Austin360 blogs > Out & About > Archives > 2010 > February > 03
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Your A List: Best Jukebox
My personal test for Best Jukebox: It must include the movie theme from “Valley of the Dolls.” If a dive is wise enough to include that ode to dissolution on its play list, then I promise to recreate Neelie’s hysterical Shubert Alley scene, personally, histrionically, every time I visit.
Other imbibing establishments were not far behind: Deep Eddy Cabaret (15 percent); Casino El Camino (13 percent); Ginger Man (12 percent) and Side Bar (11 percent).
Then we move on to the real dives, not the pretend variety (I like ‘em both): G&S Lounge (9 percent); Poodle Dog (8 percent).
The final three gin joints are good, too: Club de Ville (5 percent); Barfly’s (4 percent) and Longbranch Inn (2 percent).
If I weren’t suffering from a horrible, mean, nasty cold right this very minute, I’d be out testing each spot for their “Valley of the Dolls” credentials. And I’d bring along my sister in crime, Stephen Macmillan Moser.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment Categories: Music
Your A List: Best Bakery
Some are traditional all-purpose bakeries, such as Upper Crust (which rose to 21 percent of the vote), Sweetish Hill (18 percent); Texas French Bread (8 percent); Quack’s (6 percent) and Russell’s Bakery (5 percent).
Others emphasize a particular baking tradition: La Mexicana (10 percent) and Phoenicia (3 percent).
Still others are newer, kicky creations that are as much about style and entertainment as baking. They include Hey Cupcake (13 percent); Tiff’s Treats (11 percent) and Lucy’s Cakes (4 percent).
I could eat my way through all three varieties.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment Categories: Food, Your A-List
Winston Bode 1925-2010
Winston Bode, Austin journalist, broadcaster and biographer, died of in a nursing home on Monday. He was 84.
Born on April 29, 1925 in Kerrville, Bode was best known for “Capital Eye,” an interview program featuring political reporters that aired on various local channels for 17 years from 1969 to 1986.
“In that day and time, it was significant,” said journalist Ernie Stromberger of Bode’s show, comparing it to “Meet the Press.”
Bode, who also appeared on radio and wrote newspaper stories, interviewed Nelson Rockefeller, Marilyn Monroe, Katherine Anne Porter and Elvis Presley during his long career after graduating from the University of Texas with a degree in English.
He also published a biography of legendary Texas folklorist and teacher J. Frank Dobie entitled “A Portrait of Pancho.” The two, who shared a background in Texas ranching culture, remained friends for years.
“He was a pioneer,” said public relations expert Eric Webber. “As a journalist, he had more of a literary style.”
“He was a guy who loved every kind of journalism,” said his son, Todd Bode. “His favorites were the personal-interest stories.”
Bode was married to Mary Jane Bode, a reporter who later served as state representative from Austin from 1977 to 1980. They had divorced in 1968; she died from cancer in 1998.
In later years, Bode put out a political newsletter, contributed freelance columns to various media - using his trusted manual typewriter - and delivered commentaries on News8Austin.
“Actually, he was a wonderful man with a lot of knowledge of people,” said Charmaine Bode, his daughter-in-law.
Besides Todd and Charmaine, Bode is survived by daughter Georgianne Bode Harms of Barrington, Ill., five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
A family memorial service is planned.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment Categories: Media
Your A List: Best Vietnamese Restaurant
There’s no such thing as a great American city without superior, preferably inexpensive Vietnamese food. There, I said it.
The race for the top Vietnamese spot on the A List readers poll this year pitted Kim Phung (just over 16 percent of the vote) against Pho Hoang (just under 16 percent).
Four others — Sunflower, Hai Ky, 888 and Tam Cafe and Deli — bunched together at 10 to 12 percent of the tally.
Mekong River and Pho Van tied exactly at just under 8 percent. Saigon Kitchen and Triumph Cafe rounded out the list at 5 percent.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment Categories: Food, Your A-List
Your A List: Best Newcomer to Austin’s Music Scene
Ooooo. I love this sort of A List contest category. Asking readers to name the Best Newcomer to Austin’s Music Scene means exposing me, along with everybody else, to some fresh talent. And more social options built around live music in the coming weeks.
Jazz sweetheart Kat Edmonson led the rest of the pack with 6 percent of the tally. The followers — Neon Indian, the Trishas, League of Extraordinary Gz, Downtown Rulers Club, LAX, TV Torso and Shurman — managed 3 percent or less.
Still, I’m up for sampling them all. Kat’s the only one I already listen to obsessively. In fact, she’s on the Bose right now.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment Categories: Music, Your A-List
