9pm on Friday, March 16 @ Century Cafe

March 17St. Patty’s DayO’Bannons is closing the street off again for St. Patricks Day 2012. Doors will open at 7am and food will be served ALL DAY along with games, contests, giveaways and a kilt pageant. Blaggards, The Tea Merchants and Maguire Academy of Irish Dance, all Irish themed bands, will be performing during the celebration. ALL DAY on Saturday at O’Bannon’s.

hotpicks

March 15-29

/concert/////

when March 23 9 p.m.

where Harry’s

//////

///Charlie Gore///

Come out to Harry’s and see Wade Bowen live in concert! For all your boot stompin’, beer drinkin’, roof raisin’ needs – 18 and older. There is a reason Harry’s won Best Live Entertainment venue in Best of BCS. Come see why.

Cirque du Soleil presents Dralion, a fusion of ancient Chinese circus traditions and the avant-garde style of Cirque du Soleil. The international cast features 52 world-class acrobats, gymnasts, musicians, singers and comedic characters.

Tickets for adults range between $35 and $80; children tickets (12 & under) range from $29 or $66; military, senior and student tickets range from $32 to $68.

For more information visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/dralion or call 1-(888) 99-AGGIE.

Dralion by Cirque Du

Soliel

23

Calendar


Texas Unlimited BandCelebrate St. Patrick’s day with one of the most requested contemporary rock country band’s in Texas, Texas Unlimited. 8pm on Saturday at Lakeside Icehouse.

Revolt RevoltWith a new album out in the spring, Revolt Revolt will be heading to SXSW after hitting Aggieland. Being compared to the Pixies, this band is rock-and-roll. Having a new guitar player, Revolt Revolt has a richer live sound.10pm on Saturday at Schotzi’s.

Salsa Saturdays @ The VillageVoted the #1 night of dancing in BCS, Salsa Saturdays begins with a fun 30-minute, “Crash Course Salsa Lesson” followed by a sweltering hot night of dancing. Great night to meet new Aggies, and it’s all ages! 10pm-2am on Saturday, March 17 @ The Village Cafe

March 18Jared Alan StewartAfter a fall 2011 CD debut, unsigned artist Jared Alan Stewart will be playing his mix of Texas country and blue-eyed soul at the Lakeside Icehouse. Come enjoy his songs about lost love and found hangovers along with his hit “Living on Borrowed Limes.” 10pm on Sunday at Lakeside Icehouse.

Karaoke NightEvery Thursday & Sunday night, Schotzis offers a night full of karaoke. Sunday night drink specials include $1 domestics, $2 wells, and $3 Vegas bombs and Jager bombs. 10pm-2am

on Sunday, March 18 @ Schotzis

Open MicBudding musicians, singers, and songwriters: Share your gift every Sunday night with open mic at Velocity. 9pm on Sunday at Velocity.

March 19Texas Hold ‘Em TourneyAttention Hold ‘Em players: come showcase your winning talent at Fox and Hound every week. Winners can qualify for poker tourneys at various casinos each month. 7pm-12pm on Monday, March 19 @ Fox and Hound

Karaoke NightTake the stage and share your voice every Monday night with karaoke at The Tap. 10pm-2am on Monday, March 19 @ The Tap

March 20YPA Sip and SocializeJoin the Young Professionals of Aggieland for a Sip & Socialize. This is a great way to meet professionals ages 40 and younger. You do not have to be a member to attend this event. Just come out and have some fun. 5pm on at Madden’s

Piano BarEvery Wednesday Night, recommend your favorite songs for Russell & Mike to play during Piano Bar night at The Tap. 10pm-2am on Wednesday, March 20 @ The Tap

March 21Salsa WednesdaysYour mid-week salsa dancing fix. Salsa Wednesdays offers an hour and a half professional dance lesson (8pm) followed

by dancing from 9:30-12am. A great night to learn how to dance or just let loose on the dance floor. 8pm-12am on Wednesday, March 21 @ The Village Cafe

Eating on a BudgetIt’s always helpful to know how to shop, eat properly, store food, and get the most for your money. That is what this lecture is about. Attendees get a free cookbook!This event will be held in RM 707 in Rudder Tower. 3pm Wednesday. For more information go to http://shs.tamu.edu/events

DralionCirque du Soleil presents Dralion, a fusion of ancient Chinese circus traditions and the avant-garde style of Cirque du Soleil. The international cast features 52 world-class acrobats, gymnasts, musicians, singers and comedic characters. Tickets for adults range between $35 and $80; children tickets (12 & under) range from $29 or $66; military, senior and student tickets range from $32 to $68. For more information visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/dralion or call 1-(888) 99-AGGIE.

Piano BarEvery Wednesday Night come recommend your favorite songs for Russell & Mike to play during Piano Bar. 10pm on Wednesday at The Tap.

Drew KennedyIntelligent, thought provoking and honest music is what inspires Drew Kennedy to write the material that he does. With his fifth album and a new novel just released in November, Kennedy’s music and book have words that mean a great deal. Kennedy

has a distinct Texas country sound. 10:30pm on Wednesday at Church Street.

March 22Salsa NightFrom 9pm to 11pm enjoy a two-hour professional dance lesson before dancing the night away with DJ Traxx and his collection of salsa, merenge, and bachata 9pm-2am on Thursday, March 8 @ Velocity

DralionCirque du Soleil presents Dralion, a fusion of ancient Chinese circus traditions and the avant-garde style of Cirque du Soleil. The international cast features 52 world-class acrobats, gymnasts, musicians, singers and comedic characters. Tickets for adults range between $35 and $80; children tickets (12 & under) range from $29 or $66; military, senior and student tickets range from $32 to $68. For more information visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/dralion or call 1-(888) 99-AGGIE.

Keith MoodyClassic rock, blues and country are crossing paths in Keith Moody’s new album. His up beat music is reflected across the venue as this three piece band rocks out the house. 10pm on Thursday at Schotzi’s.

Six String BoysCurrently based in and around College Station, the Six String Boys have a country twang with red dirt country sound and a little bit of rock and roll. This sound will make them a hit with any crowd. The Six String Boys have even become a familiar face in Europe.10pm on Thursday at La Bodega.

Mike Ethan Messic and Ben MorrisHaving a bone-deep twang, this Texas Aggie first became an open-mic mainstay before starting his band. Mike Ethan Messic has gained an opening slot with people like Randy Rogers and Cory Morrow with time. With a mix of stone country twang and hard-charging American rock, Messic has a tune he can call his own. Messic will be joined by Ben Morris. 10:30pm on Thursday at Church Street.

Karaoke NightEvery Thursday & Sunday night, Schotzis offers a night full of karaoke. Sunday night drink specials include $1 domestics, $2 wells, and $3 Vegas bombs and Jager bombs. 10pm-2am on Thursday, March 22 @ Schotzis

March 23Crawfish BoilThe 22nd season of the Famous Tap Crawfish Boil is underway. Go Fridays for delicious crawfish and live music. 6pm-12am on Friday, March 23 @ The Tap

Friday Night FlightsCan’t ever decide what wine to have? Check out Terrazzo every Friday and try three wine flights for only $10. 6pm-11pm on Friday, March 23 @ Terrazzo

DralionCirque du Soleil presents Dralion, a fusion of ancient Chinese circus traditions and the avant-garde style of Cirque du Soleil. The international cast features 52 world-class acrobats, gymnasts, musicians, singers and comedic characters. Tickets for adults range between $35 and $80; children tickets

Calendar


(12 & under) range from $29 or $66; military, senior and student tickets range from $32 to $68. For more information visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/dralion or call 1-(888) 99-AGGIE.

