Amarillo Magazine | July 2018

amarillomagonline.com JULY 2018

LOCAL BAND MOUNT IVY

Rock Me, $1.95 US AMARILLO MAGAZINE

Our guide to the local music scene

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CONTENTS

28

25

18 FEATURES ON THE COVER

28 Rock Me, Amarillo We thought it was time to dedicate an issue to the local music scene. We’re taking a deep dive – or, better yet, a spread-eagled stage dive – into the lounges, restaurants, venues and festivals that rock this city.

By Jason Boyett PHOTO BY SHANNON RICHARDSON

40 A Bit of History Repeating Tascosa Drive-In still thriving after decades in business.

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40

43

SECTIONS 18 Summer Skin Makeup artist Kim Wood shares a few current trends that focus on fresh, summer skin.

25 Low-Water Gardening Canyon’s Edge Plants proprietor Neal Hinders recommends low-maintenance and ecologically friendly plants for the Texas Panhandle.

43 Here’s the Scoop Kristi Aragon, a professional chef who owns and operates Two Knives Catering, shares recipes and a step-by-step guide to making homemade ice cream.

Contributors/Online........ 6 Out & About.................... 8 The Way I See It.............16 Dress Code.....................18 Home............................ 25 What’s Cooking?........... 43 Events........................... 55 Let’s Eat!........................ 59 Retro Rewind................. 66 20 Questions................. 68

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E D I TO R ’ S L E T T E R

Group Publisher Robert C. Granfeldt rgranfeldt@amarillo.com

Regional Director of Michele McAffrey Specialty Products/Editor 806.345.3256 mmcaffrey@amarillo.com

Regional Designer

Kayla Morris

Contributing Writers Jason Boyett Toshia Humphries

Contributing Mason Dudley Photographers Chance Gilmore Shannon Richardson Neil Starkey Shaie Williams

Inside Sales Manager Cindy Ledesma

Account Katherine Bibby Representatives Sharon Denny Trish Faris Jaime Pipkin Kristy Sigafoos

Client Services Manager

Eric Bravo

Jessica Lunde

Sales Assistant

To advertise in Amarillo Magazine or on amarillomagonline.com, please contact us at 376.4488.

Regional Executive Editor

Jill Nevels-Haun

Carly Pyburn

West Texas Controller

900 S. Harrison St., Amarillo, TX 79101 806.376.4488 • amarillomagonline.com Amarillo Magazine is a monthly publication of AGN Media. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written consent. Letters to the Editor are welcome but may be edited due to space limitations.

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Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • JULY 2018

W

e compile a list of live music happenings in our event calendar every month, so we’re accustomed to seeing the same venue names pop up again and again. When we set out to compile a list of those bars, restaurants, venues and festivals into one collection for our first-ever music issue, we weren’t exactly surprised at the number of quality places to see both local talent and traveling acts.

A better word would probably be proud. In the past 10 years, I have watched a steady increase in the number of concerts locals can experience, pretty much every day of the week.

A couple of times in our cover story, “Rock Me, Amarillo,” larger markets are mentioned, places like Austin or Nashville that immediately come to mind when thinking about live music. Writer Jason Boyett asks the question, “Is Amarillo a music city?” and I’d have to say that I think it sure is becoming one.

For a city our size, we have a staggering amount of talent across the board, from the fine arts to singers and songwriters. Whether you prefer a classic dive bar, a park, a festival atmosphere, or the low lights of a jazz club, there’s a place for music lovers to sit and enjoy anything from country and western and swing to classic rock and Americana, particularly during the summer months.

Also this month, we explore low-water gardening with Neil Hinders of Canyon’s Edge Plants (see page 25). If you haven’t made the trek to Canyon to visit with Neil, you should. He is an educator – our tour of the gardens included every detail about the plants in his trial beds. I am always full of questions and I learned so much from him. I plan to incorporate his gardening style and tips as we transition to more responsible and efficient landscaping in our front and back yards.

Sadly, this month marks the end of Jon Mark Beilue’s monthly column, “The Way I See It.” Working with Jon Mark has been one of the highlights of my time with Amarillo Magazine. He never fails to expand my thoughts on a topic or just flat out make me laugh. He’s thoughtful, hilarious, engaging, and a wonderful writer. I’ll miss his presence in the magazine, but wish him well on a much-deserved retirement and new adventures.

Perhaps the biggest treat in this issue was learning how to make gourmet ice cream with Kristi Aragon of Two Knives Catering (see page 43). By learning, I mean eating, of course, but ice cream for breakfast isn’t a bad thing, right? Kristi’s simple vanilla ice cream recipe provides the base for unlimited flavor combinations. We sampled a couple of her favorites after our photo shoot, and her creations had the best flavor and rich, creamy consistency. Try her easy method for a sure hit at your July Fourth festivities.

Enjoy,

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CO N T R I B U TO R S JASON BOYETT Writer

SHANNON RICHARDSON Photographer

Jason has written more than a dozen books and is the host and creator of “Hey Amarillo”, a local interview podcast.

Visit heyamarillo.com and jasonboyett.com.

Shannon has been photographing commercial/ advertising work for more than 20 years.

See Shannon’s work at shannonrichardson.com and route66americanicon.com.

MASON DUDLEY Photographer

CHANCE GILMORE Photographer

Mason is an Amarillo native. He has had an interest in photography since his high school days, and especially enjoys capturing images of nature.

Chance picked up photography while living in Austin. Now living in the Amarillo area, he continues to pursue his interest in a variety of genres. See Chance’s work at blackandlightphotography.com.

ANDY CHASE CUNDIFF Illustrator Andy is a local artist, singer and songwriter, and has called Amarillo home for more than 20 years. He plays at a variety of live music venues throughout the Panhandle. Contact Andy at 376-7918.

TOSHIA HUMPHRIES Writer Toshia is a freelance writer, talk show radio host, life coach and artist in Lubbock, Texas.

She currently hosts Girl Power Hour, a talk radio show geared toward personal empowerment, spirituality, healing and growth.

Learn more at girlpowerhour.com.

KIM WOOD Makeup Artist Kim is a professional makeup artist who specializes in network TV and published print work. See Kim’s work at amarillomakeup.com.

SHAIE WILLIAMS Photographer Shaie is a photojournalist with a passion for storytelling through the use of photography. See Shaie’s work at williamspics.smugmug.com.

amarillomagonline.com ONLINE

EXCLUSIVES

We post photos of Amarillo’s best events – and the people who enjoy them – every week in our Out & About section. Watch for updates on our Facebook page!

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Get Amarillo Magazine on your iPad! Keep Amarillo Magazine on hand by downloading the Amarillo Globe-News iPad app. Browse the magazine at your leisure and enjoy visually pleasing features all month, every month.

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OUT & ABOUT

Kids Cafe Classic On May 18 the Kids Cafe Classic was held at Ross Rogers Golf Complex. The tournament benefited Kids Cafe, a program offered by High Plains Food Bank.

PHOTOS BY SHAIE WILLIAMS

Ramon Gamez, Maribel Sotelo, Chris Altman and Maria DeBrango Stickel

Cody Rogers, Paul Cook and Sean Murphy

Trent Phillips and Lance Wolf

Evelyn Bruton and Laneta Six

Grant Smith and Dayle Tipton

Robert De la Cruz and JD Dickerson

Stan Scarth and Wiley Hicks

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Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • JULY 2018

Brian Welch and Kevin Rickwartz

John Horne and Shannon Allen

Pop Up Party Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum hosted an ’80s-themed Pop Up Party on May 18. Held at the Derrick Event Center, the event included live music by Neon Pink Media.

PHOTOS BY MASON DUDLEY

Derek Collier, and Weslee and Wendy Green

Kerry and Kristine Garcia

Jimmie and Christy Berry

Cheryl and Ken Jones

Andrew Miller and Eva Huff

Vanessa and Chase Hill

Megan Reed, Zivorad Filipovic and Jody Reynolds

Megan Davis and Raquel Dominguez

Heather Friemel and Buster Ratliff

Regina Lucero and Brandi Garcia JULY 2018 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

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OUT & ABOUT

Armed Forces Day Banquet The annual Armed Forces Day Banquet was held on May 19 at the Amarillo Civic Center Complex. The featured speaker was Robert O’Neill, author of “The Operator: Firing the Shots that Killed Osama Bin Laden.”

PHOTOS BY MASON DUDLEY

Adam Guzman and Viktorya Navarro

Tyler and Deborah Casida, and Mark Canada Larry and Ginny Monschke

Amy and Brad Parker

Jeff and Denise Beste

Jamie and Kevin Smith

Amanda and Cody Christian

Wayne Loeblein, Jeff Turner and Shannon Cooke

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Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • JULY 2018

Kevin and Julie Wilde

Lee and Barbara Read

Muttfest 2018 On May 20 the Amarillo SPCA hosted Muttfest 2018 at Memorial Park. This year’s fundraiser was themed “Game of Bones”, and celebrated the 25th anniversary of Muttfest.

PHOTOS BY MASON DUDLEY

Deanna Lamkin, Ryan Grizzle and Maya

John and Bobbi Ingram and Zoey

Molly Talkington and Jon Brown

Arianna Neal, Brent Casida and Jasper

Austin Pacheco, Ferann Wood and Murff

Charles Homen and Lorrain Littlejohn

Aaron Ballinger and Ida Serrano

Rey and Amanda Vasquez

Danielle and Joe Devenney JULY 2018 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

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OUT & ABOUT

Best of the Panhandle Sports Awards The Amarillo Globe-News hosted its annual Best of the Panhandle Sports Awards on May 24 at the Amarillo Civic Center Complex. The event honored top performers in 20 sports from 15 counties and 20 high schools.

PHOTOS BY CHANCE GILMORE

Chloe Mayfield, Zayla Tinner and Ashlyn Milton

Don Adams, and Gary and Lynn Barton Lance Lahnert and Koby Otto

Luke and Tori Durst

Averi and Blake Durham

Deedy Grimes and Mandy Makeever

Scott and Tammy Milton, and Amanda Mayfield

Taylor Schutte, Eric Schilling and Kale Steed

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Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • JULY 2018

Cody and Gina Blair

Styler Haddock and Nicole Coffee

OUT & ABOUT

Camp Iwanna Don Harrington Discovery Center hosted its adults-only event, Camp Iwanna on June 8. The evening included summer-camp inspired cuisine and activities.

PHOTOS BY SHAIE WILLIAMS

Bridget Gervasi, Regina Ralston and Michal-Ann Bell

Melanie Jones and Casey Simpson

Jessica and Chef Bud Anderson

Jeremy and Christa Gutierrez

Scott Jones and Ken Graham

Breann Lester and Linette Hobbs

Kasey and Myles Mader

Ken Johnson, and Jerrod and Adrienne Bean

Shanna Collins and Tiffany Curtis

Lacie and Matthew McGary JULY 2018 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

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OUT & ABOUT

CBH Bubbapalooza Music Festival On June 9 the Starlight Ranch Event Center hosted the Bubbapalooza Music Festival, featuring Sam Riggs. Ticket proceeds went to the Brian Hunton Memorial Scholarship, which is awarded to individuals that want to pursue a firefighting career. Amarillo firefighter Brian Hunton died after suffering an accident in the line of duty in April 2005.

