Home > The M.O. > Archives > 2009 > February
February 2009
It’s the weekend, time to get ‘Yakety’
In honor of what should be another wonderful weekend here in Austin, I thought I’d get you all started with a fabulous tune (that may very well drill its way into your head and make you curse me till Monday. And beyond.)
If this doesn’t make you wanna chase British women around a park bench (or a bottle of bourbon down Red River), I don’t know what will.
Yakety Sax - Yakety Sax
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I finally got inside Padma Lakshmi’s bedroom
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Another sign of economic woe
Newspapers are giving employees walking papers at an alarming rate. Banks are begging for money. Thousands of homeowners are underwater on their mortgages. And car companies are shutting down factories like their sports collectible stores.
But, you know the economy is in dire shape when the usually lucrative NBA is on the verge of lowering its salary cap for the second time ever, and players like Shaquille O’Neal and Richard Jefferson are being offered to other teams for free basically in order to clear salaries.
ESPN.com’s prolific Bill Simmons has a great column today about the No Benjamins Association and what the economy is doing to teams. Sure, nobody is going to sit around crying for millionaire athletes and billionaire owners, but it is still an interesting snapshot of the state of economic affairs.
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Your A-List: Best Locally-Owned Chain Restaurant
The Anchor of Barton Springs Road’s Restaurant Row, Chuy’s has become synonymous with Tex-Mex food in Austin, and with 26 percent of the vote, is the winner of the Your A-List poll for Best Locally-Owned Chain Restaurant.
With five area locations, the Elvis-centric palace of fajitas, burritos, enchiladas y mas began carving itself a niche in the heart of the Austin community in 1982, when owners Mike Young and John Zapp opened the original location.
Host to a seemingly endless string of families, daters, the young, old and anyone with a hankering for grilled meats and queso, Chuy’s has also done well to help feed folks during these lean economic times with a good happy hour deal of free chips, queso, salsa, beef and beans in the bar area from 4 to 7 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, with house margaritas going for $3.50.
Others receiving votes
- Maudie’s, 12 percent
- Rudy’s, 11 percent
- Thundercloud, 8 percent
- Chango’s, 7 percent
- The County Line, 6 percent
- Freebird’s, 6 percent
- Schlotzky’s, 6 percent
- Mangia, 3 percent
- Zen, 3 percent
- Pok-e-Jo’s, 3 percent
- Taco Cabana, 2 percent
- Brick Oven, 2 percent
- Taqueria Arandas, 2 percent
- Austin’s Pizza, 2 percent
- Pollo Regio, 2 percent
- Pizza Nizza, < 1 percent
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Your A-List: Best Place to Line Dance
There may be businesses that have been around Austin longer than this week’s winner for Best Place to Line Dance, The Broken Spoke, but you’d be hard pressed to find one more iconic.
Opened by James White on 1964, the Spoke is the epitome of a classic Texas dancehall and conveniently located just miles from downtonwn. Of course, when White first opened the doors, the South Lamar Boulevard location was considered to be the edge of town.
“Like the club, owner James White is a throwback to the days of honky tonk. The club gets a fresh-faced crowd of dancers every Thursday for Jesse Dayton,” says Statesman scribe Michael Corcoran.
The Broken Spoke [site]
3201 S. Lamar Blvd. [map]
Others receiving votes
- Gruene Hall, 16 percent
- Midnight Rodeo, 11 percent
- Graham Central Station, 11percent
- Coupland Inn and Dancehall, 9 percent
- Rainbow Cattle Co., 9 percent
- Dallas, 6 percent
- Swiss Alp Dance Hall, 1 percent
- Sefcik Hall, < 1 percent
- Silver Dollar Dance Hall, < 1 percent
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Get fat for free today at IHOP
Of course, we all realize that today is Fat Tuesday, also known as Shrove Tuesday. Did you know it was also National Pancake Day? From my Internet research, it seems that the unofficial pancake holiday was born out of English Christians need to use up all of their dairy products before Lent, at which point they would give them up in observation of religious custom. Well, what was once a pre-refrigeration religious ritual has now become a marketing gimmick, naturally.
To celebrate National Pancake Day (and maybe combat all of the free publicity Denny’s got following the Super Bowl), IHOP is giving away free pancakes today until 10 p.m. There’s not even much of a catch, really. All they ask is that you consider a donation to local children’s hospital through the Children’s Miracle Network in exchange for a free small stack of buttermilk pancakes. And, yes, each person only gets on stack, fatty.
I headed over to IHOP around 2 p.m. today in hopes of getting some footage of people queuing up for flapjacks, but, sadly, there were no massive lines. I would imagine there will be some around 5 p.m. Of course, you could just go drinking after work and then head over to IHOP at 9:30 p.m. to soak up the booze with buttermilk pancakes.
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Mardi Gras music on your computer: Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler
Want a taste of New Orleans and Mardi Gras but stuck at your computer on this beautiful day? Check out the play list below from Sarah Green Eyes on imeem.com. I woulda made my own playlist, but Sarah did such a good job, I figured why spend 30 minutes putting together a playlist when I can just link to her excellent one. Thank you, Intertron.
Mardi Gras in New Orleans
And, since there is sadly no Kermit Ruffins in the above playlist, here ya go …
Kermit Ruffins - The Big Butter and Egg Man
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Birth of the Cool and Blenko
From Blenko’s site:
Blenko Glass Company announced today that it is shutting down production and is discussing with its counsel whether it should consider filing for bankruptcy. The Blenko Visitor’s Center will continue to remain open. The Milton based manufacturer of hand made glass was sued by Big Two Mile, its former gas supplier, four years ago because of a disagreement about the payments due for gas used at the factory. A court found in favor of Big Two Mile and entered a judgment against Blenko for more than $500,000 in September of 2005. Several proposals for settlement of the case were made by Blenko; none of the proposals was accepted.
Over the past three years members of the Blenko Family were in contact with members of the Maier Family who are the owners of Big Two Mile. Blenko was led to understand that Big Two Mile would not take steps to shut down Blenko. Relying on those assurances Walter Blenko of Pittsburgh PA and Don Blenko of Wellesley MA invested more than 2 million dollars in Blenko in an effort to return the company to profitability. In recent months the company’s losses had been reduced and Blenko management was looking forward to seeing a positive cash flow in the company’s operations.