Friday’s Finest LadiesMr. 10-4 Promotions and Velocity have teamed up to bring a night dedicated to the ladies. The dress-to-impress night lets the first 50 ladies in free for a night of hip-hop, house, and top 40. 9pm-2am on Friday, March 23 @ Velocity

Wade BowenCome out to Harry’s and see Wade Bowen live in concert! For all your boot stompin’ beer drinkin’ roof raisin’ needs – 18 and older. There is a reason Harry’s won Best Live Entertainment venue in Best of BCS. Come see why. 9pm on Friday at Harry’s.

Leannasaurus RexCome listen to a live musical performance from local blues singer, Leannasaurus Rex. 9pm on Friday at Lakeside Icehouse.

A Formal AffairFor all those in the service A Formal Affair has been playing sold out shows and performing with bands like Bowling for Soup. With two albums already out, they are celebrating the release of their third album. 10pm on Friday at Schotzi’s.

Austin EnglishAustin English is a dancehall favorite around Texas. This Ft. Worth country boy is looking to take his music to the next level. As an opener for Pat Green and Honeybrowne, English knows what it takes to get you on your feet. 10pm on Friday at La Bodega.

Grady SkeltonGrady Skelton is wanting to rouse a range of emotions with his music with his raw and organic sound. Skelton caught the eye of the Texas A&M Association of Former Students and was invited to perform as part of the festivities of the All Aggie Hullabaloo at Cowboys Stadium prior to the A&M vs. Arkansa game. Now you can what the buzz is all about for yourself. 11pm on Friday at Church Street.

March 24Big EventThe Big Event is the largest, one-day, student-run service project in the nation where students of Texas A&M University come together to say “Thank You” to the residents of Bryan and College Station. For the past 30 years Aggie students have participated in this annual event to show their appreciation to the surrounding community by completing service projects such as yard work, window washing, an…d painting for community members. Although The Big Event has become the largest one-day, student-run service project in the nation, our message and our mission remains the same – to simply say “Thank You.” 8am on Saturday all over the Brazos Valley.

Midnight River ChoirQuartert Midnight River Choir brings their Texas music groove style to College Station. Come join the crowd with their raw and energetic performances. 8pm on Saturday at The Tap.

DralionCirque du Soleil presents Dralion, a fusion of ancient Chinese circus traditions and the avant-garde style of Cirque du Soleil. The international cast features

52 world-class acrobats, gymnasts, musicians, singers and comedic characters. Tickets for adults range between $35 and $80; children tickets (12 & under) range from $29 or $66; military, senior and student tickets range from $32 to $68. For more information visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/dralion or call 1-(888) 99-AGGIE.

Rob BairdA Memphis native, now stationed here in Texas, Rob Baird couldn’t resist picking up a guitar at a young age. With influences like Chris Knight, Baird writes about emotional fall-out of an imagined story rather than a story itself. You may have noticed Baird last year as he was a Chilifest performer here in Aggieland. 11pm on Saturday at Church Street.

Salsa Saturdays @ The VillageVoted the #1 night of dancing in BCS, Salsa Saturdays begins with a fun 30-minute, “Crash Course Salsa Lesson” followed by a sweltering hot night of dancing. Great night to meet new Aggies, and it’s all ages! 10pm-2am on Saturday, March 24 @ The Village Cafe

March 25Karaoke NightEvery Thursday & Sunday night, Schotzis offers a night full of karaoke. Sunday night drink specials include $1 domestics, $2 wells, and $3 Vegas bombs and Jager bombs. 10pm-2am on Sunday, March 25 @ Schotzis

DralionCirque du Soleil presents Dralion, a fusion of ancient Chinese circus traditions and the avant-garde style

of Cirque du Soleil. The international cast features 52 world-class acrobats, gymnasts, musicians, singers and comedic characters. Tickets for adults range between $35 and $80; children tickets (12 & under) range from $29 or $66; military, senior and student tickets range from $32 to $68. For more information visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/dralion or call 1-(888) 99-AGGIE.

Symphony ConcertThe Brazos Valley Symphony and Music Director Marcelo Bussiki present “The Americas & Beyond”. Come on a journey of that will take us into the realm of Spanish, Cuban, Brazilian, Mexican and American music. Works by composers from each of these countries will be featured in this musically demanding concert. Guest artist, Guitarist Chad Ibison, the winner of the 2011 Texas A&M International Guitar Symposium and Competition, will perform what many consider to be the most beautiful and stirring guitar concerto in his debut performance with the Brazos Valley Symphony. 5pm on Sunday at Rudder Theatre.

March 26Texas Hold ‘Em TourneyAttention Hold ‘Em players: showcase your winning talent at Fox and Hound every week. Winners can qualify for poker tourneys at various casinos each month. 7pm-12pm on Monday, March 26 @ Fox and Hound

Karaoke NightTake the stage and share your voice every Monday night with karaoke at The Tap. 10pm-2am on Monday, March 26 @ The Tap

Velcro PygmiesThis rock-and-roll band will have loud guitars, pounding drums and an entertaining front man. This band is the old “Van Halen” for the new generation. 9pm on Monday at Daisy Dukes.

March 27In the HeightsThis 2008 Tony Award-winning musical is about immigrants trying to find their place in their new country. This performace is sure to dazzle with the award-winning dancing and thrilling songs! For tickets call 979-845-1234 More information can be found at http://www.mscopas.org/intheheights.html 7:30pm at Rudder Auditorium.

March 28Salsa WednesdaysYour mid-week salsa dancing fix. Salsa Wednesdays offers an hour and a half professional dance lesson (8pm) followed by dancing from 9:30-12am. A great night to learn how to dance or just let loose on the dance floor. 8pm-12am on Wednesday, March 28 @ The Village Cafe

Piano BarEvery Wednesday Night, recommend your favorite songs for Russell & Mike to play during Piano Bar night at The Tap. 10pm-2am on Wednesday, March 28 @ The Tap

Tyler BrownThe Tyler Brown Band, local Aggie, describes himself as a cross between country and americana. Brown has influences like Eli Young Band, George Jones and Kyle Park. 10:30pm on Wednesday at Church Street.

Calendar


Best Live EntertainmentHarry’s

Best KaraokeThe Tap

Best Open MicVillage Café

Best Country Dance HallHarry’s

Best DancingSalsa at Village Café

Best Signature DrinkCherry Limeade at Sonic

Best Bar/NightClubDixie Chicken

Best Shot BarDry Bean

Best Community EntertainmentMSC Opas

Best Hair SalonChrome

Best Tanning SalonTiki Tan

Best Liquor StoreSpec’s

Best Barbershop Northgate Barber Shop Best Local RaceBCS Marathon/Half Marathon

Best LaundromatHarvey Washbangers

Best Custom PrintingC.C. Creation’s

Best Free Wifi Sweet Eugene’s

Best GymAeroFit

Best Place to Buy Aggie GearAggieland Outfi tters

Best BBQC&J

Best Sports BarFox & Hound

Best After Hours Place to EatRusty Taco

Best FroYoRed Mango

Best CupcakesCake Junkie

Best Mobile CuisineChef Tai Mobile Bistro

Best Mexican FoodCasa Rodriquez

Best Breakfast TacosFuego

Best Tacos/BurritosFreebirds

Best Food DeliveryPotato Shack

Best Chicken FingersLayne’s

Best BurgerChicken Oil Co.