PHOTOS BY NEIL STARKEY

Todd, Billie and Kyndal Peden, Tristan Sims, Roy Bateman and Kylie Peden

Angie Martinez, Daila Hill, Precious Coursey and Alex Owens

Selena and Chris Veal

Brad Boman and Jeff Reed

Nichole and Jamie Kelly

Mackenzie Bulls and Tyler Townsend

Patrick and Shauna Thornhill

Paul and Janet Hunton, Julie Mitchell and Lance Hunton

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Tyler and Kirsten Fischbacher

Desirea and Chris Lumpkin

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JULY 2018 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

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T H E W AY I S E E I T

Jon Mark Beilue

And it still sounds like ‘Reverend Blue Jeans’

I

loved that Neil Diamond song.

“Money talks, but it can’t sing and dance and it can’t walk, just as long as you are here with me, I’d much rather be…”

REVEREND BLUE JEANS! I swear, for a year after that song was released in the late 1970s when I was in college, I thought that was the name. I thought it was symbolism for some cool preacher who didn’t wear suits, but preferred Levis.

When I finally saw a cassette tape of Diamond’s that had the song titles on it, what’s this “Forever in Blue Jeans?” I honestly at first thought it was a sequel. No, there never was a cool preacher, no Reverend. Just “Forever in.”

I wondered how many times I’d been singing about the good Reverend around friends. I felt like a fool. Well, if misery loves company, so too do fools.

And I have found out I’m not nearly alone.

There’s a website devoted to misunderstood song lyrics, kissthisguy.com., taken from a Jimi Hendrix line in “Purple Haze” of “’Scuse me, while I kiss the sky’ that sounds like “kiss this guy.” As I have found out, just about everyone has their own “Reverend” moment.

Oh, it goes beyond the standard “there’s a bathroom on the right” for Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “there’s a bad moon on the rise,” or “wrapped up like a douche” for Manfred Mann’s “revved up like a deuce.”

Some, like my “Reverend Blue Jeans,” get the title wrong. Laura Nelson thought Bob Seeger’s “Night Moves” was “Dial-A-Brew.” Christi Hancock, when she was small, thought The Oak Ridge Boys’ “Elvira” was “Hell Fire-up!” Jason Aldean’s “Tattoos on This Town”?

“Sure sounds like, ‘Cashews on the ground’ to me,’” said Cheri Shirley.

The Bee Gee’s high-pitched “More Than a Woman” has sounded like “Bald-headed Woman” and “Motel Woman” to a few. That upbeat “The Hustle” from the disco days, well, our very own Amarillo Magazine Editor Michele McAffrey had “a friend” who thought “do the Hustle”was – wait for it – “Tuna Hot Dog.” Amarillo attorney Tod Mayfield had a friend from Panhandle who royally screwed up “livin’ on Tulsa time.” They were driving together when the song came on.

“He starts singing, ‘Livin’ on toast and wine,’” Mayfield said. “I said, ‘What are you singing? He said, ‘Isn’t that how it goes?’ I said, ‘No.’” A woman with a similar name, Lucille and Lucy, has the public confused. In “Lucille,” Kenny Rogers sang, “You picked a fine time to

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Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • JULY 2018

leave me, Lucille, with four hungry children and a crop in the field.” To which a number heard, “… with four hundred children and a crop in the field.”

“I thought, ‘no wonder she left him’,” Bill Durham said.

Perhaps the greatest songwriting duo ever, John Lennon and Paul McCartney, combined to confound with “Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds.” Lennon vehemently denied rumors it had anything to do with LSD, but no one needed drugs to think it might be, “Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds.”

One line in the song – “the girl with the kaleidoscope eyes …” – has been misstated for 50 years. Durham thought it went, “the girl with colitis goes by.” Durham is a man after my own ears. He also misunderstood Madonna’s, “Last night I dreamt of San Pedro,” to “Last night I dreamt of some bagels.”

Some incorrect lyrics make sense. Rose O’Rand Miller, of the Globe-News business office, believed the very white Gwen Stefani’s line of “Cause I ain’t no hollaback girl,” was “Cause I ain’t no Harlem black girl.”

So too do those once sung by Karla Masters, a good Baptist girl. The 1975 song, “You Sexy Thing,” has the line, “Where you from, you sexy thing?” But Karla sang it, “Where’s your bra, you sexy thing.” A friend finally corrected a red-faced Karla.

And some you know are wrong, but so what? In the campy song, “Whip It,” by Devo in 1980, there’s a line – “try to detect it.”

Walter Riggs thought it, “tattoo detective.”

“As kooky and random as the lyrics of that song are,” Riggs said, “anything is possible.”

Van Halen’s “Running with the Devil” has a line, “I got no love, no love you’d call real.”

Tascosa English teacher and rock-and-roll aficionado Monte Wells for years belted, “I got no love, no love in Korea.”

“It occasionally occurred to me that was kind of an odd lyric,” Wells said, “but I wrote it off to the vagaries of rock and roll.”

And there’s Ted Dunnam, a sports-writing friend from the past. In Dobie Gray’s classic, “Drift Away,” there’s the signature line, “Oh, give me the beat boys and free my soul. I wanna get lost in your rock and roll.”

“Except I heard it as, ‘Give me the Jon Mark Beilue is an AGN Media columnist. people who are He can be reached at 3 months old. I wanna jon.beilue@amarillo.com get lost in your rock or 345.3318. and roll,” he said. “And I still don’t have the courage to look up the real lyrics.”

Let’s not tell him.

DRESS CODE

Summer Skin

T

he summer months mean higher temperatures, higher humidity, and higher chances that you’ll find yourself poolside. But that also means sweat is in the forecast, and a full face of foundation isn’t ideal in the hot Panhandle sunshine. When summer arrives, one of the best ways to avoid smudges and smears is to go naked – at least, when it comes to your face.

But that doesn’t mean your makeup has to be boring. It just needs fewer layers. Cast off those full faces of foundation in exchange for a glorious glow. Embrace imperfections rather than trying to hide them. How? Downplay your complexion and use playful pops of color to call attention to the eye or lip.

Here are a few current trends that focus on fresh, summer skin.

By Kim Wood PHOTOS BY SHANNON RICHARDSON ARTWORK BY KIM WOOD

DEWY, LUMINOUS NAKED SKIN

S

implicity is key to this “nearly naked” trend. Lighten your routine by reducing the usual amounts of foundation, powder highlighting or cheek contouring. In its place, use your fingertips to pat your skin with wonderful-smelling face oils and elixirs. If you aren’t quite keen on going totally naked – or if you need to hide a small blemish – blend in a dash of concealer. I recommend a lightweight sheer foundation like Mac Face and Body, which is water-resistant and was famously used on the set of “Baywatch”. Also, wax-based foundation creme mixes well with the emollients in face oils. It looks like natural skin.

Another trick is to apply a light powder foundation, then finish with several pumps of a moisturizing face mist. The face mist sets the powder and appears to “melt” into the skin, leaving a light sheen. For best results, make sure your facial spray contains water and glycerin as its primary ingredients rather than alcohol and polymers.

At the same time, use contrast to call attention to a perfected and healthy-looking lip. It’s particularly important this time of year to include sunscreen in this sensitive and often-overlooked area.

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GET THE LOOK:

Buxom Powerplump Lip Balm in Big O $17, Ulta

Estée Lauder The Illuminator Radiant Perfecting Primer + Finisher $37, Dillard’s

Josie Maran Argan Moonstone Glow Highlighting Stick $29, Sephora

Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel sheer illuminating fluid in Sunkissed $48, Dillard’s

JULY 2018 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

19

BOY BROWS

I

f simple, untouched skin is a summer trend, then so are natural brows. Full, upwardbrushed boyish brows are an obvious complement to natural skin – whether you’ll be street-side, poolside or on the town.

To achieve this work, toss your tweezers.

You won’t need them. If you’ve already got a full brow, save yourself the pain of plucking.

If you have gaps you need to troubleshoot, start by using a tinted brow gel in backward strokes. Then finish in the natural direction of the hair growth – the fuller the better.

If you want the full boyish look, opt for a shade or two darker than natural. To soften the appearance, brush clear gel in upward strokes for a feathered edge. Complete the gorgeous effect by pairing your brows with a soft dusting of warm, brown shadow all over the lids and rims of the eyes. Finish with a coat of brown mascara.

GET THE LOOK:

Benefit 24-HR brow setter $24, Ulta Lancôme Sourcils Styler brow gel $26.50, Dillard’s

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UNDERLINED EYES

T

he perfect counterpart for fresh summer skin is an attentiongetting eye, thanks to the use of fluid liner in the inner corners.

This can be achieved with a few careful approaches. Make a sharp, isolated V of color, painted in the inner corner. Or, pair with a disconnected, spontaneous slash that traces the lower, outer lash line and then extends outward, creating a “flick” in the outer corners.

This year, Marc Jacobs’ makeup artists created a commanding Egyptian look by framing the entire eye, giving extra attention to the lower lash line. Other artists float the liner away from the lash line, using bold colors, metallic or black to create hovering shapes.

To achieve this look, choose a fluid liner with a precise tip. If you are painting the inner eye corners, use the longest-wearing formula you can find. You’ll want to carry your liner with you for touch-ups, because getting product to stay in place in this area can be tricky.

Worried about shaky fingers? Don’t use the sharp edge of the tip point. Lay the entire edge of the applicator flat against the lash line, parallel to the face, to minimize trembling.

Use a soft pencil for the water lines first, then finish the outside edges in liquid under the lash lines. Rather than attempting to draw from the inner corner all the way to the outer corner, start lines in two strokes from the outside edges to meet in the middle. You’ll want to avoid using liquid formulas in the water line – these can later flake off and get into your eyes. And don’t be afraid to experiment!

Using bright colors and pastels instead of black can be, well, an eyecatching approach for the summer.

GET THE LOOK: Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Trooper Black $20, Sephora

Urban Decay Razor Sharp waterresistant longwear liquid liner in Perversion $22, Ulta

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SMOKED PEACH EYES

P

each is perfect for the beach. This lively, energizing look of smoked peach is perfect with natural skin, especially when you’ve avoided the usual rosy blush on the cheeks. Use only the slightest bit of bronzer, then turn up the heat around the eyes.

This shade isn’t quite brown and isn’t quite orange.

Instead, it’s a soft, transparent wash of color, and it works in either matte or glossy textures.

To achieve this look, use a large, fluffy brush to blend a wash of warm peach on top of the eyelids.

Diffuse the shadow over a large area, bringing the color nearly up to the brows. Accompanying this trend, you’ll definitely want to sweep clear gel upwards through the brows. Finish with brown mascara. Use your fingertip to dab a bit of clear lip gloss over the lids for a patent shine and lived-in look.

GET THE LOOK:

Marc Jacobs Beauty Eye-Conic Multi-Finish eyeshadow palette in Fantascene $49, Sephora 22

Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • JULY 2018

REINVENTED RED LIP

S

uper-matte, extremely precise lips are last year’s look. This summer, you’ll want your lips to take on a softer appearance. Recent runways have shown dual colors on the lips, blended with unexpected finishes – like red lips with blurry brights in matte, or two-toned with a patent shine.

To achieve this look, select a liquid matte lipstick in a darker shade of red. Then pick one shockingly bright shade – maybe the shade you bought once on a whim but never had the nerve to actually wear. Paint the outer edges of your lips with the darker shade, then blend the brightest shade in the middle of the lips. You’ll want to overlap the darker shade slightly to create a vertical ombré effect. This uses optical illusion to add fullness to your lips.

Finish the lip with clear lip gloss. If you choose a red-tinted gloss, you can create an invisible, protective barrier by first applying a face primer around the outer perimeters of the lip line. A matte finish will stay put if you’re worried about gloss traveling outside the lip’s edges. Nevertheless, use your fingertip to soften the edges as you apply color to your lips.

