By Betsy Ellison

Week after week I sit in front of my computer, usually with a headache from the night before, and write up this column. I have noticed that rather than being just a bar review it has evolved into something more—a sort of “Drunken Adventures of Betsy” theme mixed in with a review type style feeling. (My parents are just beaming with pride.)

As I pondered the decision of which embarrassing story to share this week, I found myself noticing that I have written something on just about every bar I can usually be found in. I was running out of material…fast, and there was only one solution to this problem. I grabbed my wallet, called my friends and headed out the door for a night of “research.”

In true fashion, we decided to go to a place that is chill enough to sit around and talk without yelling over a crowd of drunk strangers, but also party (yes, “party” is an adjective in my household) enough to keep us interested—that place was none other than the locally famous East Gate wonder, Alfred T. Hornback’s.

I can’t say I have never been to this place before, but it had been a year or so and things were forgotten along the way. Like how you can shoot pool, throw darts, play shuffle board and listen to tipsy soloists sing karaoke all in one setting; needless to say, there is never a dull moment in this place.

They have great drink specials nightly and keep them entertaining with a different theme for each. From karaoke and “Hornback’s Power Hour” on Tuesday nights—every hour the $2.00 shot special changes—to “Hornback’s Humpdays” on Wednesday, offering up $0.96 wells and live music.

Owned by the Dixie Chicken Inc., Hornback’s is known just as well for its array of diversity within; a usual mix of College Station locals and current Aggies can be found playing on one of the many pool tables or picking out hits on the jukebox. (I’ve chosen some winners before, always a good feeling when your music choice pleases the entire bar.)

Enjoy a Saturday afternoon at Hornback’s watching Aggie football on one of the wall mounted TVs and order yourself a beer and a burger—yes, they serve food too. Happy Hour is everyday of the week from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. with $1.75 wells and $2.00 domestic longnecks.

For those who feel the need to venture away from the Northgate scene every now and then, Hornback’s is a great place for this. Try something new every now and then, shake up the normal and remember that a night out can only be as much fun as you make it—so make it fun at Hornback’s this weekend.

The fall semester has flown by just like the rest of them (or maybe faster than the rest, considering I was “researching” this column at Northgate for the most of it); only this time I have to factor in that after December comes and goes I will have t-minus five months before college is o-v-e-r!

With that said, I honestly cannot wait to be done with school and I say it all the time too. My older friends and family tell me that I am “wishing my life away” and how I will miss college more than I think once I’m out, but this is only semi true—I will miss College Station not college.

Who wouldn’t miss this place, especially the ever famous Northgate and all of the favorite bars and hangouts one has acquired over their last four or so years in Aggieland. I know one thing I will miss about the nightlife in College Station is how relaxed it is and how one can rarely find themselves in a place that is unfamiliar or uninviting.

Over the last 10 weeks I have tried my hardest to break down the bar scene (as I see it) in the BCS, and if even just one of my readers has taken advantage of what wild advice I have given about where to go for a good time, then my work here is done.

For this last article of the semester I’m not going to review a bar, I’m not even going to tell you what crazy antics I got into this last weekend (ok, maybe just a little hint: the Ptar, Logan’s, tailgating, Corner Bar and Saki bombs—use your imagination).

For this last installment I want you, the reader, to think about the most exciting and fun night you had all semester and once you have figured out that moment, run with it! I want you to relive that night of mayhem before finals take over your life and you begin having fewer and fewer dollar margarita nights.

There is no harm in having a little fun and personally (remember this is an opinion column), I believe it is good for the soul. If all you ever did was sit at home and study, then what do you have to show for your college years except good grades and a multiple charges to Starbucks on your credit card? Might I add that just because you go out and “party hardy” every now-and-then, doesn’t mean you’ll start doing badly in class or lose track of your four-year-plan; these are supposed to be the best years of our lives, so live it up (responsibly) and make some memories other than the funny joke your professor told in class.

I like to think that I have made the most of my college years and that I have a pretty good idea of what is fun and how to tell when people around me are having a good time as well. We’ve all done crazy things without thinking (some more than often) and that makes for an interesting evening, but that’s what college is for—living and learning.

Take a look at some of the bars I’ve mentioned this semester, like: Shotzi’s, Hurricane Harry’s, the Chicken, Zapatos, Fitzwilly’s or Ozona, and once you find that one place you feel comfortable think to yourself how nice it feels to be out of the house, hanging with friends, listening to good music and enjoying a nice cold [insert favorite beverage here].

By Erin Eisenrich

Warm colors, comforting sounds, and fresh smells are sure to entice your senses as you cross the threshold into The Village Café. Situated in Downtown Bryan away from the mainstream hustle and bustle of College Station life is a place that provides more than excellent food. It offers community. Owner, Kylie Beard, says that what makes her smile most is when people run into friends at the café. And it is just the place to do that.