Best PizzaAntonio’s

Best Ethnic FoodGenghis Grill

Best ItalianCaffé Capri

Best SteakThe Republic

Best AsianT Jin China Diner

Best MargaritaNinfa’s

Best WingsWings N’ More

Best Sandwich Blue Baker

Best Coffee ShopMuldoons

Best New RestaurantChuy’s

Best DessertRed Mango

Best Dining

Best Nightlife

Best Lifestyle

The best of bcs winners


Best LifestyleBest Custom Printing: C.C. Creations

For 30 years, C.C. Creations has been providing custom printing on everything from t-shirts to color-changing cups. Headquartered in Aggieland, C.C. Creations is the largest custom screen printing and embroidery company in Texas and 11th in the nation.

True to its motto “Building Better Relationships,” C.C. Creations constantly strives to connect with its customers, community, and employees. In 2005, the company added their two newest divisions, Trophies & Awards and Signs & Banners, which work alongside their other divisions, Screen Printing, Embroidery, Promotional Items, Graphic Design, and Overseas Sourcing. In February of 2006, a 65,000-square-foot production facility was acquired in Bryan to meet the increasing demands of the community.

While the company continues to grow, it stays true to its motto by providing superior customer service and custom product solutions tailored to businesses and organizations. If you haven’t checked out C.C. Creations, visit them online at cccreationsusa.com or their tent-sale website (yes, it’s so popular it has its own website) at cctentsale.com.

Best LoCaL raCe: BCs marathon & haLf marathon

It seems like everyone is putting on their running shoes lately. But it takes more than a few orange cones and a water jug to pull off a successful race for thousands of people.

BCS Marathon/Half Marathon apparently discovered the recipe for success. In just their first year of operation, they impressed the masses enough to be named Best Local Race in this year’s Best of BCS awards.

But this is more than just a race. This is a fundraiser. Still Creek Ranch and Mercy Project were the recipients of the funds raised through the 2011 marathon/half marathon.

Last year’s race was such a success that they are creating a race series. It features the BCS Fitness Turkey Trot, Run for Compassion 5K/10K and the BCS Marathon/Half Marathon.

Making the community healthier both physically and emotionally is what drives this race team to strive to be the best.


If you’re looking for laughter, tears, or itching for a stage show, MSC OPAS is your destination for all things theatre, music and dance. For the past forty years, OPAS at Texas A&M University, a division of the Memorial Student Center, has brought some of the best professional productions to BCS, such as Blue Man Group, Young Frankenstein, Steve Martin, In the Heights, and Moulin Rouge – and all those within the past year! These wonderful performances enlighten, inspire and entertain audiences of the Brazos Valley each year.

The organization is funded entirely by revenue generated by ticket sales and contributions – it is a self-funding group that has flourished throughout the past few decades, and fans have taken notice.

If you’re looking for a local theatre scene that is every bit as affordable as it is entertaining, then come discover for yourself why voters have chosen MSC OPAS as the Best Community Entertainment in the Brazos Valley. You can see what’s playing next by visiting their website at opas.tamu.edu.

Best Lifestyle

Best Community entertainment:msC oPas

Best free Wifi:sWeet eugene’s

Aggieland’s student population is growing, and thankfully so is its list of free WiFi locations. With on-campus study hotspots all but impossible by early evening, students are swarming free WiFi locations to get work done. But finding the right location that allows you to work with a speedy connection and the right atmosphere can be a challenge..

One free WiFi area may be loaded with laptops and internet users. All is good, right? Not necessarily, as lots of customers at one location means lots of users sharing the same internet...which translates to the possibility of a slower connection. An empty location means either a fast connection or a poor one. You won’t know until you try considering most of these places do not have a whole lot of documentation on what kind of connection they provide.

Don’t worry, though, since your peers have saved you the trouble of finding the right hot spot by voting Sweet Eugene’s #1 in Aggieland. Sweet E’s free WiFi is reliable and never overloaded with users, meaning a consistent, fast connection.

Best part about it? Sweet Eugene’s is a java shop (no, not java as in the computer platform; we mean the caffeinated kind). That means free WiFi can be enjoyed with signature blends of coffee, a panini, or a desert--all while you’re sitting on a comfy couch intrigued by their art-covered walls. Add to that the smells of their in-house bakery and you’ve got yourself a WiFi winner.


Best Lifestyle

North Gate Barber Shop(serving Aggies since 1935)

We have two College Station Locations

Northgate Barber Shop107 College MainMon.-Fri. 8-6Sat. 8-5

Northgate Barber Shop Too!1506 HollemanMon.-Fri. 9-6Sat. 9-5

Hair cuts $12.00

Regular Hair cuts, military cuts, flatops and more...

1st time visit receive $2.00 off by metioning this ad.

If you’re feeling a little scruffy and itching to get your groom on, the Northgate Barbershop is the best place to go for a cut, a trim, or a shave. Right on College Main in the heart of Northgate, Northgate Barbershop has been welcoming walk-ins for five generations.

Customers can enjoy chatting with the friendly barbers, taking advantage of the free Wi-Fi, or catching the game on their flat-screen TVs, all while experienced specialists tend to all of your grooming needs. Open daily and with special evening hours during the week, Northgate Barbershop boasts both convenience and congeniality. Don’t forget, Northgate Barbershop handles more than just the Corps of Cadets.

So let your hair down (and then get it cut) and come out and see why readers have chosen Northgate Barbershop as the best place for a trim and a shave in the Brazos Valley.

Best BarBershoP:northgate BarBershoP


Best LifestyleBest PLaCe to Buy aggie gear: aggieLand outfitters

It’s game day, or better yet—you’ve got 15 minutes to get to the game. All 37 of your Maroon Out t-shirts and Aggie logo Ts are in the hamper. None of them are salvageable to wear for the game either because you put that pair of pants you spilled garlic sauce on in the same hamper, and now everything smells like an Italian wedding. So what do you do? Easy: You go to Aggieland Outfitters. Not only do they have more t-shirts than you have in your hamper, but one of their conveniently located stores is literally across the street from Kyle Field.

Not only do they have a wide selection of Ts (printed on name brands, such as Nike, Adidas and Under Armour), but they also have accessories emblazoned with A&M logos, on everything from wristbands, cufflinks, ties, watches and cinch bags. And, yes, they have stuff like Aggie coffee mugs, too. Really, if you’re not too careful, they’ll stamp YOU with the A&M logo if you sit too still.

They’ve got it all--for the fans who need to be “outfitted” last minute for the game to the students who need that lazy-day t-shirt when they’re late for class and wanna dress down. And, if you’ve been in the store lately, you’ll notice the shelves are lined with “Welcome to the SEC” paraphernalia. Pretty cool designs, too.

CHROME has incredibly talented stylists who insprie others with their energy, talents, and creative vision. Each has a top-notch portfolio of expertise and experience, giving them the unique ability to create your perfect wedding day look.