GET THE LOOK:

MAC Lipglass in clear $17.50, Dillard’s

MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour in Quite the Standout $21, Dillard’s

MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour in Dance with Me $21, Dillard’s

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FULL PAGE 9.5” x 11.375” with bleed

HOME

PHOTOS BY SHANNON RICHARDSON

Low-Water Gardening A

s indicated by the triple-digit temperatures that kicked off the summer in late May, Amarillo’s growing season isn’t always predictable. It can be harsh. It can bring overwhelming amounts of rain (see 2015). It can bring hardly any moisture at all (see 2011). Among other challenges, the predominantly clay soil also presents problems for gardeners.

In other words, the city’s early pioneers picked a great place to raise cattle. But it’s not always a great place to raise a crop of flowers.

At Canyon’s Edge Plants, proprietor Neal Hinders specializes in the kinds of low water-use plants that don’t just survive this climate, but actually thrive here. He maintains trial beds at Canyon’s Edge for the purpose of demonstrating that performance to customers. “That’s an important thing,” he says. “It lets customers see our plants, when they’re growing and blooming and when they’re out of bloom, to make sure they fit into their gardens.”

Hinders has two decades of experience growing and recommending low-maintenance and ecologically friendly plants for the Texas Panhandle. “There are so many to choose from. Xeriscaping doesn’t have to mean rocks and cactus,” he says. He walked us through a few of his favorites, as well as giving us tips to deal with the clay soil.

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Salvias

Also known as autumn sage, this perennial shrub has a long blooming season and tolerates both drought and heat. “They are as hearty as they can be,” says Hinders.

“They’ll make it through our winters along with the heat and dry weather.” This plant, native to Texas, is known to attract hummingbirds and is fairly resistant to pests.

Canyon’s Edge carries salvias in a variety of colors.

Butterfly Bush

Originally from China with several Texas native varieties, these also thrive in low-water areas and come in a variety of attention-getting colors. Their fragrant flowers attract butterflies but require good drainage – which can make them tricky to grow in wet clay soil (see sidebar). “These are hearty and can do with less water than people think they might have to give them,” says Hinders.

“They’re showy for a long time in the summer.”

Yellow Flowers (Chocolate Flower, Engelman’s Daisy, Sundrops)

Hinders says Amarillo may have gotten its name from the predominance of yellow wildflowers that once grew here. For that reason, he loves growing yellow flowers. “I would like to see Amarillo and the Panhandle area make Amarillo yellow again,” he says. To do so, he recommends three specific native flowers.

Chocolate Flowers and Engelman’s Daisy bloom throughout the summer. Sundrops flourish in the spring. All are heat- and droughttolerant. “We can have that yellow without a lot of care.”

Desert Willow

This small, ornamental tree is ideal for growing in the local climate. It blooms in the heat of summer with tubular flowers that span from white-pink to a deep red, depending on the variety. These attract hummingbirds and butterflies and the tree can grow up to 20 feet tall in this climate. “It’s very droughthardy,” says Hinders. “It grows quickly when it’s young, then you can decrease its water as it gets older.” With a strong central growth, the desert willow can be pruned up into a tree or allowed to grow as a shrub.

Grasses

Two types of grasses grow naturally in the Texas Panhandle: buffalo grass and blue grama. “Both make really good lawns, especially if you have extended acreage,” says Hinders. “They can be our No. 1 water-saver if we would use one of these two for lawns. That’s one of the main things to be aware of in the Panhandle.” Once established, both are cold-hardy and can go without water for long periods of time, surviving even the worst droughts. “You save water, you don’t have to mow. That saves on labor costs,” he says.

Hinders also recommends little bluestem as an ornamental grass. This mounding native prairie grass tolerates high heat and clay soils, and once established, is drought-resistant. Despite the bluish color in its stem base, the grass turns a reddish hue during the fall months and maintains the color all winter long. “It can even intensify its color on a cool morning,” he says.

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What defines a “low-water” plant?

Experienced local gardeners often explain that the quickest way to kill a plant is to water it too often. So what does this mean for the plants Canyon’s Edge advertises as “drought-tolerant”? Hinders explains that most plants he carries only need to be watered once a week during the heat of summer, especially with temperatures in the upper 90s. “When it’s not that hot, you should be able to go at least two weeks between waterings. If you go on vacation, you probably don’t have to worry about it at all,” he says. He also carries a few xeric plants that only require three or four waterings total during the summer months.

Amending Clay Soil

“People talk about how hard our soil is to garden with,” says Hinders. The dense clay retains water but doesn’t offer plants much organic matter – or air flow. “The roots need air space to thrive. Our clay is so tight that a lot of times they won’t get any air in there, especially if you add too much water. Plants will die for lack of air around the roots.”

To amend this, he recommends using Soil Mender Products (soilmender.com), a family-owned compost company based in Tulia, Texas. “I really like their cotton burr compost blend to amend our soil. This makes it easier to garden.”

This natural, organic product is designed to return organic matter to clay soils. “It’s fairly coarse material, so put a couple of inches on top of your soil and then work it in,” he says. Hinders recommends working the compost into the top six inches of soil, if possible.

“That loosens up the soil and lets the water in,” he says.

Along with the cotton burr compost, he also likes to use the company’s Garden Soil Builder and Yum Yum Mix, which fertilize the soil by adding organic and biological material. “These have added nutrients. It livens up the microbes and good bacteria in the soil,” says Hinders. “Feed the soil and you wind up feeding the plants.”

Other than occasional manure to add nitrogen, Hinders says those three Soil Mender products are the only things amending the soil at Canyon’s Edge. “The plants just do really well with it.”

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Rock Me,

By Jason Boyett PHOTOS BY SHANNON RICHARDSON

I

s Amarillo a music city? It’s certainly a city that’s had its share of shoutouts in song lyrics.

Alan Jackson performs a song named after us. So do Jason Aldean and Old Crow Medicine Show. In the 1970s, Neil Sedaka had a major hit in Europe with “Is This the Way to Amarillo?” And of course, there’s the George Strait classic, “Amarillo

By Morning,” which is bound to get a local crowd cheering and singing along within a few beats of the opening notes.

But those are recordings. What about venues, live music, and local performers? Amarillo may not always spring to mind as a live music mecca. But like a number of other elements of the culture, music is on the upswing. Unique venues are opening. Crowds are increasing. And while our city has begun finding its way back onto the itineraries of traveling bands, local performers are adding to the excitement.

“I don’t know that people really recognize the

amazing talent that we have in Amarillo,” says Ray Wilson, a local guitarist and singer-songwriter. “The musicians here are top notch and can perform anywhere in the country and be respected musically.

I think the general population is starting to recognize that fact.” In response, the venues are focusing more than ever on live music – a big change since Wilson first began booking shows in 2009. “Even five years ago, it was an afterthought. But now they’re hiring someone to book and take care of musicians. It’s so much better now.”

With that in mind, we thought it was time to dedicate an issue to the local music scene.

From dive bars with corner stages to nationally known venues like the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, we’re taking a deep dive – or, better yet, a spread-eagled stage dive – into the lounges, restaurants, venues and festivals that rock this city.

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Esquire Jazz Club

6th Street Saloon

W

hen Midnight Rodeo unexpectedly closed its doors in 2017, the city lost one of its oldest and best-known concert venues. But the city’s honky-tonks, bars and pubs quickly rushed in to close the gap. And week after week, they remain the best places to catch local live music – especially on Friday and Saturday nights. When traveling acts make their way through the city, they’re likely to appear at one of these venues. “With I-27 and I-40 running through here, a lot of bands don’t have a choice but to make Amarillo a stop,” says Wade Tosh of The Golden Light Cantina. “We get a lot of that.”

Casey Berry, a former touring musician who now owns Hoot’s Pub, says it’s not just Amarillo’s live music venues that have changed and improved in recent years, but the crowds themselves. “All the pieces have fallen into place, where the Amarillo crowds who enjoy live music come out and support it wholeheartedly,” he says. “I wouldn’t have said that 10 or 15 years ago.”

6th Street Saloon

Located on the west end of Sixth Street, this saloon is so-named for a reason: It’s one of the few venues catering exclusively to classic country-and-western music. “We try to stick to just that classic [sound],” says Tommy Davis, who books performers for the bar. “Our owner [Luther Detton] is 89 years old and that’s what he likes. We don’t do Red Dirt or Texas Country because, you know, you can hear that anywhere.” At 6th Street Saloon, customers hear originals and covers that recall the days of Waylon Jennings, and maybe even a few western swing tunes. Full bands perform almost every Friday and Saturday night, with open-mic or open-jam sessions on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. (Wednesdays and Sundays are reserved for karaoke.) While the bar tries to book local bands, Davis says the area is starting to run low on “true, true country music bands.” Touring acts come in from Odessa, Lubbock, Oklahoma and even southern Colorado. “And, we have one of the bigger and better dance floors in Amarillo,” Davis says.

609 S. Independence St., 356.0873

Austin’s Texas Pub

Catch classic rock and tribute bands on Sixth.

3121 SW Sixth Ave., 433.1252

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BRoken Spoke Lounge

Eclectic: classic rock, Americana, country and cover bands.

3101 SW Sixth Ave., 373.9149, brokenspokelounge.com

Butler’s Martini Bar

Enjoy piano and pop music in a shotgun-style bar.

703 S. Polk St., 376.8180, butlersmartinibar.com

Esquire Jazz Club

Bankruptcy attorney Patrick Swindell has played in a seven-piece jazz band for years, and always thought Amarillo needed a music venue that intentionally shined more light on this broad genre.

The old Woolworth building on Polk Street was once home to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. When the court moved into another building, Swindell saw the potential for the space. He and his wife, Roni, have transformed it into a jazz bar that features live music nightly from Wednesday to Saturday – including multiple performances on weekends. “It’s a venue that provides as much or more live music than any other venue in town,” says Swindell.

He says live acts during the summer months will span the breadth of this uniquely American

The Golden Light Cantina

Hoot’s Pub

musical form, including New Orleans jazz, rhythm and blues, soul, and even a little western swing. 626 S. Polk St., 350.4299, esquirejazzclub.com

Guitars & Cadillacs

The Golden Light Cantina

Hoot’s Pub

The Golden Light Cafe has been serving burgers and beer to customers on Sixth since 1946. The Golden Light Cantina next door hasn’t been at it that long, but is still a fixture in the local music scene.

“It’s been one of the longest-running live venues in town, going on 13 years,” says bar manager Wade Tosh. “It’s one of those venues that has a lot of history. It’s helped build careers.” He lists prominent Texas acts like Cross Canadian Ragweed, Joe Ely and Ray Wylie Hubbard as artists who were once up-and-coming performers at The Golden Light. Current local musicians like Maggie Burt and Ray Wilson speak glowingly of performing at this venue. During the summer, the Cantina offers live music every Friday and Saturday, with occasional weekday shows. “We host everything from rock to blues, with quite a few Texas country acts when they come through – especially local bands or bands with local ties,” Tosh says. 2906 SW Sixth Ave., 374.9237, goldenlightcafe.com

Night club with a country music emphasis. 3601 Olsen Blvd., 322.7979, guitarscadillacs.us

A decade ago, Hoot’s Pub owner Casey Berry was a touring musician himself and performed across the state. But when the opportunity came to purchase Hoot’s in his hometown, he jumped at the opportunity. He admits it was a big change. “When I took over, I knew nothing about the bar side of it,” he says. Berry knew how to book music though, and has used that experience to turn Hoot’s into one of the area’s top live music venues, with a larger capacity and better production than his competition. Hoot’s mostly features live Texas and Americana music at least two days a week – and often more – including an open jam for local performers every Wednesday. Berry, for his part, has traded the life of a musician for the life of a bar owner who books musicians.