On January 15, 2009, Big Two Mile took steps to seize “all amounts, deposits, and moneys” in the Blenko Glass bank accounts including its payroll and withholding accounts. Blenko first learned of Big Two Mile’s action on January 23, when Blenko’s bank reported that the bank accounts had been emptied.
Blenko had issued a check on that day to pay for gas that it used in its glass making furnaces. When Blenko learned its funds had been seized it was able to recover the check which was already in the mail. Because of nonpayment Blenko’s gas supplier has refused to supply gas for the glass making process after January 31, 2009. Blenko has therefore shut down its furnaces and some of them will be destroyed due to the loss of heat.
Blenko employs approximately 50 employees. Walter Blenko, President of Blenko Glass, said “I want to thank and pay tribute to the many loyal employees of Blenko Glass who worked diligently and faithfully against bad economic conditions to keep the company operating and producing world renowned Blenko Glass up until the last day.”
So, my points are as follows:
1) If you love the modern architecture, design, music and style of California from the 50s that have so influenced our modern aesthetic, especially here in Austin, go to the Blanton to see the exhibit, which will be there until March 17.
2) While you’re there, you may want to consider buying some Blenko Glass, as there may not be any produced for quite some time, if ever again, and you can’t currently purchase it from Blenko’s online store.
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Prince throws it down Oscar-style
While I was busy throwing down a live chat here in Austin last night, my old friend (and former director in a high school musical production of “Godspell”) Whitney Pastorek was in Hollywood getting moved by The Purple One. She covered the awards show and the little Minnesotans after-party for Entertainment Weekly. I envy her, but not her feet. Below is a bit of her piece, the whole of which can be found here.
There are very few artists for whom your Aunt Whittlz will wait in a chilly parking lot for two hours, PopWatchers, but Prince is one of them. To borrow a phrase from the Airborne Toxic Event — one of the few acts the Purple One didn’t cover during tonight’s public house party — it was sometime around midnight when those of us assembled outside Hollywood club Avalon were let in from the cold, and my feet, tortured by high heels since sometime around noon, had lost their will to live. Though I’d later be given a handwritten list that included names like Eliza Dushku, Taye Diggs, Alicia Keys, and Queen Latifah, the only celeb in sight at this lonesome hour was Baron Davis, who plays basketball. And yet I waited, patiently, to be summoned inside. For he is Prince. And he operates on his own time, a time that my colleagues estimated at approximately two hours later than hip-hop time, which means approximately four hours later than the time you and I are expected to maintain. Which is fine. Because he is Prince, and I think he actually might be able to buy the Greenwich Mean if he wants.Follow me after the jump for the rundown on the funkiest Oscar party of the night, sponsored by LotusFlow3r.com, a new website named for one of the three albums Prince is expected to release this year. Along with his own time zone, Prince is also operating in his own music industry these days, and LotusFlow3r — note also the paisley-riffic spelling— will be your home for all things purple in the days to come.
It was 1:39 a.m. when the band at last took the stage, and teased with the opening chords of “Purple Rain” before transforming them into a funky jam anchored — as was much of the night — by the extraordinarily hardcore blues-harp blow of Frenchman Frederic Yonnet. At 1:44, the tiny guitar god emerged, clad in what looked to be fancy black pajamas with mirrored embellishments at the neckline and cuffs, twirling a bedazzled cane with panache before picking up his axe for a groove that wandered through Allen Toussaint’s “Yes We Can Can” and some very “Also Sprach Zarathustra” aaaahs before bizarrely landing in a square-on cover of “Let’s Go.” Which is a Cars song. Which was pretty much how the whole evening went.
“Turn the lights down, please,” Prince asked, after sending a shout-out to Penelope Cruz, Taraji Henson, and Esmeralda Spalding, all of whom were apparently watching from a balcony where your intrepid reporter was not allowed to go. Down on the ground, the vibe was less fancy Oscar soiree, more junior prom. “I’m just gonna let this breathe,” he continued. “Y’all all right? This is what we do at house parties. I’m the DJ tonight.” And DJ he did — except, you know, with his guitar — right into a mashup of “Crimson and Clover” and “Wild Thing,” which led to “7,” the opening voiceover of which sent scads of party-goers onto the half-full dance floor to tear things up. The bar had closed, but its tenders remained, silhouetted against the mirrors, nodding their heads coolly to the music. “I’m here, and you’re here,” Prince said. “That’s all we need to have a party, right?”
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Hey, Benjamin Button, Forrest Gump called. He wants his bit back.
Although it is up for quite a few Academy Awards this weekend, there seems to be quite a bit of backlash to the old-Hollywood whimsy and nostalgia of “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.” Beyond the cinematic gimmicks and self-indulgent length of the film, there are also the disturbing corralaries between “Button” and “Forrest Gump.” (A friend of mine, dismayed at my lack of “research,” wrote angrily, or is it high-and-mightily, to inform me that Eric Roth had been the screenwriter for both “Button” and “Gump,” a point my “sarcastic article” failed to mention. Although I feel like this fact makes it even more shocking and sad that the two movies had such similarities, my friend seemed to think it excused Roth or made me a lazy idiot. Or both. I agree with neither.)
Funny - Funny Videos
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You oughta be in (moving) pictures: Be a part of Austin360.com TV commercial
Good ways to get on television:
- Sit around a sandwich shop all day in hopes that an SUV will drive through the storefront window, leading to you being interviewed on local news.
- Stand in line at the post office on April 15, while TV news interviews all the procrastinating tax filers. (Also works for: traveling during the holidays, shopping on Black Friday, et al)
- Walk up and down Sixth Street during SXSW and try and insinuate yourself into one of John Norris’s live shots on MTV.
- This event is for 21 and older only.
- Everyone will be required to sign a release upon entry.
- Only the first 50 people will be allowed in, so arrive early!