CHROMECHROME has set the standard as the most exclusive salon in the Brazos Valley. Winner of numerous awards - including the prestigious Newman 10 award, Best of BCS 2011 and 2012, and was named one of the Salon Today 200.

MONDAY 9AM TO 5PMTUESDAY - FRIDAY 8:30AM TO 8:30PMSATURDAY 9AM TO 5PM

1501 UNIVERSITY DRIVE STE #210COLLEGE STATION, TX, 77840

TOWER POINT -943 WILLIAM D. FITCH PARKWAY STE #501COLLEGE STATION, TX, 77845979.268.1398


Best LifestyleBest hair saLon: Chrome

Best tanning saLon: tiki tan

If you’re looking for a hot summer glow any time of the year, Tiki Tan has everything you need to darken those winterized skin cells. Boasting the most locations in the area (with four new spots to get some color) as well as the newest equipment to ensure a safe tanning experience, Tiki Tan has been chosen as the area’s best spot to soak up the (artificial) sun.

Tiki Tan upgrades their tanning equipment each year to ensure that they’re top of the line when it comes to the competition – and that is why voters have fallen in love with their state-of-the-art tanning techniques. For example, they offer a leg tanner to make up for the color you lose with daily shaving, a high pressure tanning bed that limits your number of visits while maximizing the deep shade of skin tone, a hydration station with a steam bath, dry sauna, massage and aromatherapy, AND a sunless tanning station. Tiki Tan has everything you need to keep that summer glow glowing all year round.

You can try out their services for the best deals in town – Tiki Tan now offers a “3 Tans for $3” deal for new customers. They’ll get you hooked with their low prices and keep you coming back for their quality equipment.

Ever been to a salon where the water is too hot when washing your hair, or the stylist has no idea what they are doing, or they use too much or too little product, or you have to go to the grocery store immediately after your visit to recolor the mess you just paid to have done?

You wouldn’t have to worry about that stuff at Chrome. The salon has created a reputation for itself that includes all the right buzzwords, like “professional,” “skilled,” and “attentive.”

Attention to detail and never making the client feel uncomfortable are two attributes that a hairstylist must have. At Chrome Salon, all of their hairstylists fit into this category, and that’s what sets Chrome apart from the rest.

Whether you need a simple trim, or to go from all over blonde to dark brown, the hairstylists at Chrome can do it. Chrome’s stylists have been extensively trained by the best of the best in the hair industry. Chrome has eleven Redken Master Specialists and four Redken Certified Hair Colorists and Designers. These titles aren’t easy to come by; they take skill and rigorous qualification to earn.

Chrome has earned numerous accolades and awards to prove exactly why they are the best. In fact, they were nominated for Redken’s Salon of the Year, and in years past, the salon was one of the top 200 fastest growing salons in the country. Not to mention back-to-back Best of BCS awards.

Their purpose: To bring your beauty to a whole new level. And where else can you have a quality salon experience and attend periodical customer appreciation parties?


888 506 54473803 Wellborn Road

Bryan, TX 77801

Community AmenitiesZ OASIS: Beach-Entry Salt Water PoolTHE CHALLENGE: Game RoomHOT SPOT: Dual Computer LabsTHE ZONE: 2 Wii Workout Indoor CourtsBURN: Over The Top Fitness CenterTHE CHANNEL: Sports Theater RoomSUDS: On-site Car Wash Station

Apartment Amenities50" Flat-Screen TV In Living Room

26" HDTV in All Bedroom Suites

Fully-Furnished with Queen Beds

Expanded Cable

Individual Leases

Private Bathrooms and Bedrooms“Z” to 47464for information**standard text messaging rates apply

A WORLD CLASSSTUDENT HOUSING

MANAGEMENT &DEVELOPMENT COMPANY

Best LifestyleBest gym: aerofit

Okay, let’s not kid ourselves. That beach-body you wanted to show off for spring break didn’t happen. Maybe you didn’t have time to make it to the gym. Maybe you did, but chose not to go and wait thirty minutes for an open bench, a treadmill, or a set of dumbbells. Maybe your trainer made Jillian Michaels look like a saint.

Whatever your excuse, Aerofit Center has the answer. Aggie owned and operated, this privately-owned company boasts facilities that make sports such as swimming, karate, racquetball, basketball, and tennis possible on regular gym-membership fees. How is it possible for one location to offer all of this? It’s not. That’s why Aerofit has four different locations in Aggieland with a fifth one set to open in 2013 next to the College Station Medical Center.

Within the facilities, Aerofit provides an array of opportunities. For those who like to workout with friends, Aerofit offers group fitness classes at its Villa Maria and Carter Creek locations. A snapshot of those classes includes zumba, yoga, tai chi, pilates, cycling, water aerobics, hydrotherapy, and Saturday splash. For those who prefer personalized training, Aerofit offers one-on-one training at each of its four locations with a staff that finds a way to positively motivate its clients while making it fun.

The opportunity to train at four different locations keeps crowds at bay, enabling its members the best possible location to train. Whether you are looking to train for a marathon or slip into a bikini, Aerofit has become the number one location for Aggieland to maintain a healthy lifestyle.


Best NightlifeBest Live entertainment: harry’s

Boys, throw on your boots; girls, throw on a cute dress: it’s time to celebrate. Hurricane Harry’s was voted “Best Country Dance Hall” and “Best Live Entertainment.” Hosting live shows with some of Texas’ well-known artists such as Granger Smith, Casey Donahew and Aaron Watson, Hurricane Harry’s reels hundreds of people in week after week.

On a typical Thursday night, Harry’s parking lot looks similar to a pick-up truck dealership. With all the cars and trucks jammed into their lot, the first thing that comes to mind when pulling in is, “Where in the world are we going to park?” Whether you have a short walk to the front door or you’re parked by McDonalds acres away, getting inside to the dance floor is all that matters.

College kids, high school kids and people from all over travel to Harry’s just to catch the sold-out concerts, great drink specials (offered almost every night), or just to have a dance or two with their significant other. The dance hall plays mostly country music, but it’s known to mix in a little hip-hop from time to time.

“Everything’s Bigger in Texas, Better at Harry’s” is the self-proclaimed motto of this venerated institution of country and it is a testament to the way they do business – one step above.

Hurricane Harry’s is located at 313 College Avenue in College Station. Call (979) 846-3343 or visit harrys.bcsclubs.com for more information on scheduled entertainment and drink specials.


Best NightlifeBest karaoke: the taP

Next time someone says to you, “Sounds like someone’s got a case of the Monday’s,” tell them, “No, because Monday night’s Karaoke Night at The Tap.”

At one point or another, every Aggie finds a way to spend a Monday night at The Tap to listen to friends, peers, and fellow Aggies shine in the spotlight while singing their favorite songs. The tradition is so popular that when Von Miller (NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year) returned to Aggieland for a basketball game, he made sure to stop by and enjoy a night of karaoke.

While it’s fun to watch friends make a fool of themselves or see someone who has the gift to sing, people come for other amenities The Tap has to offer. Originally a train depot, The Tap started in the 1990s serving beer and wine until the addition of booze in 1993. It’s played host to Maroon 5, Smashmouth, and Bowling for Soup before each band hit it big. A kitchen was opened in 2000 and features over 50 items.