“I had to make a choice between either being a full-time musician or being a full-time promoter and club owner,” he says. Amarillo patrons may miss Berry’s music, but benefit from his dedication to the local scene. 2424 Hobbs Road, 503.5003

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Leftwoods

Leftwoods “We don’t really set any specific genre standards,” says Michelle Carrell, the general manager at Leftwoods, who oversees booking for the bar. “We’ll have country, blues, rock, metal, punk, and even hip-hop.

We don’t have a specific niche.” The bar always tries to book live music every Friday and Saturday night, relying on a combination of local acts and performers traveling through the area – many of whom have begun seeking out Leftwoods as its reputation has grown. “We’re a laid-back, open and eclectic bar,” Carrell says. “We might have a biker at one side of the bar and a Goth girl down on the other end. We’re welcoming of everyone.”

Simply because it doesn’t really fit within a genre, singersongerwriter Maggie Burt says Leftwoods plays a vital role in an area heavy with Texas Country acts. “They have really filled a rock-and-roll vacancy for other genres, for bands that aren’t Americana,” she says.

2511 SW Sixth Ave., 367.9840, leftwoods.com

Mac Daddy’s

Classic rock in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. 1221 SW 10th Ave.

Skooterz

Skooterz hosts classic rock, new rock and tribute bands.

4100 Bushland Blvd., 355.6600

Whiskey River

T’s Bar

Diverse acts (metal, pop, Tejano) in a classic dive bar.

700 SW 10th Ave., 418.6649

Whiskey River

Whiskey River wants to be Amarillo’s home for both rock and country music, booking local rock bands on Friday nights and country acts on Saturdays. Most performers are local, though the bar occasionally hosts a touring act that might be passing through in the summer months. “We’re trying to expand our crowd to be more inclusive of everyone,” says Adrienne Bean, who books the entertainment. “You don’t have to be country to come here, you don’t have to just like rock to come here. We welcome everybody. We just want to be the neighborhood bar that you feel welcome at every time you come in the door.” Whiskey River also offers karaoke on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 4001 SW 51st Ave., 367.6163, whiskeyriveramarillo.com

Western Horseman

Country-and-western music in an authentic hotel setting.

2501 I-40 East, 379.6555, ext. 2999

Zombiez Bar & Grill

Rock, metal, burgers and pool with both inside and outside stages.

711 SW 10th Ave., 331.7305

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here are two types of people in the world: Those who think performing karaoke sounds like a nightmare and those who have actually tried it. For the performers, few evenings are as fun as one spent picking out their favorite songs and releasing their inner rock star.

From karaoke classics like Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” to more recent pop music, Amarillo belters can sing their hearts out every weekend and throughout the week.

Broken Spoke Lounge

Karaoke on Fridays. 3101 SW Sixth Ave., 373.9149

Buckle’s Lounge

Karaoke on Fridays. 6800 I-40 East, 379.8064

Duke Tracy’s

Karaoke on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

3101 SW 26th Ave., 351.0757

House Bar

Karaoke on Fridays. 1219 SW 10th Ave., 677.6450

Pine Shed Lounge

Karaoke on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

5342 Canyon Drive, 352.2446

Cactus Bar

Karaoke on Fridays and Saturdays.

4831 S. Western St., 356.6369

Whiskey River

Karaoke on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

4001 SW 51st Ave., 367.6163, whiskeyriveramarillo.com

D

ating back to 18th-century Mexico, the mariachi folk tradition is deeply rooted within the Mexican heritage – which means the music of these professional ensembles has often accompanied some of the most delicious and authentic Mexican food in Amarillo. While mariachi music may not be as popular today as it was a few decades ago, a handful of local restaurants still support this tradition. Bracero’s Mexican Bar & Grill and Acapulco Mexican Restaurant often feature area mariachi bands like Pete Y Los Rieleros and Trío Cortez.

Bracero’s Mexican Grill & Bar 2822 SW Sixth Ave., 220.2395

Acapulco Mexican Restaurant & Bar

727 S. Polk St., 373.8889, acapulcomexicanrestaurant.net

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I

f local bars may be more likely to host traveling bands and musicians, purely local talent is more likely to be on display at the city’s restaurants. These can be challenging venues for artists and songwriters, since most establishments are less interested in providing a concert atmosphere than providing an interesting source of background music.

“It’s not my favorite thing to do, but I think for a lot of musicians it pays the bills,” says Daniel Davis of the Amarillo duo Fine & Dandy. Ray Wilson says the key is for performers to manage expectations. “You’re not on a stage. The spotlight’s not on you. You have to switch gears, turn the volume down and accept any type of interaction with the audience you can get,” he says.

For her part, Maggie Burt actually enjoys restaurant gigs. “I just kind of do my thing. If somebody smiles at you during their conversation or between bites of their food, it’s a fun little bonus,” she says. The following local restaurants are known to host local acts on a regular basis, with a variety of genres featured.

575 Pizzeria

Joe Daddy’s

The 806 Coffee + Lounge

Acoustic singer-songwriters and covers. 1619 S. Kentucky St., 359.5959, myleals.com

Acoustic singer-songwriters. 2803 Civic Circle/ 7710 Hillside Road, Suite 700, 322.5575, 575pizzeria.com

Eclectic: electronica, southern rock, singer-songwriters and more.

2812 SW Sixth Ave., 322.1806, the806.com

Cowboy Gelato

Texas country and Americana. 6103 S. Coulter St., Suite 200, 376.5286, cowboygelato.com

The Drunken Oyster

Eclectic: jazz, alt-country, folk/Americana, singer-songwriters and more.

7606 SW 45th Ave., Suite 100, 418.6668, drunkenoysteramarillo.com

Fire Slice Brick Oven Pizzeria

Americana, folk-rock, singer-songwriters. 7306 SW 34th Ave., Space 10, 331.2232, fireslice.com

Gerb’s Wurst Bar

Texas country. 7145 Bell St., 398.9991

Gooney’s

Classic rock. 2108 Paramount Blvd., 463.7900, joedaddys.net

Leal’s Mexican Restaurant

Lupita’s Mexican Restaurant & Bar Tejano, country, cumbia. 316 SW Sixth Ave., 350.7705

Metropolitan – A Speakeasy

Jazz, classic rock, singer-songwriters. 9181 Town Square Blvd., Suite 1201, 242.0117, metroofamarillo.com

Napoli’s Fine Italian Restaurant Acoustic singer-songwriters. 700 S. Taylor St., 220.2588, napolisofamarillo.com

Pescaraz Italian Restaurant

Singer-songwriters and covers. 3415 S. Bell St., 350.5430, pescaraz.com

Polk St. Eats

Americana, folk-rock, singer-songwriters. 705 S. Polk St., 367.9585

Acoustic singer-songwriters. 614 S. Polk St., 376.4700, polkstreeteats.com

The Handle Bar and Grill

Six Car Pub & Brewery

I Don’t Know Sports Bar & Grill

Smokey Joe’s Texas Cafe

Classic and Southern rock. 3514 SW Sixth Ave., 803.9538

Classic and Southern rock, covers, dueling pianos.

1301 SW Sixth Ave., 331.7985

J’s Bar and Grill

Classic rock and covers. 3130 S. Soncy Road, 358.2222, jsbarandgrillamarillo.com

Joe Taco

Classic rock. 7312 Wallace Blvd., 331.8226, joetaco.net

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Singer-songwriters. 625 S. Polk St., 576.3396, sixcarpub.com

Classic and Southern rock. 2903 SW Sixth Ave., 331.6698

Teddy Jack’s Armadillo Grill

Eclectic: classic rock, country, acoustic folk, singer-songwriters.

5080 S. Coulter St., 322.0113, amarillo.teddyjacks.com

Wild Bill’s Fillin’ Station

Classic rock, country, Americana. 3811 SW Sixth Ave., 372.4500

L

ocal music-lovers aren’t limited to bars and restaurants among the city’s most popular live music venues. Other prominent concert locations range from the area’s only winery to a new outdoor venue within sight of I-40.

The 806

Part coffee shop, part restaurant, and part live music venue and art gallery, The 806 is an institution on Sixth Street – and one of the most beloved and creative establishments in the city. Eclecticism is the name of the game here, with a variety of local and traveling acts featured almost every weekend. Also popular is the city’s longest-running Open Mic Night every second and fourth Wednesdays. 2812 SW Sixth Ave., 322.1806, the806.com

Azteca Music Hall

Located east of the airport off Masterson Road, this simple barn/ warehouse has quietly spent the past 15 years hosting everything from touring rap artists to Mexican rock bands to Lucha Libre wrestling.

It’s one of the largest independent venues in the Panhandle and hosts public events almost every month. 500 FM 1912, 335.9990, aztecamusichall.com

Bar Z Winery

In addition to being the Panhandle’s only winery – owner Monty Dixon makes his award-winning wine using only Texas grapes – Bar Z has lately transformed into an equally well-respected live music venue.

THE 806

Almost every summer weekend it hosts local musicians and/or bands including Chad Miller, Ray Wilson, Noah Jenda and Old Dog Tray.

19290 FM 1541, 488.2214, barzwines.com

Chalice Abbey

Affiliated with The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Chalice Abbey’s Center for Spirituality and the Arts hosts several concerts and special events throughout the year – including HPPR’s Living Room Concert series – from its serene gallery space across Georgia from Wolflin Village. 2717 Stanley St., Suite A, 576.2480, chaliceabbey.org

Starlight Ranch Event Center

The newest live music venue in Amarillo, Starlight Ranch is part of an outdoor event complex owned by Bobby and Danny Lee of The Big Texan Steak Ranch & Brewery. Located north of I-40 on Sunrise, Starlight Ranch includes an outdoor amphitheater that has hosted acts from Texas country mainstays Kevin Fowler and Stoney LaRue to Red Dirt road warriors Turnpike Troubadours. A zipline, maze, dog park, and mini-golf on-site add to the entertainment options. 1415 Sunrise Drive, 372.6000, ext. 302, bigtexan.com/starlight-ranch

Starlight Ranch Event Center

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T

he most prominent bands and artists who come to Amarillo draw a larger crowd than local bars and restaurants can handle. When a concert is expected to draw hundreds or even thousands of attendees, the show will likely take place in one of four venues.