- Whole Foods, 24 percent
- Central Market, 9 percent
- Jungle Juice, 9 percent
- Amy’s, 7 percent
- Maui Wowi, 3 percent
- Flipnotics, 3 percent
- Wheatsville, 3 percent
- MamboBerry, 2 percent
- Zoombaz, 2 percent
- Lake Austin, 13 percent
- Milk + Honey, 13 percent
- MAK (write-in), 6 percent
- Mecca, 6 percent
- Barton Creek, 4 percent
- Four Seasons, 4 percent
- The Crossings, 4 percent
- Salon 505, 3 percent
- Jackson Ruiz, 3 percent
- Ann Kelso, 1 percent
- Joie de Vie, < 1percent
- Dayhouse, < 1 percent
- Flipnotics, 27 percent
- The Velveeta Room, 14 percent
- Hill’s Cafe, 3 percent
- Artz Rib House, 3 percent
- Ruta Maya, 3 percent
- ColdTowne Theater, 3 percent
- Cactus Cafe, 2 percent
- Ego’s, 1 percent
- Trophy’s, 1 percent
- Cheatham Street Warehouse, < 1 percent
- Neo-Soul Lounge at Club Illusion, < 1 percent
- Sam’s Town Point, < 1 percent
- Trudy’s, 17 percent
- Shoal Creek Saloon, 8 percent
- Crown and Anchor, 6 percent
- Cedar Street Courtyard, 5 percent
- Lovejoy’s, 5 percent
- Opal Divine’s, 5 percent
- Star Bar, 2 percent
- Ego’s, 2 percent
- Ruta Maya, 2 percent
- Flamingo Cantina, 2 percent
- Jeffrey’s, 12 percent
- The Oasis, 8 percent
- Hudson’s on the Bend, 7 percent
- Vespaio, 6 percent
- Green Pastures, 5 percent
- Eddie V’s, 4 percent
- Vivo, 3 percent
- Wink, 3 percent
- Eastside Cafe, 3 percent
- Uchi, 3 percent
- Aquarelle, 3 percent
- Roaring Fork, 2 percent
- Andiamo, 2 percent
- Zoot, 2 percent
- Jezebel, 1 percent
- Asti, 1 percent
- La Traviata, 1 percent
- Fino, < 1 percent
- Casino El Camino, 18 percent
- Barfly’s, 10 percent
- Mean-Eyed Cat, 10 percent
- Ginger Man, 9 percent
- Longbranch Inn, 8 percent
- G&S Lounge, 7 percent
- Poodle Dog, 6 percent
- Club de Ville, 3 percent
- Side Bar, 3 percent
- Rio Rita, 3 percent
- Creekside Lounge, 2 percent
- Little Thailand, 2 percent
- Upper Crust, 22 percent
- Sweetish Hill, 14 percent
- Tiff’s Treats, 8 percent
- Texas French Bread, 6 percent
- Hey Cupcake!, 5 percent
- La Mexicana, 4 percent
- Lucy’s Cakes, 3 percent
- Quack’s, 2 percent
- Phoenicia, 1 percent
- Mi Victoria, 1 percent
- Hyde Park, 1 percent
- Mr. Natural, 1 percent
- ATX Vegan Bakery, < 1 percent
- Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
- Phish
- Nine Inch Nails
- David Byrne
- Wilco
- Al Green
- Snoop Dogg
- Elvis Costello Solo
- Erykah Badu
- The Mars Volta
- TV on the Radio
- Gov’t Mule
- Andrew Bird
- Band Of Horses
- MGMT
- The Decemberists
- Girl Talk
- Bon Iver
- Bela Fleck
- of Montreal
- Allen Toussaint
- David Grisman Quintet
- Animal Collective
- Neko Case
- Santogold
- Femi Kuti and the Positive Force
But if that all sounds like a lot of work, and kinda humiliating, we’ve got the perfect alternative. Bonus, it totally doesn’t suck like those other ideas.
Austin360 is shooting a commercial Wednesday, Feb. 25, and we want you to be a part of the action. The first 50 people 21 and older who show up at the Beauty Bar will be treated to a live performance from video game synth-poppers Built By Snow.
And, if you’re one of those sticks in the mud who can’t get loose on the dance floor without a little bit of liquid encouragement (like me), we’ve got you covered. Everyone who participates will get a free drink ticket to get your party started. Space is limited, so make sure you are one of the first 50 people to ensure that your sweet little mug eventually gets beamed across Central Texas.
You + Built By Snow = Austin360 TV Commercial
Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 5:30 p.m.
Beauty Bar
617 E. Seventh St.
Please note:
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My favorite song from a movie last year
With the Academy Awards fast approaching, and having seen TV on the Radio on Colbert last night, I thought I would take the opportunity to pass along my favorite song from any movie last year.
If you haven’t seen “Rachel Getting Married,” you may not be familiar with Tunde Adebimpe’s cover of Neil Young’s beautiful “Unknown Legend.” Adebimpe plays the bridegroom in the wonderful Joanthan Demme movie, which echoes shades of Robert Altman and the Dogma 95 films. In a movie filled with world music playing in both the foreground and underneath many of the scenes, Adebimpe’s tender, soulful version of the Young classic from “Harvest Moon” offers a touching and gentle respite from the cacophonous sounds and frenetic pace of the movie. He sings the song a capella as part of his marriage vows. It’s (almost) enough to soften even the toughest moviegoer. Of course, it works better in the context of the movie, but I wanted to pass it along.
Unknown Legend - Tunde Adebimpe
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Your A-List: Best Smoothie
(A note of full disclosure: I am good friends with Daily Juice co-owner Matt Shook.)
Few places in Austin feature the character(s) and passion for product as the Daily Juice, winner of this week’s Your A-List poll.
Former employees of what was once called the Juice Joint, Shook and his partner Keith Wahrer opened Daily Juice on Barton Springs Road almost six years ago, and have since taken their love of fruits, vegetables, natural foods and exotic elixirs to new locations: Lake Austin Boulevard and Duval Street in Hyde Park.
Daily Juice offers a wide variety of organic vegetable and fruit juices and smoothies. Customers can make their own or order from a broad array of juices and smoothies already devised by the juice masterminds. The store also carries delicious vegetarian and vegan food products, from the Vegan Snicker Doodle to an assortment of treats offered by Baraka Foods Co., a natural food company owned by Daily Juice co-owner Keith Wahrer. Additionally, the newest Juice location in Hyde Park offers a raw foods cafe.
I spoke with Shook earlier today about the Juice’s second win in a row. And he had the following to say: “We are an Austin original. We represent Austin: historic old building, fun staff, seriously good quality, and close to the soul of the city — Barton Springs.”