For the second year in a row, The Tap won Best Karaoke. Think you’re brave enough to share your voice? Sign-ups begin at 10pm with the stage opening at 10:30 and staying open until 2am.

Best shot Bar:dry Bean

What better way to start your night than to have a group shot with your friends. Or maybe you won’t start your night with shots or shooters, but once you’ve gotten tired of drinking pitchers at The Chicken, you can top off your night with a shot.

The Dry Bean’s extensive menu of signature and favorite shots, such as The Cop Killer (for the sweet tooth) and The Snake Bite (for the ones who want to go hardcore), offers a range of flavors and liquid novelties for liver sports night.

The Bean has that old-timey, weathered wood saloon atmosphere and makes you want to hang your hat as you walk in the door. Except you probably won’t have time to hang your hat. It’s usually in one door, throw down a shot, and out the other door at the Bean.

Known affectionately for its “shotgun house” interior to its laundry list of shots, The Dry Bean takes the “Best Shot Bar” two years in a row.


Best NightlifeBest danCing: saLsa at viLLage Cafe

For two years in a row, the Village Cafe’s popular salsa nights have taken the #1 spot over huge dance halls such as Harry’s and Daisy Dukes. How is that possible, you ask? Well, if you ask anyone that’s been there, they can easily sum it up.

First, they’ll tell you about the fun “Crash Course Salsa Lesson” offered on Saturday nights before the dance floor opens. In only 30 minutes, the energetic salsa instructor manages to teach you the basics and introduce you to about 40 new people in the lesson circle. So you not only learn how to move, you get to meet the people you’ll dance with throughout the night all in a half hour (talk about an icebreaker)! On Wednesday nights, the Village offers a much longer lesson for those that want to learn more moves and become better dancers.

In addition to feeling like you belong there 30 minutes after you walk through the door, the Village salsa nights are also the most multicultural nights in the region. It’s the melting pot of Bryan/College Station. The floor is hoppin’ with dancers from South America, Europe, Asia, the Caribbean—from practically everywhere on the globe. Aggies typically populate the place every Wednesday and Saturday night, but locals mix in, too.

They say if you only try it once, you’ll be back. And the Village knows that, which is why they give you a frequent dancer’s card at the door (get 5 stamps, your 6th night of dancing is on them). Now let’s just hope they build onto the Village so they can start fitting more of us in there!

For more info about salsa at the Village, visit mambosentertainment.com or Google “Salsa at Village Cafe.”


Best NightlifeBest Bar/nightCLuB: the dixie ChiCken

If there was ever a capitol of Northgate, practically everyone would agree it would be The Dixie Chicken. And not just because it’s a great place to grab a drink and some food, but because it’s the reason Northgate is Northgate as we know it today.

The Dixie Chicken has a reputation for being a great hangout place for thirsty beer drinkers and people looking to kick up their heels. After all, the Chicken claims to serve the most beer per square foot than any bar in the United States. And that might be true (we’re not doubting them), since it’s also the place where the Aggie Ring Dunk began around 40 years ago.

Aside from the beer flowing through the taps, patrons also play pool, Forty-Two, and listen to some Texas music favorites while throwing them back. The Chicken also has a great bar food menu. You can order some locally produced sausage, cheese on a wheel, juicy burgers, and some cheesy bacon fries with ranch to compliment your ice-cold beer.

The bar, the oldest and most famous in the Northgate district, is home to domino tournaments, a live rattlesnake, and the tradition of “ring-dunking.” On Ring Day, a student drops their ring into a pitcher of beer and chugs it on the back porch of the Dixie Chicken. Although people mistake the tradition for being school related, it originated at the Chicken.

A few years after The Chicken opened in the late ‘70s, one of Aggieland’s most famous traditions began. The Ring Dunk first started on the Chicken’s back porch over 30 years ago and to this day is still one of the most significant contributions to the roll call of Aggie traditions. Each year, hundreds of Aggies still flock to The Chicken to drop their shiny new rings into 32-ounce mugs and gulp all the way down till the gold prize is caught in their teeth. (And we wonder how they can claim to serve “the most beer per square foot of any bar in the US?”) Although Ring Day festivities have spread to other establishments around town, it all started at The Chicken.

The Chicken has found its way into the heart of Aggieland. It has even been voted Playboy magazine’s “College Bar of the Month.”


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Best DiningOnce upon a time, most street corners in College Station were lined with Starbucks and fast food joints. Oh, those were the days. Now, everywhere you look, there’s a froyo place popping up--some of them right around the corner from one another. In fact, there are more froyo businesses in town than there are Starbucks (think about that for a minute). The success of frozen yogurt isn’t owed simply to the tasty, tart dessert itself; it’s owed more to the self-serve, pay-by-weight concept. Giving customers free reign over their sweet tooth is like giving your inner child the key to the candy store.

Red Mango is one of the forefathers of the froyo business. The Korean-based chain with U.S headquarters in Dallas is now a huge franchise internationally. It was one of the first to land on the West Coast and start the frogurt revolution in America along with Pinkberry. The Red Mango store in College Station is locally owned and considered the most healthy frozen yogurt option offered in town. They also won Best Dessert in this AND last year’s Best of BCS Awards, for their healthy shakes and meal-replacement parfaits.

Located below the Lofts at Wolf Pen Creek on Holleman Drive, Red Mango’s outdoor seating plaza (with a fountain and cool lights, no less) and Wolf Pen Creek Park across the street make it a kind of dessert vacation spot. (It’s also a great date spot.) You can get your dessert and either sit and enjoy it peacefully in the plaza, or you can burn off the few calories you’re eating while walking through the park.

In addition to serving froyo and having 48 toppings to choose from, Red Mango is also popular for its fresh fruit smoothies and meal replacement parfaits. The smoothies come with a choice of vitamin, energy, or protein boosts to make you even more healthy. And, if you’ve ever had a bubble tea (another dessert trend–a smoothie with tapioca balls on the bottom that you slurp through a wide straw), then you’ll love Red Mango’s “Popping Boba” in their toppings bar. The little tapioca balls are filled with strawberry mango juice that “pop” and splash juice in your mouth when you bite down on them. Geez...talk about a flavor explosion!

Best froyo & Best dessert:red mango


You might walk through the door at Genghis, but you most likely will be carried out the door after eating there. As you walk in, you are greeted by a hostess and then taken to your table where you will meet your server, and then you’re told to go grab all the food you want—well, as much as you can fit in the bowls they provide.

When you get to the buffet style layout, you’re presented with a cornucopia of raw foods to choose from. First you will want to select your proteins. You can choose calamari, chicken, sausage, scallops, steak and much more. Then you’re off to get your seasonings; black pepper, yellow curry salt, lemon pepper, ginger and plenty of others. After that, scoot on down the line to grab your veggies; cabbage, eggs, garlic water, mandarin oranges, pineapples, tofu, water chestnuts--the list is endless. And, finally, it’s time to choose pasta or rice and your sauces. After filling your bowl to the very tip-top, you hand over your food to the grill master, who can do some cool tricks with their exhibition style cooking, go back to your table, salivate, and wait for your food to cook and be delivered.

With the build-your-own bowl concept, it’s like the froyo of Asian food. Note: you might want a plan of attack before you start throwing everything into your bowl; it can get full fast.

But Genghis Grill isn’t just about food. They have Karaoke every Wednesday and offer $1.50 drafts and margaritas on Tuesday and Wednesday. Trying to raise some money for your organization? Check out their profit share program. You can get the info on their website.