Amarillo Civic Center Complex

Amarillo Civic Center Complex

Since it was built in the late 1960s, the Amarillo Civic Center Complex has been the most prominent venue for large-scale concerts and events. Its auditorium has more than 2,300 seats, and larger acts perform in the multipurpose Cal Farley Coliseum, with its nearly 5,000 seats. Performers in the first half of 2018 have included Russ, Jason Isbell, Aaron Watson with Pat Green, Skillet, For King & Country, Willie Nelson & Family, and Dwight Yoakam. 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096, amarillociviccenter.com

Amarillo National Center

Built in 2000, this multi-purpose event venue is located within the Tri-State Exposition grounds and has 5,000 permanent seats. While it’s primarily used for rodeos, motorcross, monster trucks and the rest of the city’s dirt events, it has also hosted a variety of concerts. Texas Country singer-songwriter Cody Johnson performed there in May of this year. 3301 SE 10th Ave., 376.7767, tristatefair.com

First United Bank Center

This sports arena and multi-purpose space is located on the eastern edge of the West Texas A&M University campus in Canyon. It has a seating capacity of at least 5,000 and regularly hosts WT volleyball and basketball games, along with other events. Since it opened to the public in 2002, concerts in this 77,000-square-foot space have included Martina McBride, Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, Eli Young Band, Phil Vassar and Kellie Pickler. 3301 Fourth Ave., 651.0000, wtamu.edu/about/first-united-bank-center

Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts

Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts

Perhaps the premier venue in the area, this building on Buchanan opened in 2006 and is known as much for its striking architecture as for the renowned acoustics of the 1,300-seat Carol Bush Emeny Performance Hall. In addition to hosting the Amarillo Symphony, Amarillo Opera and Lone Star Ballet, the Globe-News Center has recently featured performers including Robert Earl Keen, Lyle Lovett, Old Crow Medicine Show, Bruce Hornsby and Boyz II Men. 500 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096, amarillociviccenter.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE AMARILLO CIVIC CENTER COMPLEX

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Bad Magik Musik Fest

A

marillo may not be known for the same huge, internationally renowned music festivals that draw thousands to Austin on an annual basis. But our homegrown festivals and gatherings – from Bad Magik Musik Fest to Lovestock to Pride – never fail to attract passionate crowds, year after year.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BAD MAGIK MUSIK FEST

Bad Magik Musik Fest

In recent years, this annual, free outdoor festival at Sam Houston Park has unofficially kicked off the summer on Memorial Day weekend. It typically highlights an eclectic list of local bands and musicians, along with food trucks and local vendors. This year’s lineup included Fine & Dandy, The Wookies, The Grumbling Grandsons, The Mag Seven, Mount Ivy and more.

Canyon Independence Day

Panhandle Pride serves the local LGBTQ community and every year, its annual June picnic festival – timed in coordination with the historical Stonewall Riots in 1969 – completely takes over Memorial Park. In addition to the food trucks, a drag show, and the ubiquitous rainbow paraphernalia, this year’s lineup included performances from Insufficient Funds, Amy Coffman, Mike Fuller, Hannah King, Broken Belts Collective and others.

Small-town Americana is the theme at the beloved 4th of July celebration south of Amarillo in Canyon. Beyond the parade on the 4th, the event will begin with Kickin’ It in Canyon, a family-friendly show featuring Canyon band Next of Kin and Josh Abbott Band, which originated in Lubbock. More live music is scheduled for the evening of the 4th before fireworks begin at dusk.

Route 66 Heart of Amarillo Festival

Chamber Summer Celebration

Tri-State Fair

June saw the 11th incarnation of this summer staple, held each year on the grounds of Amarillo’s Chamber of Commerce at 10th Avenue and Polk Street. The 2018 event featured food trucks, samples and plenty of treats from local restaurants – as well as the music of the Velvet Funk Band.

Harley Party

This annual street party is going on its 23rd year and will bring around 3,000 people to downtown Amarillo on July 28. Tickets for the party will also earn attendees the chance to win a new HarleyDavidson Fat Boy motorcycle, with all proceeds benefiting Family Support Services. Live music at this year’s party on Polk Street will be provided by The Blue Mesa Trio, Andy Chase & Friends, and the Buster Bledsoe Band.

Lovestock Party on 10th

Now in its third year, this annual festival on June 30 spreads the music of 17 different musical acts across three locations at 10th and Madison: T’s Bar, Zombiez Bar & Grill, and The Music Box. This year’s lineup included music from Nicky Cortez, OddFellas, DJ RoRo, Bad Grammar, Foreign Sons, Fellow American, Night Waves, Pan Complex, Nobody Cares, Fishlips and more.

Panhandle Pride Festival

This relatively new festival first rolls down Sixth Street every summer and continued this year on June 30, featuring a car show, swap meet, ’50s- and ’60s-themed costume contest, and an antique market along Route 66. Live music is abundant during the event inside the bars and restaurants up and down Sixth.

Few local events are more highly anticipated – or more popular – than the fair. Thousands show up each September for the rides and displays and fried (insert-your-favorite-food-item-here), but the live music is a huge part of the scene as well. As of publication, this year’s performance schedule hadn’t yet been announced. Last year brought Max Stalling, Kimberly Dunn, Moe Bandy, Rick Trevino and others to the fairgrounds.

Yellow City Sounds Music Festival

Produced by Panhandle PBS and FM90, the live Yellow City Sounds concert series features local Panhandle artists, and its music festival is no different. Launched last year on the Saturday of Labor Day Weekend, this year’s event is Sept. 1, and will showcase popular bands from Amarillo’s past, in addition to current artists. A highlight of this year’s festival promises to be a reunion performance from the Groobees – the first band to record “Wide Open Spaces,” which was written by band member Susan Gibson before being popularized by the Dixie Chicks. The Groobees officially disbanded in 2001.

JULY 2018 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

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AGN FILE PHOTOS

High Noon on the Square

S

ummer in Amarillo means plenty of outdoor events, and not even the heat of mid-summer can diminish the passionate crowds that attend. June is a huge month for music. But most weekly series – including June Jazz, despite the name – extend their performance schedules into July and August.

High Noon on the Square

Center City’s summertime series takes place every Wednesday at noon on the Potter County Courthouse lawn (501 S. Fillmore St.). Lunch costs $8 but the live entertainment is free, and June’s performances featured Andy Chase, Buster Bledsoe, and the cast of “Texas”. The upcoming slate includes The DustJackets on July 11, Patrick Swindell & Esquire Jazz on July 18, and in August, Mason Jar Reloaded and Insufficient Funds.

June Jams

These free, weekly outdoor concerts on the Square in Canyon occurred Thursdays evenings in June. Featured artists over the past weeks were Seth Ward & The Silence, Lindsey Lane, The RagTown Chiefs and Velvet Funk Band.

June Jazz

Another weekly summer concert series, the annual June Jazz dates back to 1995 and extends into July this year. These concerts take place on Tuesday evenings on the south porch of Amarillo College’s Experiential Theatre (Washington Street Campus). Polk Street Jazz

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June Jazz

Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • JULY 2018

and The Martinis were among the performers over the past few weeks.

AC alumnus Austin Brazille performs on July 3 and Patrick Swindell & Esquire Jazz are slated for July 10.

Music in the Gardens

This weekly, Thursday-evening concert series takes place at the Amarillo Botanical Gardens. It began in early June and extends until Aug. 9. Admission is $5 for members of the gardens, or $10 for nonmembers. Upcoming acts include Jen Williams and the Potty Mouths (July 5), Noah Jenda (July 12), Dear Marsha (July 19), Comanche Moon (July 26) and The Martinis (Aug. 2).

Starlight Theater Series

Not to be confused with The Big Texan’s Starlight Ranch, this summer series at Sam Houston Park is hosted by the city’s Parks and Recreation Department and features free concerts every Tuesday evening into August. Performers in upcoming weeks include Kim & the Crash, Buster Bledsoe Band, Mike Fuller and the Repeat Offenders, Fox & I, The Prairie Dogs, Dry Land Dreamers, The Lakehouse Project and Insufficient Funds.

What It’s Like from the Stage: The Musicians’ Perspective

“T

his is a great town for live music. I can’t stress that enough,” says Andy Chase Cundiff, between gigs. He plays three to four times a week during the summer, occasionally in concert settings but mostly at family-owned restaurants, where he supplies an acoustic music background of original songs and covers.

“The people here are very receptive. They know how to work hard and how to have a good time, too.” Regardless of the venue, Cundiff pays close attention to listeners. “You have to tune into what kind of audience you have,” he says. “I’ll know when there’s somebody like me who wants to hear a Jerry Jeff Walker tune or an old cowboy tune or a ’70s pop tune. You just have to diagnose what your audience wants to hear. In order to do that, you have to have a pretty good repertoire.”

Daniel Davis of Fine & Dandy, a folksy acoustic duo, says that while musicians are quick to tune in to their audience, they understand that focus isn’t always mutual. Not everyone present at a show is as fully invested in the performance.

He estimates that half of the people in his audiences may be there for the band. The other half? They just want to have a good time, which means a band or performer is simply a means to generate beer sales. That’s the dilemma for most musicians who perform in bars and restaurants. While some embrace that reality, others simply endure it. Regardless, Amarillo’s performers say the city and its audiences have come a long way.

For instance, Maggie Burt spent several years performing in Austin before moving to Amarillo and has learned to appreciate the local scene and the musicians who call Amarillo home. “Austin has a sort of competitive vibe, which is not necessarily bad, but I find that Amarillo has more of an energy of collaboration,” she says. “People are co-writing all

over the place, playing in each other’s bands, opening for each other’s shows. Both the crowds and fellow artists just seem to be overwhelmingly supportive of each other.”

Casey Berry once performed across the state and headlined his own shows before leaving the stage to take over Hoot’s Pub full time, and agrees with Burt. “There doesn’t seem to be a whole lot of competition here,” he says. “You can go watch [a show] at any place – Leftwoods, Hoot’s, wherever – and there will be other musicians in the crowd. That speaks volumes.”

Ray Wilson began playing locally in 2009 and says the scene has vastly improved since then. “A lot of the venues were difficult to work with or get booked as a musician, and I felt like even then the audiences were difficult to perform for,” he says. But the past few years have brought encouraging growth across the board. “It’s becoming easier to get booked.

Audiences are starting to become more accustomed to seeing someone perform live. When everything’s right, it’s just as good now in Amarillo as anywhere else.” As a performer, Wilson’s goal is simply to connect with an audience. “They’re there to have a good drink and listen to live music. If you’re performing original songs, somewhere along the way you want one of those songs to connect with someone – their life or past or a feeling they’re feeling. That’s why we do what we do. You want support from an audience in the form of applause or tips, but ultimately your hope is that connection.”

When musicians find that unifying moment, it’s magic. Andy Chase Cundiff says it happens more often than not. “The live music scene is really on an upswing here,” he says. “I know towns like Austin or Nashville have reputations for good audiences, but all I think about those towns is that they have big audiences. They don’t have better audiences. The people in Amarillo are just cool people.”

JULY 2018 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

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A Bit of History Repeating

Tascosa Drive-In Theater still thriving after decades in business

By Toshia Humphries

I

f you live in Amarillo and consider yourself a movie buff, you’ve likely experienced the nostalgic appeal of Tascosa Drive-In Theater. Located at 1999 Dumas Drive, the Tascosa Drive-In has been a part of Amarillo for decades, and regardless of technological advances and popularity of enclosed movie theaters, it hasn’t lost its attraction. This fact is partly due to the theater’s proprietor, who took over operations in 1998.

Born and raised in Amarillo, Tascosa Drive-In Theater owner and operator Rhett Butler Burns began his professional career in a completely different line of work – the medical field.

Still a registered nurse, Burns decided after 15 years in the health care industry that it was time for a change, a seemingly drastic one inspired quickly and pursued equally as fast.

“I got the inspiration on the way home from Dallas,” Burns explains. “We passed an old run-down drive-in, and I half-jokingly said, ‘That would be a cool business to build in Amarillo.’ To my surprise nobody was laughing.

“The very next day,” Burns continues, “I started a business plan and began researching the idea. The theater lot looked like a jungle. The towers and screen were not in good shape. But the easy part was the clean-up and construction. The hard part was trying to get it [the renovations] financed.

“We went to every bank in town,” Burns says, “and

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Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • JULY 2018

got the same answer: ‘No.’ I almost gave up when I was told my business plan looked great but Amarillo was too conservative for a drive-in theater. I wasn’t trying to change the political landscape of Amarillo. I just needed a loan to start construction. Thankfully, the very last bank on our list granted us the funds we needed.”