In addition to keeping Austin’s health-conscious residences packed full of vitamins and nutritional information, the Juice has also made its mark on the community — throwing epic impromptu parties such as the one following the Saturday of the Austin City Limits Festival last year and hosting cocktail nights at the Belmont last spring.
Daily Juice [New Web site]
625 Barton Springs Rd.
480-9501
4500 Duval St
380-9046
2307 Lake Austin Blvd.
628-0782
Others receiving votes
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Your A-List: Best Spa
There is something to be said for staying power, and that is exactly what AZIZ Salon and Day Spa has. The winner of this week’s Your A-List poll, with 42 percent of the vote, opened 36 years ago off West Lynn Avenue, making it one of the first full-service day spas in Central Texas.
AZIZ later moved over to West Seventh Street, and has since opened a South Austin location, where they continue to pride themselves on their commitment to excellence in customer service and the latest styling and treatment trends.
I must admit, I have never had the pleasure of visiting Aziz, so I had to let them “speak” for themselves here. From their site: “AZIZ Skin Wellness Center continues to be a leader through the adoption of innovative treatments and techniques including: Epilight hair removal, Medi Spa services such as medi-facials, as well as microdermabrasion, the exclusive HydraFacial and clinical consultations for pre and post-operative clients. AZIZ spa guarantees a clients relaxation offering a vast number of soothing treatments and massages.”
AZIZ Salon, Day Spa and Skin Wellness [site]
710 W 7th St.
476-4131
5400 Brodie Ln. in Sunset Valley
891-0420
Others receiving votes
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Crawfish season off to a crawl
Update: (My original post was intended to explain that my two favorite crawfish options in town don’t have them yet, but that doesn’t mean the city is entirely crawfish-free. The Boiling Pot on East Sixth Street has them for $9.95/lb. and Evangeline Cafe in South Austin is actually having a crawfish boil this Saturday, starting at 3:30 p.m., with the mudbugs going for $6.99/lb.)
Usually, by this time of the year, people are flocking to suck the heads off crawfish, nosh on buttery corn and savor new potatoes stacked in a messy array on butcher paper. Sadly, 2009 has not been the Year of the Crawfish.
I had heard the season was slow but I didn’t realize just how slow it was until I called the good folks over at two of my favorite places, Sambets Cajun Cafe (which you must visit, if you haven’t already) and Quality Seafood, who informed me that this is one of the slowest crawfish seasons in years. The shortage of the little mudbugs means that there are none to be had at this time.
The men at both places informed me that they hoped to have them next week, but it seems like the first week of March may be a safer bet.
Why the slow season? It seems Mother Nature is to blame.
According to the Shreveport Times:
Hurricane debris such as leaves and grass remained in some flooded ponds for weeks following Hurricane Gustav, sucking up the oxygen in the water and choking crawfish, said Mark Shirley with the LSU AgCenter.In southwestern Louisiana, crawfish farmers were hit by a drought, Shirley said. Crawfish burrow into the soil to hibernate. A lack of rain causes the soil to dry up and the crawfish die.
In Vermilion and lower Iberia parishes, Ike’s storm surge sent salt water into as much as 4,000 acres of crawfish ponds. They’re recovering slowly, Shirley said. Some may have reduced production later this year, but some will not produce enough to sell.
The good news is that by March or April the young crawfish that are present in ponds today but are too small to catch should be large enough for harvesting, he said.
So, fear not. While we may be off to a slow start and you won’t be elbow deep in butter, seasonings and crawfish juice any time too soon, it looks like the prospects for a good spring are still intact.
In the words of David Cook owner of the Crawfish Palace in Haughton, LA, “Nature beats us up early in the beginning, but it pays off in the end.”
Laizzes les crawfish roulez. (Eventually.)
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The Kitchen Door has moved (kind of)
I went to pick up a chicken salad sandwich last week from The Kitchen Door on Lake Austin Boulevard, home of some of the best sandwiches in town, only to see a vinyl banner hanging in front of the store thanking their Lake Austin customers for their business over the years and asking folks to visit them at their new location downtown.
Determined to get my hands on some of their freshly baked bread and a soda with their country club ice (you know, the little granule style ice), I decided to go down to the new location at 221 W. Sixth St. (Chase Building). But after finding metered parking and making my way to the old Apple Annies location, I discovered the door locked and the cafe empty.
Apparently The Kitchen Door, which had planned to open the new location last week, had not received all of its city permits, and had to delay the opening. After speaking to Erica this morning at the Far West location, I learned that they hoped to open this Thursday. So, if you want a sandwich from the Kitchen Door, don’t go to Lake Austin Boulevard and don’t believe the sign directing you to the new location.
With that said, the new location (once open) will operate from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays. They will serve their wonderful cinnamon rolls, kolaches, etc. in the morning and their award-winning sandwiches in the afternoon. While it will be nice to have a new place to hit up for a midday sandwich downtown, I will miss the convenience (ample parking) of the Lake Austin location. I can only assume the owners felt they could do a more brisk business in the new location, despite limited hours. A boon for downtown workers comes at the expense of those of us who liked shooting across MoPac for a hassle-free sandwich. So it goes.
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Shane Battier: Moneyballer; Ted Williams and John Updike: Two legends of the game
With the NBA All-Star game this past weekend, The New York Times Magazine took time out to honor a player who will likely never make an All-Star appearance or lead SportsCenter’s highlight package on any given night.
Long known as a cerebral player with an amazingly high basketball IQ, a player who sacrifices his own stats for the sake of the team, Houston Rocket Shane Battier has come to embody a different breed of basketball player, an underrated glue guy who makes his team better every time he steps on the court — one more concerned about weak-side defensive help than slam dunks and shoe contracts.
The article was written by Michael Lewis, who penned the excellent book ‘Moneyball,’ about the rise of the Oakland Athletics through the use of sabermetrics.
The article also examines the rise of Rockets GM Daryl Morey, an M.I.T. graduate who has helped redefine NBA personnel’s views of what makes a valued player. It is a fascinating read for anyone interested in basketball, mathematics, strategy, collective psychology or wants to disabuse themselves of the notion that all athletes are overpaid glory-hogs.