Nevertheless, be prepared to come with an empty stomach, a huge appetite, a wheelbarrow, and some friends that’ll wheel you out after you eat.

Best ethniC food:genghis griLL

Best Dining


Best DiningBest taCos/Burritos: freeBirds

Rock music, exposed brick, pierced noses, and a motorcycle suspended from the ceiling – once you set foot inside, you’ll fear you’ve driven too far and gotten lost in that “city down the road.” But fear not, hungry patron – you’re not in Austin, you’re at Freebirds!

Freebirds reigns supreme with their fast food burritos and tacos. It’s easy to see why voters choose this stop for all of their tortilla needs – not only are the ingredients every bit as fresh as the servers who expertly prepare them, but the combination of flavors in each concoction is so explosive that once you bite into your Monster Burrito, even the funky atmosphere will seem bland in comparison.

At Freebirds, the culinary creativity is all in your hands – from start to finish, you are the master of your own burrito fate. You can choose from a variety of different meats, tortillas and toppings, and once you’ve stuffed every last delicious morsel of food into your glorious face, you get to mold your wonderful Freebirds wrapping foil into whatever shiny design your mind can muster and leave it as a piece of art for others to stare at. You’ll appreciate others art, too, when your eyes are glazed over and you’re in a dreamy food coma staring off into space.


Best Dining

405A UNIVERSITY DR COLLEGE STATION TX 77840

979-846-SPUD(7783)

mon: 11am-10pm | tue: 11am-10pm | wed: 11am-10pmclosed Thursday through Sunday

cut below to recieve promo potato!

thanks and gig em.

order online atcampusfood.com

$2.00 off any POTATO (not to be combined with any order)

For the biggest and best spuds in town, check out Potato Shack. Can’t get there? Well, you still have no reason not to check them out...since they’ve been voted Best Food Delivery this year.

Visit their menu online at potatoshack.biz and select what spud concoction you want; then call them and have them practically teleport your order to your place.

Whether you’re in the mood for a traditional spud or you’re feeling a little crazy, Potato Shack has everything you could possibly want as a topping – and many you could never even imagine!

You can choose from a variety of potato/flavor varieties, ranging from a simple butter spread all the way to chicken teriyaki and Italian pesto.

With an astounding amount of variety for what can be a boring naked potato, Potato Shack wins both for creativity and Food Delivery (although creativity wasn’t a category this year, they would have won if it was).

Best food deLivery: Potato shaCk

Sushi is more than a food, it’s an art form. How can seafood served with rice be considered art? Visit Atami Steak and Sushi for the answer.

Americanized sushi typically comes in 3 styles: sashimi (individual pieces of just raw seafood), nigiri (that same raw seafood packed over a mouthful of rice), and maki (or rolls, composed of seafood, vegetables, and other flavorites). However you order them, Atami presents them in an elegantly arranged manner that only heightens the dining experience.

With their plates resembling a fish in motion or a quiet river nook, Atami’s meals capture nature and the outdoors, something which implies the freshness of their seafood.

As if the idea of elegant sushi isn’t enticing enough, you can also check out their happy hour specials. Every Monday through Thursday from 5pm to 7pm, Atami offers appetizers like edamame, spring rolls, and shrimp tempura under $4 and california rolls, cucumber rolls, spicy tuna, and many other sushi house classics for under $5.

Best sushi: atami


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Best DiningIf Texas is the second Capitol of Mexican food, than you can imagine how difficult it is to judge which place is better than the next. There are more Mexican restaurants in the BCS area than there are any other ethnic restaurants, and surely a similar ratio applies to most towns in the Lone Star State. But judging Mexican food in THIS town is a tough one; everyone has their go-to favorites, and everyone’s a critic when it comes to quesadillas and queso.

But Casa Rodriguez is the regional institution of Mexican food. We say institution because its legacy of cooking is older than anyone here—over 100 years old. If you’ve ever been to the famous local restaurant, than you’ve probably taken a second to read the cover of their menu. If you haven’t read it, it basically says this: In 1898, a 6’1 tall Mexican man named Manuel Rodriquez came to Bryan from Mexico to work on the railroads, and at the age of 20, he started cooking his first Mexican dishes (Chile con Carne, especially) for early settlers and workers. There’s more to the story than that, but that’s the most interesting part—a 6’1 Mexican man! Just kidding. We mean, wow! That was a long time ago!

Favorites are the A&M Special (sliced grilled chicken fajita served inside two toasted flour tortillas with Monterey Jack cheese, bell peppers and onions, topped with fresh shredded lettuce, tomatoes and guacamole) and the Fried Avocado Dinner (fresh avocado stuffed with your choice of chicken or beef fajita along with queso breaded and deep fried. Served with rice and frijoles a la charra). Word of advice: if you’re going on the weekend, prepare to stand in line.

Best mexiCan food: Casa rodriguez


Thank you Aggieland!

In thanks for voting us Best Coffee Shop our in house bakery (Crush Cupcakes) has prepared the most delicious cup-

cakes in BCS.

Recieve HALF OFF a dozen cupcakes when you say “ Best of BCS” while

ordering.

visit or call us: 979.703.7958offer expires 4/14/12.for single dozen orders only.not

combinable with any other offer

Best DiningBest Coffee shoP: muLdoons

If you chose your favorite coffee shop based solely on its coffee, Muldoon’s would be a shoe-in. They specialize in fair trade, organic, fire-roasted beans, and frequently brew a rotation of javas from some of the best coffee growing regions in the world. They also know their way around an espresso machine and their baristas make all of the Italian classics, such as cappuccinos, lattes and mochas. If you’re not a coffee drinker, they also offer a selection of teas, both in the bag and loose-leaf for those who wish to re-steep with hot water.

But Muldoon’s wasn’t voted numero uno solely for its coffee and teas. In addition to its beverages, the ambiance is a winner, too. The huge coffeehouse offers a number of seating options: tables and chairs for meetings and group projects; dim-lit lounge alcoves where you can put your feet up and surf the web or listen to your iTunes in relative privacy; and even countertop seating for those who get the most done sitting upright or just want to procrastinate and people watch out the window.

In the past few months, Muldoon’s partnered with Crush Cupcakes, a new cupcakery which literally adjoins the coffeehouse. You can mosey over and buy one of their fantastic cupcakes to eat alongside your cappuccino during their open hours, or you can even buy them at the Muldoon’s counter afterhours, too. And speaking of afterhours, another reason the java house took #1 was for its late hours. Open till 1am most of the week, you can break free from the roommates and get that homework done you put off all day. They even have later hours during exam time.


Best DiningBest Breakfast taCos: fuego

Whether it’s the middle of the night or the middle of your lunch break, if you’re craving a cheesy combo of all your breakfast favorites, Fuego has just the thing you need. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the Mexican food masters at this local tortilla grill have perfected the breakfast taco.

Fuego reigns supreme in the realm of breakfast tacos. It’s no surprise – with their delicious hand-made tortillas, slow-cooked sides and marinated meats, each taco is the result of unparalleled quality and freshness. And, with Fuego’s round-the-clock service, you can enjoy some of the best breakfast tacos in BCS day or night.