Choose from a variety of fresh sandwiches, soups, and salads off a menu that is 80-90% organic and almost completely supplied by local growers. Whole wheat bread made from scratch is dense and grainy, proffering a bold and full flavor. The organic chicken salad has a full, buttery taste that will keep you wondering what the secret ingredients are. Add a Harvest Salad for the ½ Sandwich and Salad (or soup) option. It is delightfully fresh with apples and grapes tossed among field greens, bleu cheese, and a mild vinaigrette.

An array of other salads and soups are available, and the Eggplant Panini is notably popular. Try the Honey Bee Sandwich for an unconventional twist on a longtime favorite. Bananas, peanut butter, and honey are a perfect compliment with the homemade bread making this one delectable treat. Check out what’s brewing with “What’s The Buzz” coffee, locally roasted and is some of the best in the B/CS area. Standard drip coffee, cappuccinos, and lattes are available as well as a variety of specialty drinks that are just perfect as colder days approach.

The restaurant space is shared with the Art 979 Gallery, which boasts dramatic, colorful works displayed throughout the restaurant. Invigorating murals are splashed across the back walls, setting a pleasant backdrop for the large, comfy chairs that give off a coffee shop vibe. Worn wooden floors vibrate underfoot as employees move about and joyful conversation rises up as patrons steam in and out of the restaurant.

Service is friendly, attentive, and sincere. Check out their calendar on Facebook for live music and don’t miss the salsa dancing on Wednesday nights; the free lessons before hand are such a perk. Enjoy this local hotspot for tasty bites, stimulating entertainment, socializing, or just studying and resting.

www.brazosvillagecafe.com

Cheers,
Erin
The B/CS Foodist

Good friends? Check. Good times? Check. Good food? Check. If this list is just as important to you on a weekly basis as it is to me then there is only one thing I can tell you, all of these things and more can be found at Ozona Grill & Bar any day or night of the week.

Ozona, located on Harvey Rd., is by far one of my favorite restaurants in College Station, without question. They have the best brunch menu, fully loaded with everything from Migas to biscuits and gravy, and award winning burgers and fully loaded nachos that are sure to blow your socks off (or at least a button or two off those jeans).

Now, I could go on and on about the ridiculous menu at Ozona or I could cut right to the chase—the bar scene, because if this were a restaurant review column I’d be about 15 pounds heavier and broke for as many places as I talk about.

You wouldn’t typically think that such a well-known restaurant would be such a fun and entertaining place to hang out at night, but Ozona most definitely takes the cake as far as drink specials and environment goes.

Monday nights are typically a good one for anyone involved with one dollar margaritas all night. Sit and sip on your frosty beverage while reminiscing with friends either inside or out on the deck, where you are sure to run into at least one familiar face (not too many people pass up this deal).

If you like your beer cold, crisp and (most importantly) cheep, then Tuesday nights at Ozona should be your new hang out. All night long, $1.50 domestic longnecks are served up with a smile from the extremely friendly wait staff—who over the last few years has come to recognize my group of friends.

Remember that brunch menu I mentioned earlier? Well, every Saturday and Sunday you can enjoy it with a custom made Bloody Marry; yes, custom made. Ozona’s award winning make-your-own Bloody Mary Bar is fully loaded with everything imaginable that one could add to their tomato juice and vodka filled glass.

There is so much more to experience at Ozona Grill & Bar than just the amazing menu. The next time you go for a bit to eat, stay a while and go out back on the deck, get out that check list and treat yourself to a night of enjoyment with good friends (check), good times (check) and good food (check).

Downtown Uncorked is the product of the blood, sweat, and tears from husband wife team Melba Tucker and Chandler Arden.  Located next to The Village Café in historic downtown Bryan, Uncorked features some of the widest variety of wines in the BCS area from notorious wine regions in California, France, New Zealand, South Africa, Italy, Spain, Australia, Argentina and Portugal, with bottles ranging from $15 to the more lucrative $220 and wine by the glass priced between $5 and $20.

The idea for a wine bar in B/CS came during a wine bar tour in the Austin area, led by Melba’s son, that sparked the thought, “someone should open a wine bar in this area,” which later morphed into, “My husband and I should start said wine bar!” The decision to open Uncorked was made final in January of 2009 and 9 months later the doors opened to the public on October 31st. The hours of operation are afternoon through the late evening every night, but the owners are relying heavily on feedback to get the official hours of operation to customer satisfaction.

With so many wines in production around the world Melba and Chandler, a certified level II Sommelier, had a difficult task in picking the great selection put forward at Uncorked. The wines that have made the final cut showcase, said the owners, include “the whole world, and the whole price range.” Some of the best wines, chardonnays, cabernets, and merlots from the best grape growing regions in the world can be found here.