On another sports note, I am ashamed to say that it took me 33 years to read this article, but perusing a piece about the late great John Updike over the weekend, I came across this breathtaking piece on Ted Williams final game. Updike, one of the greatest writers in 20th-century America, may not have been a huge fan of sports, but he had a deeply personal relationship with the Boston Red Sox and Williams in particular that led to one of the finest pieces of sports writing you will ever read.
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Andrew Bird enchants crowd at The Paramount
Multi-instrumentalist and whistler Andrew Bird took to the stage at the Paramount Theater last night backed only by a romantic, art-deco set of oversized gramophones. For those worried that the Chicago native would not be able to fill the massive space all by his lonesome, Bird quickly quieted their fears by starting his set with a couple of beautiful and haunting songs enhanced by his intricate looping and splendid bow play. The opening tune evoked feelings of a classical Russian piece, after which he picked up the pace with a darkly romantic jaunt that had wisps of the Emerald Isle.
Before one could wonder if they were going to actually hear Bird’s voice during the show, the musician stepped to the mic to thank the audience for letting him indulge himself in the enchanting acoustics of the Paramount, which he compared favorably to Carnegie Hall — no small praise. Given the sighs and moans of the women behind me, Bird had nothing for which to apologize. From the first notes, he had the sold-out crowd eating from his hand. Contrary to the concerns expressed to me by some before the show, Bird’s playing didn’t lull them to sleep, but rather entranced them into an ethereal state, making the audience as vulnerable as the music he would play.
Bird’s 90-minute set (and 20-minute encore), that included works from several of his albums (“Weather Systems,” “The Swimming Hour,” “Mysterious Production of Eggs,” “Armchair Apocrypha” and his latest “Noble Beast”) along with gospel cover “In My Time of Dying” and two Handsome Family songs, featured him re-working these songs, challenging the audience’s previous understandings of their pacing and structure. Each time I see Bird in concert, I see him anew. I’ve seen him play with only a drummer, with a full backing band and now solo. Each time his music took on a different feel, and none disappointed. Thursday night he was like a kid in a musical toy store, but a kid with the heart and soul of an earnest poet.
For someone who plays such delicate music and relies so heavily on the precocity of his whistling and endless looping, you may get the feeling that Bird is a bit of a self-indulgent music geek who may have the tendency to put you to sleep after awhile, but as he crooned, at times in half-spoken-word with smoky voice, and interspersed his virtuosic playing with self-effacing humor and charm to spare, it became clear that Bird has redefined what it means to be a sexy nerd. Just ask the hundreds (of men and women) who were left swooning outside of the Paramount following the show.
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Joaquin Phoenix: Andy Kaufman or River Phoenix?
Joaquin Phoenix is either a genius self-promoter, slowly ginning up interest in his forthcoming rap career, or someone needs to tell the dude to check himself. (Or maybe he just hates Hollywood, so he is going to enter the low-profile music business.)
As mentioned awhile back, the star of “Walk the Line” is planning to leave acting and commit fully to his career as a hip-hop artist. Just as soon as he gets done “promoting” what is ostensibly his final film, “Two Lovers.”
Phoenix was on with David Letterman last night, and looked to be a mixture of nonplussed, angry, spiteful and mildly bemused. And possibly a bit drugged. I understand that the dog-and-pony show of going on TV to answer questions may be a bit exhausting and somewhat trite, but that’s the business you’re in, Joaquin, so either bite the bullet and figure out a more charming way to take the pi**, or go find another line of work.
Of course, Letterman could have been slightly more accommodating (although he did profusely compliment Phoenix’s acting talents), but, after all, he does have an entertainment show to put on the air, and he could probably use a little more help from his guest. At one point, the crowd laughs at Phoenix’s mention of his rap career, which prompts the actor-cum-musician to query Letterman, “What you gas ‘em up on?” That’s rich. Phoenix is like the qualude to Tracy Morgan’s Hennessy.
Below are the “highlights” from the CBS site. Zach Galifianakis would be proud.
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Your A-List: Best Open Mic Night
Sure, you can go to a coffee shop to hear some open mic performances, but if you want a real taste of what Austin is all about (or used to be about, or what Spicewood is all about, really) then you want to head to a honky tonk, like Your A-List winner Poodie’s Hilltop Cafe (40 percent).
Located on Highway 71, west of town, Poodie’s is a classic Texas bar, gravel driveway, no frills exterior and interior, and offers open mic nights each Wednesday. Considering it is classically Austin, I thought I would leave it to another Austin classic, Statesman music writer Michael Corcoran, to give us a few words on the joint:
“Poodie’s is a hangout for the Willie Nelson crowd in Spicewood, just down the road from Willie’s Pedernales Recording studio. Owned by Poodie Locke, who’s been Willie’s stage manager for more than 30 years. Such acts as Dave Mason, Big & Rich and Garth Hudson of the Band — not to mention Willie himself — have popped in. Also, great cheeseburgers.”
Poodie’s Hilltop Bar & Grill [site]
22308 State Highway 71 W
512.264.0318
Others receiving votes
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Your A-List: Best Place You Can Still Smoke
The smoking ban means fewer cloudy bars that leave you smelling like an ashtray in the morning, but smokers have not been completely run out of the city. There are still a number of bars with patios that allow you to light up, and even a few places where you can still getaway with an indoor cig.
The winner of the Your A-List poll for best place where you can still indulge your nicotine addiction is G&S Lounge. One of South Austin’s best dive bars took home 47 percent of the vote and offers a back patio for the nicotine-inclined. Even though it backs up to a parking lot and offers no views, the back area is still popular at the bar that feels kinda like a clubhouse for drinkers, replete with video games, air hockey and one of the finest beer selections in town, not to mention refrigerators packed with cold mugs.
G&S Lounge
2420 S. 1st
Others receiving votes
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Your A-List: Best Place for a Romantic Dinner
When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, you may be at Carmelo’s. The Austin Italian eatery has a “Godfather”-like grasp on this category, taking home its second win in as many years.
Carmelo’s stepped up its margin of victory from last year, taking 33 percent of the votes this year. The intimate Italian restaurant, located in an old warehouse building downtown, puts would-be romantics in the mood with soft lighting, stone walls and live music that permeates the restaurant. And, of course, delicious classic Italian fare.