After securing the financial side, Burns rebuilt the theater, completely changing the look of a piece of local history whose façade had, over time, become quite an eyesore. But he decided to keep the name – Tascosa Drive-In Theater – in honor of that local history and because he knew it was a familiar spot filled with memories of times past for many residents still living in and visiting Amarillo. And, though it had become dilapidated, it would now be reborn and better than ever with unique characteristics that set it aside from any other movie-watching experience.

“What makes my theater different is we are truly a family-owned and -operated theater,” says Burns. “It just feels different.

Plus,” he says, “we offer two movies for one low price. The movie studios get the bulk of the gate money, so we rely on our concession stands for survival. That’s why I have the lowest prices of any theater in town.”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF TASCOSA DRIVE-IN

As for the concession stands, Tascosa Drive-In offers traditional theater fare like popcorn, candy and cokes, along with county fair-style offerings like root beer floats, funnel cakes, fried pickles and Oreos, and snow cones.

As for the other theaters (including the fancy indoor ones), according to Burns and Tascosa Drive-In fans, there’s no competition.

“We have the same digital projector as the big boys, but they can’t duplicate the atmosphere of an outdoor movie theater,” Burns says proudly. “Kids play on old-school playground equipment before the show. I don’t think the younger kids have ever even seen a real merry-go-round or a metal slide [until they see it at Tascosa]. Parents tell me how grateful they are their kids can experience a drive-in theater.”

It seems people of all ages delight in the experience of Tascosa Drive-In; a part of history no one minds seeing repeated. And, according to Burns, that opportunity to continue to do so won’t change, regardless of time.

“A lot has changed in 20 years,” he says, “but two things remain the same – Amarillo is still conservative, and the Tascosa Drive-In is still open for business.”

Things to know before you visit: • The theater is a cash-only facility • Movies air, rain or shine.

• Tascosa is pet-friendly.

Tascosa Drive-In Theater is open six nights a week (closed on Thursdays). The gates open at 8:30 p.m. and the first movie begins at dark. For more information, visit tascosadrivein.com or call 383.3882.

JULY 2018 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

41

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Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • JULY 2018

W H AT ’ S C O O K I N G ?

Here’s the Scoop

K

risti Aragon didn’t set out to become an ice cream expert. A professional chef who owns and operates Two Knives Catering, she decided it would be fun last Christmas to make a variety of flavors of homemade ice cream for visiting family. “A lot of times we just do things because we like them, and I love ice cream,” she says. “It was so much fun, everyone was like, ‘You should start doing this for people.’”

So she did. Two Knives Catering operates out of a commercial kitchen with a small storefront where people can order and pick up gourmet takehome meals twice a week. Aragon bought a commercial ice cream mixer that can make five quarts at a time. In addition to the meals and sides, she began selling pints of ice cream made from gourmet ingredients. Clients began to request that she make ice cream for events. She’s even selling it this summer from a push-cart freezer at the Amarillo Community Market.

“Before, I was just using my own small Cuisinart ice cream maker,” she says. “I didn’t know much about ice cream until I bought this machine.”

For this month’s issue, Aragon draws from her rapidly expanding ice cream expertise to share recipes and a step-by-step guide to making homemade ice cream – even if you don’t have a commercial-grade ice cream machine.

PHOTOS BY SHANNON RICHARDSON

JULY 2018 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

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Step 1: Cool it.

As with any recipe, start by preparing all the ingredients. Aragon says the best ice cream starts with ingredients that are already cold. “Even though you’re going to freeze it and put it in an ice cream maker, you’ll get so much better results if everything is really cold before you start,” she says. “Have your milk and cream cold, cold, cold and you’ll be way ahead of the game.”

Step 2: Mix it.

Use a whisk to blend the milk, vanilla and sugar together. You want to make sure the sugar is thoroughly dissolved so the ice cream isn’t grainy. But leave the cream out for now. “If you blend the cream the whole time, you’ll end up with true whipping cream,” she says. You don’t want that.

Step 3: Add the cream.

For the last 30 seconds of whisking, add the cream. Aragon says not to skimp on high-quality, high-fat cream. “What makes ice cream really good is the amount of butter fat you put into it,” she says. Massproduced ice cream from fast-food franchises might only be made from 2 percent butter fat. Two Knives’ ice cream contains the highest amount possible: 18 percent butter fat. “You can taste the difference,” says Aragon.

Step 4: Let the machine work.

After adding the cream, transfer the blended ingredients into your ice cream maker. Follow its directions and let the churning do its magic. “The churning puts air into it and that decides the quality of your ice cream,” she says, regardless of whether it’s a commercial maker or an old-school, wooden, hand-cranked freezer. “In 20 or 30 minutes, it’s going to be ready.”

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Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • JULY 2018

Experiment with nuts, candy and fruit to find your family’s favorite combinations.

Step 5: Add flavoring ingredients.

Ingredients like nuts, berries, cookies or crushed candy bars can be added now – about halfway through the mixing time in the machine. “You learn things like this the hard way,” Aragon says. “When I first started making ice cream, I added crushed Oreos during the first mixing process, and when the machine was finished, my ice cream was black!” For this reason, brightly colored or dark ingredients can even be added in a big bowl, stirring it into the final product.

Step 6: Be patient. p

Resist the temptation to eat the ice cream as soon as that 30-minute process is over. Aragon recommends freezing the finished product for at least two more hours. Ideally, she says to wait 24 hours. “That’s why you really have to plan ahead when you want to make ice cream,” she says.

Aragon says she used to think the freezing process was just to keep the ice cream from being runny. “But I’ve discovered that the flavors need time to ‘marinate’ together. It’s so much more flavorful if you give it a little time in the freezer.”

Step 7: Serve and enjoy.

“Everyone loves ice cream,” she says. “You can do whatever you want and make it however you like it.”

Used crushed lemon cookies and lemon juice for refreshing lemon crunch ice cream.

Chop cookies in a food processor for Thin Mints ice cream.

Quality cocoa, marshmallows and graham crackers combine to make delicious s’mores ice cream.

JULY 2018 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

45

Classic Vanilla Bean 1 cup whole milk ¾ cup granulated sugar Pinch salt 2 cups heavy cream 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract, plus the inside of 1 vanilla bean In medium bowl, use whisk (or hand mixer on low speed) to combine milk, sugar and salt until sugar is dissolved. Stir in heavy cream and vanilla. Cover and refrigerate 1 to 2 hours, or overnight. Turn on ice cream maker; pour mixture into frozen freezer bowl and let mix until thickened, about 15 to 20 minutes. The ice cream will have a soft, creamy texture. If a firmer consistency is desired, transfer ice cream to airtight container and place in freezer for about 2 hours. Remove from freezer about 15 minutes before serving.

Makes 6 to 8 servings

Lemon Crunch Ice Cream 1 cup whole milk ¾ cup granulated sugar Pinch salt 2 cups heavy cream 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 cup chopped up pieces of lemon cookies (We like Girl Scout cookies.)

In medium bowl, use whisk (or hand mixer on low speed) to combine milk, sugar, lemon juice and salt until sugar is dissolved. Stir in heavy cream and vanilla. Cover and refrigerate 1 to 2 hours, or overnight. Turn on ice cream maker; pour mixture into frozen freezer bowl and let mix until thickened, about 15 to 20 minutes. Halfway through mixing process add in lemon cookies. The ice cream will have a soft, creamy texture. If a firmer consistency is desired, transfer ice cream to airtight container and place in freezer for about 2 hours. Remove from freezer about 15 minutes before serving.

Makes 6 to 8 servings

High-fat milk products and quality vanilla make all the difference when making homemade ice cream.

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Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • JULY 2018

MEET THE COOK

Kristi Aragon of Two Knives Catering

A

fter 15 years in the medical field working as a mammographer, Kristi Aragon began thinking about trying something different. She had always been into cooking and food – she describes herself and her husband, radiologist Gary Aragon, M.D., as “big foodie-type people”—and had taken a number of public cooking classes.

Deciding to pursue a new career path, she enrolled at the acclaimed Cook Street School of Culinary Arts in Denver.

Upon finishing the program, Kristi joined forces with her long-time friend and neighbor, 17-year catering veteran Becky McKinley of Dining by Design. The two combined their skills to form Two Knives Catering, a boutique that offers everything from custom menu planning to gourmet meals-to-go. McKinley has since retired, but Aragon still operates Two Knives out of a commercial kitchen at 5500 Bluebird St. Locals know the Aragons not only from the catering company, but also from Our Daily Bread, a highly trafficked booth that sells artisan bread every weekend

at Amarillo Community Market. She has since added ice cream to the market offerings. “It’s always so hot there, we bought a pushcart freezer to sell ice cream,” she says. “We also make our own ice cream sandwiches.” These have proven enormously popular.

Aragon has enjoyed experimenting with flavors as she produces batch after batch using her commercial ice cream maker.

Her most popular flavor is cookies-andcream, but customers have also enjoyed piña colada for themselves and a “unicorn” blend for kids (it uses the marshmallows from Lucky Charms cereal). A more adultsoriented flavor Aragon calls “Date Night” contains a small amount of alcohol thanks to the addition of Kahlua or Bailey’s as an ingredient. “It’s really good,” she says.

She has learned that, regardless of the customer, ice cream flavors need to be bold. “If you’re blindfolded and you taste ice cream, there should be no doubt what it is,” Aragon says. “If it’s coconut, it should taste like coconut.”

And if it’s unicorn, it should taste like magical marshmallows.

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August 4 & 5 Saturday: 11 AM to 10 PM Sunday: 12 to 6 PM Amarillo Civic Center Complex

on s u e Lik es! t a d st up

ate l e h ll t Special Gue for a sts!

Cosplay Con tests!

Authors & A rtists!

Photo Ops! Screening R oom!

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Game Tour naments & Demos!

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

EVENT VENUE PROFILES 2018

P

lanning an event? Learn about a few of the city’s prominent venues – building size, services, technology and more – and choose the right spot for the big day.

Amarillo Civic Center Complex Years in business: 1968 to present; 50 years Location: Downtown Amarillo Venue size: The Amarillo Civic Center is a 340,000-squarefoot facility containing a variety of multipurpose areas including a coliseum, an auditorium, two exhibit halls, two ballrooms, and several meeting room spaces. The GlobeNews Center for the Performing Arts is a 70,834-squarefoot facility with a performance hall, rehearsal space, three-level lobby, dressing rooms, and a green room.

Capacity: (All numbers are approximate.) Auditorium, 2,300 seats; Coliseum, 4,870 fixed seats, 7,000 general admission. Grand Plaza, 800 banquet style; 1,100 theater style. Heritage Room, 1,000 banquet style; 2,000 theater style; 124 booths. North Exhibit Hall, 1,300 banquet style; 2,200 theater style; 148 booths. Regency Room, 560 banquet style; 1,100 theater style; 56 booths. South Exhibit Hall, 1,500 banquet style; 2,900 theater style; 155 booths.

Globe-News Center Performance Hall, 1,300 seats.

Globe-News Center Education Room, 112 banquet style; 287 theater style.

Accessibility: Entrances to the Amarillo Civic Center Complex are accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Access ramps are located at designated entrances and parking spaces for individuals with disabilities are available in adjacent lots. Accessible restroom facilities, communications equipment, and elevators are available.

Arrangements for those who require accommodations or an ASL interpreter can be made by calling the Complex at (806) 378-4297 or the City of Amarillo’s TDD number at (806) 378-4229.

Parking: A map and additional information on parking is available on the Amarillo Civic Center Complex’s website.