So come out to Fuego, located in College Station near the intersection of Texas and University, and pair your breakfast taco with their specialty queso, delicious guacamole, or any of their other specialty tacos to kickstart your day or round out your night.


Best DiningGot a sweet tooth? A sweet 16? A birthday? Following the national froyo boom, the next up-and-coming dessert craze is fresh baked cupcakes, cakes, cake pops and cookies. About a decade ago, the froyo explosion was a trend limited to the urban coastal cities of the country. It came right after the boba tea craze, and it spread into the center of the country in no time. The cupcakery trend is now riding the heels of the froyo trend and it’s gaining way. It began as a boutique-style dessert option in urban markets and has now spread all the way from the coasts to College Station.

Like other contenders, Cake Junkie has such a variety of cupcake flavors that it can be difficult to choose one, so make sure you are good and hungry...since you might buy two. Jumbo cupcake flavors to savor from Cake Junkie include pink champagne, chocolate peanut butter, watermelon, amaretto, rocky road and the list goes on. For a single jumbo cupcake you’ll drop $3.25 each. You can have half a dozen for $18 or a whole dozen for just $36. (Now all they need is a desert food truck in Northgate. Hint, hint.) Cake Junkie is a full-service, walk-in bakery located at 4001 E. 29th St. Suite 75 Bryan, TX 77802, open Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:30pm and Saturday from 8:00am-1:00pm.

Best CuPCakes: Cake Junkie

DESIGNER DESERTSFOR SPECIAL EVENTS AND OCCASIONS

What do we do?We provide delicious cupcakes for your event.

Where are we located?4001 E 29th Street Ste. Bryan TX 77802

(located in the Carter Creek shopping center)

How awesome are we?We even have a mobile cake truck. That’s pretty

awesome.

979-268-2342

visit us online at cake-junkie.com


Best DiningBest ChiCken fingers: Layne’s

Layne’s, winner of last year’s title, took home the award for Best Chicken Fingers again this year. With their customers being 80% Aggies, their self-proclaimed “dumpy” building has attracted a lot of attention since 1994.

The Aggie-owned and operated business has become an icon in College Station. With their discordant mismatched interior and not-so-sturdy building, the cooks fry up a storm of perfectly fried chicken fingers.

The chicken finger plate/box is a perfect portion of 5 golden chicken fingers, crispy French fries, their secret sauce, potato salad, and buttery Texas toast. You can get everything your heart (or arteries) desires without breaking the bank. Thanks, Layne’s, for thinking of the broke college kids!

The box not enough chicken to satisfy your chicken craving? No worries. Ask for the box of 25, 50, 75, or even the box to celebrate the founding of A&M, which totals up to a “whooping” 876 chicken fingers!


Best Dining

The name says it all – while they are the Brazos Valley resident master of “buffalo style” chicken wings, the menu at Wings N’ More also offers a wide variety of southern style cuisine and delicious drinks. Whether you fancy wings or “more”, Wings N’ More is sure to please.

Founded by NFL player Mark Dennard (who fell in love with chicken wings during his time playing for the Miami Dolphins), Wings N’ More brings sweetness and spice in every plate. You can order them hot, and you can order them hotter. If your mouth catches on fire, don’t worry: The taps are flowing with a variety of ice cold beers to cool you down.

With three convenient locations all across BCS you never have to go without. Grab it to go or sit down and stay awhile. It really is no surprise that Maroon Weekly readers voted Wings N’ More the Best Wings in BCS.

Best Wings: Wings n’ more


Best Dining

Best after-hoursPLaCe to eat:rusty taCoThere’s a new taco in town, and it’s stumbling distance from Northgate. How could a place that’s only been open since August take the crown from the ever-popular Fuego? Consider the scenario. It’s 2am, and whatever bar you’re in has turned the lights on and is asking you to leave. You’re drunk and your stomach’s yelling at you for food. You venture over to Antonio’s and see a line already out the door. You’re too hungry to wait. You debate driving to Fuego before the idea of a DWI convinces you otherwise. So what do you do?

A block away is Rusty Taco. With a simple menu and cheap prices (its most expensive item is a $5 margarita), why not? Where else can you get chips and salsa, a taco, and a beer for $5 (although you won’t get a beer after 2, but still)?

With popular homemade tacos--fish tacos, roasted pork, brisket, chicken fajita, the signature Rusty taco featuring achiote pork, pineapple, cilantro, and onion--it’s hard to imagine this new taco joint not winning over a late-night stomach.

Best neW restaurant: Chuy’s

Bienvenidos a Aggieland! Within the past year, Aggieland has welcomed eight new restaurants. Azure Fusion Bistro and How Do You Roll? were both nominated for Best Sushi while Tony Roma’s, Good Time Charley’s, and Newks all received nominations for Best Steak, Burger, and Sandwich respectively. Rusty Taco, opened in August and was tapped as the Best Place to Eat After Hours, while BJ’s Brewhouse claimed several nominations, among them Best Burger, Pizza, Margarita and Steak. None, though, have been as successful as Chuy’s, winner of this year’s Best New Restaurant.

With additional nominations in the categories of Best Margarita, Best Mexican Food, Chuy’s has been generating buzz since before it opened its doors. It didn’t matter that the restaurant was being built in the parking lot of Post Oak Mall where the annual Carnival was held. What mattered was that Chuy’s famous creamy jalapeño ranch dip was coming to College Station. Yes, it’s a salad dressing, but if you ask for it with your chips, you’ll forget all about the queso and salsa.

Chuy’s menu was created specifically to offer a taste of home, featuring family recipes from South Texas, New Mexico and Mexican border towns. Menu favorites include Burritos As Big As Yo’ Face, Stuffed Chile Rellenos, and margaritas made with fresh-squeezed lime juice.

If you haven’t been to Chuy’s yet, make sure you make your first trip during happy hour. Every Monday through Friday from 4pm to 7pm, you can enjoy great drink specials and a Fully Loaded Nacho Car. It’s a nacho bar served out of the trunk of the car. Seriously. With taco meat, salsa, queso, and chips, it’s practically a meal itself. Don’t forget to ask for the creamy jalapeño ranch dip.


By Shauna LewisCommunityBombers Prepare to Host 5th Annual Ballpark Beerfest on March 31st

The fifth annual Ballpark Beerfest on March 31 will include more than 200 types of beer to sample, a fajita cook-off, a mechanical bull, sumo wrestling and dueling pianos.

The Brazos Valley Bombers’ event will be held at the Brazos Valley Bank Ballpark, 2200 Bomber Drive in Bryan, from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. It is sponsored by O’Bannon’s Taphouse, H&R Block and Western Beverages. General admission is free.

Richard Weber, director of hospitality for the Bombers, said the festival is a “family-friendly” event where people can try different types of beer they might have seen at the grocery store or bars before, but didn’t want to purchase it without knowing what it tasted like. An assortment of wines will also be available to taste.

“This is just a beer-tasting event that has something for all ages,” Weber said.Weber said the event has always included a kids zone, but the Adult Adrenaline Fun Zone was added this year to offer more activities for adults. It will include a mechanical bull, a 24-foot rock wall, inflatable boxing, jousting and sumo wrestling.

An Adrenaline Fun Zone for kids will feature Bomber inflatables such as a bounce house and an obstacle course.