Carmelo’s Ristorante [site]
504 E. 5th St.
477.7497
Others receiving votes
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Get ‘Checked Out’ at Whole Foods today
“Hey there, lonely girl, lonely girl …”
Let’s face it, you may go to Whole Foods for the organic produce and to “keep it local,” but if you don’t admit to doing a little window shopping for a date, you’re not being totally honest. It may not be a meet market, but you’ve probably eyed someone before and wish you could come up with an acceptable pick-up line. I mean, maybe you didn’t leave a missed connection on Craigslist or anything (and, seriously, aren’t those always for the WF employees, anyhow?), but you’ve looked. And maybe felt a little creepy.
Whole Foods feels your pain and wants to assuage your guilt by actually inviting you to come in and peruse other shoppers while you shop and graze.
In honor of Valentine’s Day (week), Whole Foods is hosting its “Check Out” Singles Event tonight from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m..
From Whole Foods’ site:
“If you want a ‘healthy relationship,’ where better to look than Whole Foods Market? Stroll the aisles and taste decadent chocolates and champagne, flirt over fondue, sample perfect recipes for romantic dinners for two, and mingle on the patio with your new friends. You might just find a date for Valentine’s Day!”
Although I am sure there will be chocolate and champagne lovers in attendance who are actually in a relationship, it couldn’t hurt to give it a shot, single folks. And nothing soothes rejection better than some free food and booze. For those simply looking for organic produce and not awkward flirtation, you may want to steer clear of the giveaways.
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If rappers were characters from ‘The Wire’
Apparently I am not the only person who misses “The Wire.” Misses it badly. The folks over at smokingsection.com put together an awesome side-by-side list of rappers and the corresponding characters they could portray on “The Wire.” Below are the comparisons and pics of some of the characters/rappers. My co-worker, Flintstone Chad Swiatecki, and I (with an assist from Statesman music critic Joe Gross) added some of our own annotations in bold. (For the full list from smokingsection, click here.) Disclaimer: If you have not made it through season four, you may not want to check out this list. (Update: I was just sent this other piece of “Wire”-obsessiveness. What if “The Wire” characters were all on a football team together? Brilliant.)
Nas as Avon Barksdale — Okay, so maybe Nas isn’t really a hustler or a gangster. But he is an older figure who has seen more dominant days, finding his way in an environment that may/may not be suited to his tastes any longer. Oh, and he evolved as the opposite of…
A decent comparison, but we’ve got to go with Puffy here. Both are puppet-masters and kingpins. Of course, Puffy isn’t a gangster, but he is definitely a hustler, but not on the level of a kingpin like Stringer Bell/Jay-Z.
Jay-Z as Stringer Bell — The intelligent hustler. Does/did anyone so knee deep in their respective field have a more savvy business sense than these two?
Spot on. Stringer is the coolest cat in the game, ditto Jay-Z.
Andre 3000 as Lester Freamon — These wise vets are intensely cerebral while having a creative outlet that helps them make money while expressing themselves. Both have also expressed discontent or disinterest with the state of their environments.
Andre 3000 may be a little too whimsical for the cerebral Lester Freamon. In this instance, we opt for Q-Tip of Tribe Called Quest. Composed and old-school.
Shyne as Wee-Bey — Down to take a charge for their crews, maybe a little thick-skulled at times, but they know how to keep it real emotionally when the time presents itself. Plus, they’re both still in prison.
Perfect.
Lil’ Wayne as Bodie — Both progressed from bouts of juvenile delinquancy to mature into effective salesmen. Bodie met a tragic ending after some rash decisions, perhaps the same fate awaits Wayne after his foray into rock?
Not a bad choice, but we opted for Sonsee, the least known of the three rappers from Onyx. He seemed hardcore, but made bad choices and never was good enough to go solo.
The Game as Senator Clay Davis — One second he’s your friend, the next he’s your enemy. They may be sly and even slimy with their beef preparation, but they know how to cook that sh** up so it tastes good pause.
What about Russell Simmons here? Respected by many but loathed by some he double-crossed, see: Beastie Boys and Public Enemy. Plus it would be cool to see Simmons and his lisp pull off Davis’s trademark “Sheeeeeit.”
LL Cool J as Cutty — Old veterans who used to be known for their hard-nosed antics, but have now evolved into harmless old men who come across as a little too (radio) friendly.
They also both have an affinity for boxing and are ladies’ men. Perfect.
Rick Ross as Bunk — Kinda chubby? Check. Present or past involvement in law enforcement? That’s a yes.
Gotta go with Dr. Dre here. He may have not been involved in law enforcement, but he has antagonized them and is kinda avuncular like Bunk, but not the kind of uncle you would want to cross.
Da Brat as Snoop — “How my hair look? You look good, girl.”
Da Brat was kinda hard back in the day, but she seems to be sweet at her core. There is nothing sweet about Snoop. Nothing. She may be the hardest woman on the planet. So it is hard to find a better comparison, although my friend Lauren, with a stroke of genius, suggested Born Gangstaz.
50 Cent as Marlo Stanfield — Masters in exaggerated acts of self-promotion for the sake of their own names, these dudes are cold hearted, and not afraid to stoop to any level in their pursuit of power, typically at the embarrassment of their opponents.
Couldn’t be more perfect.
Killer Mike as Omar — Both are killers, have high levels of respect in the trenches, and have a pronounced sense of street justice that is difficult to argue against.
Gotta go with Tupac here for the same reasons. And neither one of them scares.
Now for the rapid-fire edition, courtesy of Swiatecki: Everlast as Herc, DMX as Chris Partlow, Lyor Cohen as Carcetti and Mike D as Pryzbylewski
There are about 10 other comparisons on smokingsection.com, so check ‘em out and debate with yourself and your friends all afternoon.
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What’s the deal with … Seinfeld?
For those of you who were bummed that you missed a chance to buy some tickets for Jerry Seinfeld’s show at the Bass Concert Hall on April 3, you can rest easy. The master of observational comedy has added a second show that Friday night, due to popular demand. Tickets for the 9:30 p.m. show at the newly renovated Bass Concert Hall go on sale Monday morning (Feb. 16) at 10 a.m. Tickets will be available at utpac.org, the Bass Concert Hall ticket office, 800-982-2386, and all Texas Box Office outlets, including most H-E-B stores.