Facility features: Each venue in the Amarillo Civic Center Complex comes equipped with finishes and amenities to meet the needs of any event. The venues are designed with unique details and features to host events from energetic, fan-based experiences to elegant galas. More details on the features of specific venues are available on the Amarillo Civic Center Complex’s website.

Amarillo Civic Center Complex 401 S. Buchanan St. 378.4297 amarillociviccenter.com

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EVENT VENUES • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Starlight Ranch Event Center Years in business: 52 Location: East Amarillo off I-40 Staff: Two sales people, a food and beverage expert, sound and lighting technician, and SPFX/entertainment person Venue size: 20 acres Capacity: 5,000 Accessibility: Handicap accessible Parking: 800-plus lighted spaces Features and amenities: The Starlight Ranch features weekly concerts from touring entertainers. We have removed the hassle and hidden costs of booking an event or private party. We offer custom-tailored packages that offer access to all ranch amenities, which include three-tower zip line run; 10,000-squarefoot maze; two (nine-hole) miniature golf courses; golf driving range; bounce house area; hitch and food truck area; ice cream shop; two stages; full restaurant; off-leash dog park; pet-friendly access; playground area; 120-foot adventure suspension bridge; lookout tower; private bride’s room; in-house ticket system; indoor meeting rooms; separate smoking area; two full bars; 1,800-square-foot dance pavilion; main stage dance floor (2,400 square feet); wine tasting area; swing rings, corn hole lawn game areas; sponsor display areas; five private covered pavilions; car show display area; chairs, tables, rocking chairs; three indoor ticket booths; lawn chair seating areas. Our facility is perfect for accommodating a small group of 10 or a large group big enough for a complete park buy-out. Our size, diversity and covered pavilion space allows us to accommodate multiple events/gatherings with unlimited options.

This sets the Starlight Ranch experience apart from anything offered in our part of the country, and allows affordable pricing for any event.

Services: In-house catering; entertainment booking, ticketing; floral design; decorating, event coordination; photography; hotel limousine service; TABCcertified bartending; promotion, marketing; social media, graphic design; security; complementary non-profit facility leasing programs; hotel; janitorial Ambiance/environment: Experience a relaxed, Old West rustic environment that is family- and pet-friendly. The multiple patio areas are presented in a true Texas-casual atmosphere. Professionally landscaped with big, beautiful trees, fire pits, comfortable seating, and the very best in food, drink and entertainment.

Technology: Free Wi-Fi; large-screen conference monitors; wireless PA; complete level A sound systems; professional lighting systems; walkie-talkies; 15- by 18-foot digital screen; 50-amp/35-amp RV hook-ups; separate 400-amp and 600-amp hook-ups; HD video/drone service; 40 to 110 trade show booth service; copier, fax, IT access

Starlight Ranch Event Center 1415 Sunrise Drive 372.6000, ext. 302 bigtexan.com/starlight-ranch

EVENT VENUES • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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NOA Event Center Years in business: One Location: North of Amarillo near Hastings Avenue, surrounded by the wide open space of the plains Staff: Kelley Sims, owner, and Megan Soto, marketing and event management Certifications: Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission license Venue size: More than 8,000 square feet of rentable space Capacity: 350 people Accessibility: There are handicap-accessible ramps at two entrances.

Parking: NOA can accommodate parking for up to 350 people.

Facility features: Full-size kitchen with refrigerator, ice machine, three sinks, oven and plenty of counter space for catering; men’s and women’s restrooms with three stalls and two sinks each; four event rooms; two conference rooms; fully landscaped front area with waterfall and pond.

Services and amenities: Tables, chairs and tablecloths are available for use.

Ambiance/environment: NOA imparts a rustic feel in a spacious environment.

Technology: Wi-Fi, TVs in two conference rooms

NOA Event Center 3941 N. Western St. 677.8620 • 354.6733 noaeventcenter.com

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EVENT VENUES • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Piehl Barn Years in business: 18 Location: In the expansive Texas Panhandle, Piehl Barn sits as a standout venue for social events and weddings near the small community of Bushland, 10 miles west of Amarillo.

Venue size: 13,000 square feet Capacity: 350 Accessibility: Handicap accessible Parking: Field parking available Facility features: Indoor and outdoor arena, full kitchen, separate entrance for catering, dedicated electrical for bands Ambiance/environment: Ranch/barn venue located on the O– (Circle Bar) Ranch. With ample views of the prairie, the Piehl Barn embodies the wide-open frontier of the Panhandle.

Technology: Wi-Fi

Piehl Barn

900 FM 2381 806.236.7226 piehlbarn.com

EVENT VENUES • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

53

West Texas A&M University Years in business: Legacy Hall since December 2012; Alumni Banquet Facility (ABF) summer of 1998; the J.A. Hill Chapel, 1949 Location: On the campus of West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas Staff: Four staff members – director, assistant director, event coordinator, and production services coordinator; 20 student staff members Certifications: Two wedding and event coordinator certifications; bartenders are TABC certified Capacity: 125 to 800, which is contingent on setup of the room Accessibility: Yes Parking: All on-site Facility features: Legacy Hall is a new state-of-the-art facility (premiere facility). ABF was renovated in 2016. Hill Chapel has a new sound system.

Services and amenities: No charge for tables and chairs, event setups and teardown done by the university staff.

Extremely qualified A/V techs run all production needs.

Event managers at no cost to the client. On-site catering department is a leader in the Texas Panhandle. Security is provided as necessary for alcohol service.

Ambiance/environment: Our venues suit all tastes – anything from traditional to contemporary.

Technology: Legacy Hall offers a large-scale sound system for many different sizes of events, state-of-the-art lighting system with complete customization, and an HD video system with the ability to use live cameras. ABF has a built-in sound system with the ability to provide sound for different needs, house lighting system with some customization and the ability to provide high-quality lighting, and an HD video system. Hill Chapel has a built-in sound system.

West Texas A&M University 2501 Fourth Ave. 651.2000 wtamu.edu

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EVENT VENUES • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

July

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CANYON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

EVENTS

Canyon Independence Day Celebration

E

njoy one of the largest July Fourth celebrations in Texas on the Square in Canyon.

The festivities kick off on Tuesday, July 3, with Kickin’ It in Canyon at the First United Bank Center. The family-friendly concert will feature live music from Next to Kin and Josh Abbot Band. Food trucks will be available that evening from Twisted Trio.

Beginning at 7 a.m., join the Canyon Lions Club for its annual pancake breakfast at the Cole Community Center, then head over to the parade on Fourth Avenue at 10 a.m. and walk through the heart of Canyon. The Fair on the Square opens at 9 a.m., and offers holiday specials and fun for the kids until 3 p.m. Fireworks will begin at dark at Conner Park, and will include food trucks and live entertainment.

For more information visit canyonchamber.org or call 655.7815.

VIEW AN UPDATED LISTING OF EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE MONTH AT AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM. To have an event listed on the calendar, email details to mmcaffrey@amarillo.com or fax a press release to 806.345.3282.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

July 26

July 5

“Texas” dinner at 6 p.m.; show at 8:30 p.m. Show runs every Tuesday through Sunday. Palo Duro Canyon State Park Pioneer Amphitheatre, 11450 Park Road 5, 655.2181

18th Annual Chamber Open Golf Tournament 11 a.m.-6 p.m. The area’s largest one-day charity golf tournament. Ross Rogers Golf Complex, 722 NW 24th Ave., 342.2018

Music in the Gardens: Jenn Williams & The Potty Mouths 7-9 p.m.

Amarillo Botanical Gardens, 1400 Streit Drive, 352.6513

July 6

July 27

First Friday Art Walk 5-9 p.m. The Galleries at Sunset, 3701 Plains Blvd., 353.5700

2018 Heart Glo 8-11 p.m. 5K fun run and family walk. Funds will benefit Medical Center League House. John Stiff Memorial Park, 4800 Bell St., amarillotx@mendedlittlehearts.org

July 6-7 Amarillo College Summer Youth Musical: “The Secret Garden” 7:30 p.m. Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, 500 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

July 8 Amarillo College Summer Youth Musical: “The Secret Garden” 2:30 p.m. Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, 500 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

BENEFITS & FUNDRAISERS

July 7 Xcel Energy, United Way Golf Tournament 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Comanche Trail Golf Complex, 4200 S. Grand St., 378.4281 Ride for the Cure 1 p.m. Annual breast cancer motorcycle benefit run in downtown Amarillo. 383.3157

July 13 Shekinah Community Benefit Concert 5:30 p.m. Hosted by New Life Ministries. Proceeds from the concert will go toward building the Amarillo northeast community. New Life Ministries, 1001 NW 22nd Ave., 383.2163

July 17 WOWW Wine Tasting Fundraiser 5-7 p.m. Amarillo Botanical Gardens, 1400 Streit Drive, 342.5600

July 21 10th Annual RCSO Mud Mania 2018 7 a.m. Hosted by the Randall County Sheriff’s Office. Funds raised will benefit the RCSO Employee Assistance Fund. 9100 S. Georgia St., 468.5765

July 28 First Annual Khiva Shrine Clay Shoot 1-9 p.m. Registration deadline is July 9. Event will include individual and team shooting, horse races, silent and live auctions, dinner, entertainment, and awards. River Breaks Ranch, 7802 Durrett Drive, 373.2845 Original Harley Party 5-9 p.m.

Hosted by Family Support Services.

The 24th annual Original Harley Party will feature a reverse drawing for a 2018 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy or $15,000 cash, a second chance drawing for $1,000 and Fun Run, food from 30-plus restaurants, beverages, live music, vendor booths, bands and more. Downtown Amarillo with gates at 10th Avenue and Polk Street, 12th and Polk, and 11th and Tyler Street, 342.2503

MUSIC Yappy Hour 6-10 p.m. every Thursday in July. Evening will include live music, margaritas and food.

Starlight Ranch Event Center, 1415 Sunrise Drive, 678.7002

July 1 Bad Wolves and From Ashes to New 7 p.m. XR Downtown, 715 S. Polk St., 437.0223

July 2 Compass & Cavern 8 p.m. Leftwoods, 2511 SW Sixth Ave., 367.9840

Green Beard with Loudmouth Lisa 8 p.m. Leftwoods, 2511 SW Sixth Ave., 367.9840

July 15

Solano Project 8-11 p.m. Joe Daddy’s, 2108 Paramount Blvd., 463.7900

July 7

Lifeless 2 Life 9 p.m. XR Downtown, 715 S. Polk St., 437.0223

Kyle Park 5 p.m. Starlight Ranch, 1415 Sunrise Drive, 372.6000

July 17

July 10

Starlight Theater: Mike Fuller & The Repeat Offenders 7-9 p.m.

Sam Houston Park picnic area, 4101 Line Ave., 368.3036

Starlight Theater: Buster Bledsoe Band 7-9 p.m. Sam Houston Park picnic area, 4101 Line Ave., 368.3036 June Jazz: Esquire Jazz Band 7-9 p.m. Amarillo College, 2201 S. Washington St., 371.5000

July 11 High Noon on the Square: DustJackets 12-1 p.m. Free concert series with an $8 lunch catered by the AQHA cook team. Potter County Courthouse lawn, 501 S. Fillmore St., 372.6744

July 12 Music in the Gardens: Noah Jenda 7-9 p.m. Amarillo Botanical Gardens, 1400 Streit Drive, 352.6513

July 13 Walkin’ the Line Tribute to Johnny Cash 6:30 p.m. Starlight Ranch, 1415 Sunrise Drive, 372.6000 Dillon Cassidy & The Rhythm 8 p.m.