Also, several Bryan-College Station restaurants will compete in a fajita cook-off for the “Judges’ Choice” and People’s Choice” awards, Weber said. Beer tasters will be able to sample types of beer including ales, lagers, pilsners, porters and wheats -- from more than 20 countries -- though Weber said most beers will come from local distributors such as Kristen Distributing, Ben. E. Keith and Jack Hilliard.

Live music will kick off with the Brian Evans Band from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., followed by Waylon Wolf from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., Parker Heights from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. and dueling pianos with John MacLean from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Festivities will conclude with karaoke from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Proceeds will go to toward community stadium improvements, Weber said. Organizers expect more than 5,000 people to attend.

VIP tickets -- which includes six four-ounce beer tastings, four food tastings, a wristband that allows unlimited use in the Adrenaline Fun Zone, a commemorative fifth anniversary glass mug, a T-shirt, admission to the event an hour early, a pass to the front of the line and admission to a VIP deck with specialty beers -- are available for $35. An early bird package -- including five 4-ounce beer tastings and a T-shirt -- is $10. Tickets can be purchased at ballparkbeerfest.com.

Weber said volunteers are welcomed; for more details on volunteering or on the festival, call Chris Clark at 779-7529. Visit the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pages/Ballpark-BEERFest/288209821212632.


1 Lorax It’s always fun to see Dr. Seuss’

designs, even in forgettable fluff like this. As messages go, I’m not sure when conservation became progressive brainwashing, but keep it coming. Some of us like the outdoors.

2 John Carter Anyone who thinks this is the

worst film in forever clearly hasn’t seen Immotals, Conan, The Eagle, and the rest of our chesty historical adventures. Good pecs and great pulp beget a fantastic escapist tribute.

3Project X 1/2

Like Chronicle, but instead of superpowers these three kids develop a rager that they can’t control. Like Cloverfield, only the found footage style is slightly less nauseating. Like Animal House, only not funny. .

4Silent House You can tell a horror movie’s

good when they release it in March. Elizabeth Olsen gets trapped inside a haunted lakehouse, stumbling into twist after twist that would have M. Night Shyamalan rolling his eyes.

5Act of Valor It’s not that Act of Valor is

propaganda so much as it’s bad propaganda. Take a note from WWII Hollywood: Pro-military rallies can be more than stick figures negotiating a minefield of war film clichés.

6A Thousand Words Calling both Norbit fans: Director

Brian Robbins is back with Eddie Murphy for another pile of, um, overbroad gags and tortured bathos.

This time, a mystical tree teaches Eddie the value of silence. If only.

7 Safe House 1/2

For a movie nobody but Tony Scott’s lawyer is going to remember by spring, Safe House is a bit of a bright spot. Denzel’s fun, South Africa’s pretty, and most importantly, cinema finally memorializes the vuvuzela.

8 The Vow The Supreme Court finally

busted Nicholas Sparks’ monopoly on attractive white people overcoming medical obstacles to be together in sappy schlock. I’m not crying because of the movie. I’m crying because Rachel McAdams deserves better.

9 This Means War I know plausibility isn’t high on

the list of priorities for contemporary action rom-com, but when Tom Hardy is one point of a love triangle, isn’t that your answer? What’s the dilemma?

10 Journey 2: The Mysterious Island 1/2

Peeta teams up with The Rock to find his grandpa’s—you guessed it!—mysterious island, which is only visible through 3-D glasses that jack up ticket prices. On the bright side,

T-1 month to The Hunger Games!

11Tyler Perry’s Good Deeds

I’m torn, because on the one hand, Tyler Perry is the only person making populist melodrama for a black audience, but on the other, Tyler Perry movies are awful. Where’s Spike Lee when you need him?

12 The Artisit This smarmy modern silent

is so lightweight you could forget you’ve seen it, but it wowed Cannes and is on course to win Best Picture. Then again, pretentious, fluffy, and wannabe inspirational practically scream Oscar.

13Friends with Kids 1/2

There’s something off-putting about taking the cast of Bridesmaids and slotting them into a classical rom-com scenario, but there’s a lot to love here in spite of the cliches. Besides, Bridesmaids doesn’t feature Adam Scott.

14Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance 1/2

I don’t know what everyone expected from the bizarre resurrection of an unpopular Marvel superhero flick directed by the team behind Crank, but this seems about right. If ever a film called for Nicolas Cage.

15 Wanderlust 1/2

Paul Rudd and Jennifer Aniston rule as urbanites trying out commune life in this sketch-style ensemble comedy. Not to spoil, but Rudd pulls off a mirror scene that makes Taxi Driver look like Taxi.

16 Chronicle The footage in Chronicle isn’t

so much found as it is currently being recorded, but semantics won’t save the worst fad since the popped collar. A grounded take on superpowers, however, might earn some leniency.

17Gone 1/2

Theoretically, I like Amanda Seyfried attempting to establish some action thriller bona fides. In execution, however, girl needs better scripts. Between this, The Vow, and Lacey Chabert’s career, it’s like Hollywood declared war on the Plastics.

18A Separation Unlike its deliciously meta

brethren Certified Copy and This is Not a Film, Oscar-winner A Separation is Iranian cinema at its most classical, a meaty, complex character drama that all starts with a separation.

19 The Descendants George Clooney’s adulterous

wife is in a coma, launching his sentimental coming-of-middle-age, wrapped up in unruly teens and a Hawaiian land deal. But Shailene Woodley steals the show as Daughter #1. Where’s her Oscar campaign?.

20 Hugo 1/2

An orphan living in a train station finds a magical mystery. Scorsese made a great 3-D kid’s story—emphasis on vocab, for instance—but it’s really a bait-and-switch involving classic cinema. Get ‘em hooked early!

Lorax

top20films

By Brandon NowalkMovies


For better or worse, John Carter is a pulp serial in the form of a feature, more akin

to Indiana Jones and Pirates of the Caribbean (or Flash Gordon and the Lone Ranger) than the chesty historical adventures of the past few years.

Taylor Kitsch may look like a classical era hero, what with his loincloth-and-strappy-leather ensemble, but he’s the very model of a modern reluctant warrior, having disengaged from the world after suffering Civil War losses revealed in some of John Carter’s most stunning passages. You can see where this hero’s journey is headed, but it’s worth remembering Edgar Rice Burroughs has a few decades on Joseph Campbell.

The genre trappings produce this long, serial, Victorian travelogue (down to its nagging interventionist message) from the Reconstruction West to a Martian desertscape enduring war among its three societies. Because

of the episodic structure, director Stanton sometimes has time for terrific sequences like Carter learning to walk and communicate in this strange land, but other segments are padded with lifeless royal melodrama, and at least one cut jumps over vital narrative information. But the basic conceit—out of one hole and into another—makes for a ripping yarn grounded by pulp roots and as much physical art design as possible. Airships skirmish and gladiators fight monsters and higher powers influence events. You’ll laugh, you’ll gasp, you’ll yawn.

And then, after the major action on Mars is resolved, comes a scene on Earth with wrenching insight. Kitsch struggles mightily against a dreary cave, and it feels like waking up from a dream of an extraordinary saga to face the stark banality of real life. It’s a transcendent moment because it acknowledges the transportive magic of escapist fiction, crystallizing the entire endless journey into a testament to pulp fiction, indeed, to cinema itself.

By Brandon NowalkMovies

ADVENTURE

Taylor Kitsch, Lynn CollinsPG13|