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Radiohead will melt your face
The band’s performance of “15 Step” from “In Rainbows” last night was the highlight of the show (which I can say with extreme confidence, even though I only saw two or three others). For those who didn’t see it, Thom Yorke and Johnny Greenwood were backed by the sonic rhythmic accompaniment from the USC marching band, a la Fleetwood Mac. I also really enjoyed the fact that Gwyneth Paltrow, married to Chris Martin of the über-tepid Coldplay, was the one who introduced Radiohead, fawning over them like a high school girl. If Chris Martin is still insecure about the fact that his wife once dated Brad Pitt, I am sure he was writhing backstage as Gwyny introduced the “utterly brilliant Radiohead,” which is one of the “most influential, adventurous and thoroughly artistic musical groups of all time,” (even if Yorke’s new haircut looks like a hybrid of one of those twirly pencil trolls and Clay Aiken’s do).
All of that being said, the actual point of this post is to tip you off (if you haven’t seen/hear it already) to a complete live performance of the band from last summer’s tour, made available from NPR’s All Songs Considered. Listen to it here. Perfect for a rainy Monday.
And, for those who didn’t see it, here is video from last night. (And, yes, the audio was better on the broadcast.)
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Val Kilmer for governor? Sounds dangerous. Dangerously awesome.
If you weren’t one of the lucky few to see the underappreciated “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang,” you may have wondered what happened to Val Kilmer.
Well, not quite sure how I missed this LA Times story yesterday, but apparently Kilmer is considering a run for governor of New Mexico. The ‘Batman Forever’ and ‘Top Secret’ star is a California native but has lived in the “Land of Enchantment” for the past 20 years. I guess if Clint Eastwood, Ronald Reagan, Sonny Bono, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Al Franken, Fred Thompson, et al can do it …
“I’m just looking for ways to be contributive,” Kilmer told The Associated Press on Thursday. “And if that ends up being where I can make a substantial contribution, then I’ll run.”
If he is serious, he better stop paying his taxes soon. Or however that goes.
I think the whole thing will be totally worth it, if during a debate he pops some chewing gum and stares down Lt. Gov. Diane Denish (who is running) and says: “You’re everyone’s problem. That’s because every time you go up in the air you’re unsafe. I don’t like you because you’re dangerous.”
And then, when she wins and asks him to be his second-in-command, they argue over who can be the other’s wingman.
Let’s be perfectly clear, however: I would totally vote for the guy. No offense, Lt. Gov. Denish. I’m sure you’re a lovely person.
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Ron White makes surprise appearance at the Velveeta Room
We have come to yet another first on this here semi-regularly updated blog. Actually, maybe it’s the first “first.” OK, enough caveating. (That’s a word now.) The Statesman’s Brian Gaar was out last night and happened to see Blue Collar comedian Ron White, who is in town for a weekend of shows at the Paramount, make a surprise appearance at the Velveeta Room. So, I am allowing him this space to write up his thoughts on said experience. As a side note to this side note, think what you want of Mr. White’s brand of comedy, but I have heard from an Austin-based comedian who has performed with and written jokes for White, and by all accounts he is an incredibly generous and stand-up dude, so do with that information what you will. OK, on to the guest blogger, assistant state editor Brian Gaar:
Comedy open mic nights are hit-and-miss affairs. Anyone can sign up and get on stage and anyone usually does.
Last night at the Velveeta Room on Sixth Street was shaping up to be a miss. Lots of music acts (even an accordion). Veteran comics weren’t having much luck, either. Jokes were offered and lethargic crowd members responded with their best impressions of library patrons.
Then Ron White showed up. The Texas native and national headliner is appearing at the Paramount this weekend, but his arrival at the much-smaller club was unexpected, to say the least. White performs before thousands; Velveeta sits maybe 50.
He sat in the back, taking it in.
Everyone noticed. People gave him space, but crowded tight in anticipation. A friend of White’s whispered to Lynette LaMonica, the MC. She nodded.
“We have a very, very special guest tonight… Ron White!”
The crowd suddenly popped like they’d all gotten Wiis for Christmas.
White took the stage. He started with a joke about his newfound love of bidets. Unprintable punchline.
With a drink in hand, he discussed his third marriage — pointing out that he’s been faithful to his current wife.
“I haven’t always had that policy.” Grin. Drink.
Another joke about about his favorite couch stain-protecting product: Scotchgard.
“Do you have vodka guard, too?” Laughs.
In all, he performed for about 15-20 minutes for a few dozen people, who knew they were getting a treat.
White finished up and returned to his seat at the back of the club.
The veterans followed with their A-games. Local headliner Seth Cockfield was next. He was a hit. So was Chuck Watkins.
Open mic nights are hit and miss affairs. Not last night.
As Cockfield put it: You’ll never go to a music club to see a local band, and then hear: “And now up next, Metallica!”
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Volunteer to protect the environment
Wanna do more than just recycle your bottles and cans in your effort to protect our environment? Head over to Patagonia in downtown Austin Saturday (316 Congress Ave.), where three local environmental groups, in conjunction with the outdoor store, will be hosting a mass community volunteer day. According to information I received, “activities will include include beautifying Wilkerson park, helping raise awareness for a clean energy bill, helping to plant sustainable organic gardens for Austin’s underprivileged residents and more.”
The participating groups include Green Corn Project, Environment Texas and the Colorado River Foundation.
More details from the release:
Environment Texas is organizing a petition drive that calls on Congress to re-power America with 100% clean, renewable electricity and to cut oil use in half. Volunteers are asked to meet at Environment Texas offices at 11 am on Saturday, Feb. 7 and are advised to wear comfortable shoes. More info at www.environmenttexas.org.The Colorado River Foundation is also looking for volunteers from 9-noon on Saturday, Feb. 7, to help it beautify Wilkerson Park. Meet at the foundation center, take a short tour, then move on to help tame native plants, tidy up xeriscape flowerbeds, and polish water features. http://www.coloradoriver.org.
The Green Corn Project needs your help preparing spring garden beds and repairing fences. GCP serves people with limited access to nutritious, affordable food by partnering with them to build their own gardens at homes, schools, and community centers.