Among the better known of the wines offered include Benziger Chardonnay and White Zinfandel; some of the less well known brands such as Cakebread Cellars Chardonnay alongside the even lesser known Sassicaia and Peacock Cabernet are also offered. With regard to viticulture, Chandler explained, “It’s like cotton. You cannot expect to grow the same quality cotton in say, Lubbock, as in this area. The same goes for grapes. Some regions are just known for growing good grapes. This whole process has been a learning experience for me”

Although the main focus of Uncorked is, of course, wine, they also offer an assortment of beers (from Miller Lite to Belgium abbey style Maredsous), ‘user- friendly’ cheese plates designed specifically to counter the wine varieties, fondue and hummus. They also hope to offer a menu “heavy on the desserts,” featuring decadent chocolate cakes and truffles in the near future.

“We were very lucky,” Melba says in regards to her wait staff. “We have awesome and knowledgeable employees,” that add to the very homey atmosphere at Uncorked. “That’s why we don’t want to offer wireless internet,” Melba said. “We don’t want people to just come in and hide behind their computer screens. We want this to be your living room. We want you to put your feet up, kick back, and socialize.” And that is what they hope to bring to the community, wine, wine knowledge, and a welcoming place for wine beginners and experts.

Downtown Uncorked is open mid-afternoon through the late evening. More information can be found at its respective Facebook page; search “Downtown Uncorked” and become a fan.

Do you ever find yourself wishing you could make what you want, just how you want it at the price you want it? Now you can. Spoons Yogurt offers a product that is “made by the customer for the customer,” as General Manager and Aggie grad, Logan Prewett, described it.

Choose from a varying selection of twelve yogurts as a base, add toppings to your hearts content, and then pay by the weight. You get exactly the amount to satisfy your craving.

Spoons offers twelve of its twenty or so flavored yogurts each day. Options range from Pineapple Tart, a silky dream that really taste like fresh pineapple, to Peanut Butter and Cake Batter. Cookies and Cream is understandably popular with its bold flavor and satisfyingly sweet finish. Top it off with some peanut butter chips to make it just right.

The Cappuccino flavor is overwhelming at first, but don’t give up on it too quickly. Take a few more bites and discover a truly decadent treat. It’s fat free but is every bit as delicious as coffee ice cream. Pumpkin Pie yogurt offers all the ambrosial joys of a favorite holiday treat but this frozen variation is perfect for the local weather. Refreshing and light, Pistachio is an excellent choice with its slightly sweet flavor that is pleasantly well balanced.

Over 35 toppings and several great sauces will make your yogurt selection complete. A variety of fresh fruits go well with almost any flavor as well as the plentiful selection of cereals, nuts, and candies. The Original Tart yogurt and sweet berries pair nicely with a caramel or chocolate sauce. Blueberry yogurt and white chocolate chips are also a great compliment. Simply mix and match and go wild until you find your perfect combination.

The atmosphere at Spoons is contemporary and upbeat with comfortable translucent orange chairs, blue tiled accent walls and trendy, enjoyable music emanating at a noticeable but not overwhelming volume. A portion of the white walls display the talent of local artists that will be rotated occasionally. The restaurant has been open less that two weeks so busy hours are still sporadic and unpredictable. Spoons Yogurt takes pride in their community involvement through the profit shares it holds weekly. Spoons is conveniently located between Firehouse Subs and Muldoon’s Coffee House on Texas.

Spoonsyogurt.com

Cheers,

Erin Eisenrich

The B/CS Foodist

www.thefoodistreviews.wordpress.com

There comes a time in every Aggie’s life where they take part in a long standing tradition here in College Station; a tradition that has captured attention from those students just west of here—a night at the Chicken.

The Dixie Chicken is known ‘round state as a symbol of Texas A&M University and some will even tell you it’s an unwritten rule to experience it at least once in your life, Aggie or not.

More than just a bar, the Chicken has just about anything for everyone and will appeal to all five senses: Taste amazing food from chicken strips to Tijuana fries; see smiling faces and friends, both current and from long ago; hear laughter and stories from old Ags about their glory days; smell decades of wear and tear to the tables, walls and chairs; and touch the long neck of your beer while your partner shuffles the dominos in a game of forty- two.

My last trip to the Chicken was Aggie Ring Day in September, my parents were in town and I thought there wasn’t a better way to celebrate than with a pitcher of Miller Lite and good company, plus my dad is obsessed with the place.

As we sat and chatted about all sorts of things I noticed the variety of people who were also sitting about, gushing over their brand new golden rings and plans for the weekend. The Chicken is “that bar” that just about anyone can walk into— whether you understand it or not—and have a blast. Not to mention there are numerous arcade games and pool tables galore for the competitive type.

One of my favorite things about this notorious establishment is that it has that “home-town bar” feel too it; a place where you can relax and enjoy a night (or day) with friends swapping stories about your latest adventures. It can get a little crowded sometimes, so I recommend getting there early and stake claim on a table if you plan to stay for a while.

If you have never walked through those swinging saloon doors or spent a nice afternoon on the back porch then I hate to say it but, what kind of Aggie are you? Get yourself some friends and go to the Dixie Chicken; order the Tijuana fries, you won’t be disappointed.