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Your A-List: Best Jukebox
It was a case of the old dog on the block beating the slightly-less-old dog in the vote for best jukebox, with Deep Eddy Cabaret (20 percent), edging out Casino El Camino (18 percent).
If you like your beer cold, cheap and served in about as unpretentious environment as you can find this close to downtown, then chances are you’ve probably been to the bar that shares its name with the adjacent swimming hole.
You’d be hard pressed to find a more laid-back crowd, full of old locals and youngsters with a taste for the old school. And, if you’re in Deep Eddy, you’re likely enjoying some of the classics while you sip on your beer with the friendly bar staff and colorful locals. Nothing goes with a cold Lone Star like some musical accompaniment from the Red Headed Stranger or old Blue Eyes, and rare is the time you can get out of the place without hearing at least one of their tunes. And what other bar in town can you find where you might end up giving Jerry Jeff Walker a piggy-back ride in the parking lot a la my friend Anthony Lostracco?
Deep Eddy Cabaret
2315 Lake Austin Blvd.
Others receiving votes
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Your A-List: Best Bakery
If you have a taste for carbs and sugars, you may want to wear a bib into Russell’s Bakery, with 30 percent of the vote, winner of this week’s poll, because they place is a veritable temple to the pleasures of empty calories.
One look at the display case filled with muffins, hand-decorated cookies, cake (chocolate espresso, anyone?), danishes and brownies (try the Oreo brownie), will send your head spinning and heart racing.
Beyond the baked sugary goodness, the somewhat non-descript but pleasant shop near the intersection of Balcones Drive and Hancock Road also sells delicious, fresh sandwiches and homemade soups. I tried half a chicken salad sandwich with a cup of tomato bisque today (along with said Oreo brownie), and will definitely make a return trip to the bakery that started in the Bartyon Skyway neighborhood over a dozen years ago.
Russell’s Bakery
3339 Hancock Dr. [map]
Hours
Monday-Thursday: 6:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Friday: 6:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday: 7 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Sunday: 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Others receiving votes
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AP says Shepard Fairey has some explaining/paying to do
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Bonnaroo: The 1927 New York Yankees of music fests
ACL Fest, you have been put on notice. The Bonnaroo Music Festival set for June 11-14 in Manchester, Tennessee announced its lineup today, and it is a Murderers’ Row of amazing acts.
At my advanced age, I’m not too down with the festival scene, — in fact, the last non-Austin festival I went to was the original Bonnaroo Festival in 2002 — but this lineup is really amazing, and were I a little more ambitious, I would give serious thought to considering attending again this year. Alas, with the traffic, people, bad sight lines, heat, short sets and general exhausting nature of the scene, I will probably just stay home and listen to my iPod at Barton Springs Pool. A few names that piqued my interest:
Austin acts announced: Okkervil River and Alejandro Escovedo
Ticket information here.
The full slate of artists will be announced at a later date.
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Where to eat on Valentine’s Day
With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, if you don’t have reservations for dinner, you better get busy, as most of the city’s best restaurants are full or filling up quickly.
Of course, you can pull the ol’ “it’s a corporate-based, greeting card holiday, and I show my lady/man I love her/him every day.” Despite the validity of said claim, it’s probably not the best tack.
You could also prepare a romantic dinner at home or head out to a bed & breakfast in the Hill Country for the weekend. Or just rent a movie. But you can do that any weekend. Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to blow a couple hundred bucks on a great meal, and don’t we all deserve a little indulgence this time of year? Besides, if you take her/him to a really nice restaurant, you don’t really have to get a gift. Just blame the recession. You have my approval.
Below are 11 of my favorite restaurants in the Austin area. Many are booked, but there are still some tables available. I included the ones that are at capacity to save you the call. You can send me thank-you chocolates at a later date.
Aquarelle (606 Rio Grande St., 479.8117): Austin’s best French restaurant is booked for Valentine’s but will be open on February 15.
East Side Cafe (2113 Manor Rd., 476.5858): Fresh and simple flavor components with a wonderful waitstaff await you … if you want to eat early (5:30 p.m. and earlier) or late (8:45 p.m. and later).
Eddie V’s (301 East 5th St., 472.1860): Surf and turf will be hard to come by here on Valentine’s Day, unless you want to eat at 4:45 p.m. or 10:45 p.m.. They will be open on the 13th and 15th, however. As an added bonus, appetizers are half-price Sunday and Monday starting at 4:30 p.m..
Hudson’s on the Bend (3509 Ranch Road 620 N., 512.266.1369): If you have a hankering for espresso-rubbed elk backstrap or the best beef tenderloin in Central Texas, surprsingly, you are in luck. Hudson’s has slots open at 5:30 p.m., 9 p.m. and 10 p.m.. Eat your crème brûlée on the patio after you stuff yourself silly.
Jezebel (914 Congress Ave # 100, 499.3999): Unfortunately, my favorite restaurant is booked solid. There a few times available on Friday the 13th, however, if you want to dine on Chef/Owner Parind Vora’s sublime creations.
La Traviata (314 Congress Ave., 479.8131): This quaint and authentic Italian joint on Congress Ave. is not as ostenatious as its peers, and it never fails to impress. You are in luck, if for only a hot minute, as they have tables available at 10 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. They will be offering a prix fixe menu with eight options per course for $48.
Musashino Sushi (3407 Greystone Dr., 795.8593): Here’s an interesting take on the Valentine’s Day madness. My favorite sushi restaurant is not taking reservations, but they are taking “call-aheads.” This apparently means you will be able to get a table, but you will have a wait to deal with once you arrive. Sounds kinda fishy (intended), but well worth it.
Roaring Fork (701 Congress Ave., 583.0000): Centrally located with good American flavors, they have just a few openings left, at 5 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
Ruth’s Chris (107 W 6th St., 477.7884): My favorite steakhouse in town is booked on Valentine’s Day. That leaves Friday the 13th at 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. or later.
Uchi (801 S. Lamar Blvd., 916.4808): They take limited reservations as is, and it appears from online sources that getting a table there on V-Day is an impossibility.
Wink (1014 N. Lamar Blvd. # E, 482.8868): One of my three favorite spots in town, Wink is booked. They will be extending hours and open for business on Sunday for the belated romantic dinner, however.
For a list of more Valentine’s Day options, check out Statesman food critic Mike Sutter’s excellent Fork Lore blog.
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