Leftwoods, 2511 SW Sixth Ave., 367.9840 Geezer’s Gone Wild 8-11 p.m. Joe Daddy’s, 2108 Paramount Blvd., 463.7900 Black & Denton 9 p.m. Broken Spoke Lounge, 3101 SW Sixth Ave., 373.9149

Starlight Theater: Celebrate America – Kim & The Crash 7-9 p.m. Sam Houston Park picnic area, 4101 Line Ave., 368.3036

July 14

Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • JULY 2018

The Oliver White Group 9 p.m.

Skooterz, 4100 Bushland Ave., 355.6600

True Justice & Chino XL 8 p.m.

Leftwoods, 2511 SW Sixth Ave., 367.9840

July 3

June Jazz: Austin Brazille 7-9 p.m.

Amarillo College, 2201 S. Washington St., 371.5000

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July 6

The Selfless Lovers 9 p.m.

Leftwoods, 2511 SW Sixth Ave., 367.9840

Galatea Burlesk presents: Eat It! 8:30 p.m. The 806, 2812 SW Sixth Ave., 322.1806

July 18 High Noon on the Square: Patrick Swindell & Esquire Jazz 12-1 p.m.

Free concert series with an $8 lunch catered by Bubba’s 33. Potter County Courthouse lawn, 501 S. Fillmore St., 372.6744

July 19 Music in the Gardens: Dear Marsha 7-9 p.m. Amarillo Botanical Gardens, 1400 Streit Drive, 352.6513

July 20 Moon Dog 8-11 p.m. Joe Daddy’s, 2108 Paramount Blvd., 463.7900 The Rock ‘N Roll High Fives 9 p.m.

The Golden Light Cantina, 2906 SW Sixth Ave., 374.9237

July 21 Josh Fields Duo 8 p.m. Leftwoods, 2511 SW Sixth Ave., 367.9840 Dakota Ritter 10 p.m. Whiskey River, 4001 SW 51st Ave., 367.6163

July 24 Starlight Theater: Fox and I 7-9 p.m.

Sam Houston Park picnic area, 4101 Line Ave., 368.3036 Anthony Picone 8 p.m. Leftwoods, 2511 SW Sixth Ave., 367.9840

July 25 High Noon on the Square: Lone Star Ballet 12-1 p.m. Free concert series with an $8 lunch catered by Chick-

fil-A. Potter County Courthouse lawn, 501 S. Fillmore St., 372.6744 Deltaphonic 9 p.m. Leftwoods, 2511 SW Sixth Ave., 367.9840

July 26 Buster Bledsoe Band 7 p.m. J’s Bar & Grill, 3130 S. Soncy Road, 358.2222

SPECIAL EVENTS Amarillo Community Market 9 a.m.1 p.m. Market runs every Saturday, and will feature live music and a variety of vendors selling homemade and handcrafted wares.

1000 S. Polk St., 335.6360

July 3

Music in the Gardens: Comanche Moon 7-9 p.m. Amarillo Botanical Gardens, 1400 Streit Drive, 352.6513

Kickin’ It in Canyon 7 p.m. Live music from Next to Kin and Josh Abbot Band. First United Bank Center, 3301 Fourth Ave., 655.7815

July 27

July 4

Average Joe’s 8-11 p.m. Joe Daddy’s, 2108 Paramount Blvd., 463.7900

Canyon Independence Day Celebration All day. Activities will include: Canyon Lions Club Pancake Breakfast, 7-10:30 a.m.; parade, 10 a.m.; Fair on the Square, 9 a.m.3 p.m.; fireworks show, 10 p.m.

Canyon, 655.7815

July 28 Allman Brothers Tribute 6 p.m.

Starlight Ranch, 1415 Sunrise Drive, 372.6000

July 8

Buster Bledsoe Band 10 p.m. Afterparty for the Original Harley Party.

Rounders Club, 2801 Virginia Circle, 352.3317

Garden Bros. Circus 1 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex Coliseum, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

Josh Weathers 10 p.m. Hoot’s Pub, 2424 Hobbs Road, 356.7548

July 12

Casey Abbe Band 10 p.m. Whiskey River, 4001 SW 51st Ave., 367.6163 Tony Holiday 10:30 p.m. Leftwoods, 2511 SW Sixth Ave., 367.9840

July 31 Starlight Theater: The Prairie Dogs 7-9 p.m. Sam Houston Park picnic area, 4101 Line Ave., 368.3036

NATURE

July 28 Show Your Stripes! International Tiger Day 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Learn about tigers and the efforts underway to protect these endangered cats in the wild. Kids can have their face painted in tiger stripes, watch and listen to keeper chats involving enrichment activities for the zoo’s two Bengal tigers, and visit exhibits to learn what you can do to save this species. Amarillo Zoo, 700 Comanchero Trail, 381.7911

Chamber After Hours 5-7 p.m.

Scarborough Specialties, Inc., 1601 S. Harrison St., 373.7800

July 14 Fourth Annual Bario Bash 4-8 p.m.

Event will include food, games and health screenings. Power Church, 1344 SE 10th Ave., 382.0800 Movie Night in the Square: “The Greatest Showman” 7-10 p.m. The Shops at Wolflin Square, 1932 Civic Circle, 355.6131

July 19 Mindfulness at the Museum: Lotus on the Lawn 10-11 a.m. PanhandlePlains Historical Museum, 2503 Fourth Ave., 300.1157 Texas Municipal League Banquet 5:30-9:30 p.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex Heritage Room, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

July 20 Movie Night on the Square: “Coco” 9:30-11 p.m. Historic Randall County Courthouse lawn, Canyon, 655.7815

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July 21

July 14-15

Gran Evento de la Superacion Personal 2-6 p.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex Regency Room, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

PRCHA Cow Horse and AQHA Cow Horse and Ranch Riding 8 a.m. TriState Fairgrounds Bill Cody Arena, 3301 SE 10th Ave., 376.7767

July 26 Cancer Survivor Celebration TBA. Amarillo Civic Center Complex Grand Plaza, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

CH Productions Team Roping 8 a.m.

Tri-State Fairgrounds Amarillo National Center, 3301 SE 10th Ave., 376.7767

July 28

July 26-29

Chalk it Up: Sidewalk Art Contest 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Hosted by Amarillo College. Prizes will be awarded based on votes from a panel of judges.

Registration deadline is July 20.

Amarillo College, 2201 S. Washington St., 371.5000

Panhandle Golden Spread Quarter Horse Show “Boom Circuit” 8 a.m.10 p.m. Tri-State Fairgrounds Amarillo National Center, 3301 SE 10th Ave., 376.7767

National Day of the Cowboy 9 a.m.2 p.m. Event will include free crafts, activities and more for children and their families. American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum, 2601 I-40 East, 376.5181 Barbizon Model Search 10 a.m.12 p.m., 1-3 p.m. and 4-6 p.m.

Amarillo Civic Center Complex Regency Room, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

SPORTS & RECREATION

Subscribe today!

July 1 Southwest Reined Cow Horse Summer Spectacular 7 a.m. Tri-State Fairgrounds Amarillo National Center, 3301 SE 10th Ave., 376.7767

July 12

Stay up to date with Amarillo Magazine’s in-depth features every month!

Call 806-376-5881 or email circulation@amarillo.com.

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Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • JULY 2018

TRADE SHOWS

July 13 The Peddler Show 12-6 p.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex North Exhibit Hall, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096 Amarillo Coin and Currency Show 2-6 p.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex Regency Room, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

July 14 Texas Gun & Knife Show 9 a.m.5 p.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex South Exhibit Hall, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096 The Peddler Show 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Amarillo Civic Center Complex North Exhibit Hall, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

Budweiser Partnership Championship Qualifier 2-5 p.m.

Ross Rogers Golf Complex, 722 NW 24th Ave., 378.3086

Amarillo Coin and Currency Show 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex Regency Room, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

July 13

July 15

PRCHA Cow Horse and AQHA Cow Horse and Ranch Riding 6 p.m. TriState Fairgrounds Bill Cody Arena, 3301 SE 10th Ave., 376.7767

Amarillo Coin and Currency Show 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex Regency Room, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

July 13-14

Texas Gun & Knife Show 10 a.m.4 p.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex South Exhibit Hall, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

Budweiser Partnership All day.

Ross Rogers Golf Complex, 722 NW 24th Ave., 378.3086

The Peddler Show 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Amarillo Civic Center Complex North Exhibit Hall, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

D LE EP TA’RST EMAETN! T

Restaurants • Food • Spirits

Six Car Pub & Brewery

Y

ou’ll see attention to detail and not-yourrun-of-the-mill small plates and entrees at Six Car. The new two-story restaurant and pub serves beer brewed on site along with craft beers and Texas wines.

The unique cuisine ranges from comfort food and fresh-baked breads to seafood, burgers and vegetarian dishes. Items from the Butcher Block section of the menu feature house-cured meats, a beef tongue grilled cheese sandwich, hamburgers and even vegetarian meatballs.

And for an exotic dining experience, the Tom Kha Gai Lobster (shown) is served with a burning lemongrass frond to heighten the senses.

After your meal enjoy two outdoor bar spaces, a rooftop deck and expansive first-floor patio with plenty of room for a family- and pet-friendly evening.

625 S. Polk St., 316.8101, sixcarpub.com Open Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

PRICING GUIDE $ most entrees less than $10 $$ most entrees $11 to $20 $$$ most entrees more than $21 RESTAURANT KEY y Outdoor Dining ☎ Reservations Recommended T Live Music c Full Bar C Beer and/or Wine only ^ Best of Amarillo Winner NEW New to Let’s Eat! UPDATE

Updated entry

THE LET’S EAT! GUIDE IS A READER SERVICE COMPILED BY THE AMARILLO MAGAZINE EDITORIAL STAFF. THE MAGAZINE DOES NOT ACCEPT ADVERTISING OR OTHER COMPENSATION IN EXCHANGE FOR A LISTING. THE GUIDE IS UPDATED REGULARLY. TO CORRECT A LISTING OR RECOMMEND A RESTAURANT FOR CONSIDERATION, CONTACT MICHELE MCAFFREY AT MMCAFFREY@AMARILLO.COM.

JULY 2018 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

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575 Pizzeria Toppings runneth over at 575 Pizzeria, not to mention the specials that rotate every month. (Check the board when you walk in.) 575 is family-owned and family-friendly, so it’s a great Friday night dinner choice. 2803 Civic Circle/ 7320 Hillside Road, 322.5575, 575pizzeria.com $$ C T ^ The Açaí Bar For those pursuing the clean-eating trend, The Açaí Bar can keep you on track.

Choose from filling bowls or smoothies as an alternative to a fast food breakfast or lunch. Each menu item is made fresh with mostly organic ingredients. The customer favorite Monkey Bowl – an açaí blend topped with granola, pineapple, bananas, strawberries, mini chocolate chips, coconut shreds and honey – will keep you satisfied past the daily 3 p.m. slump.

7306 SW 34th Ave., Suite 9, 367.9724, theacaibaramarillo.com $ Asian Buffet You’ll find a large sushi bar, a gleaming Mongolian grill, and plenty of Asian entrees, sides, and desserts at this busy buffet restaurant. If buffets don’t suit you, order off the menu, or take your order to-go. Outstanding service and cleanliness set this establishment apart. 3347 Bell St., 803.9588 $ Aspen Creek Grill One of only nine locations nationwide, Aspen Creek’s Amarillo restaurant offers its signature made-from-scratch food in a family-friendly atmosphere. Step into the mountain-lodge inspired decor and you can expect to be greeted warmly by the friendly staff, receive excellent service, and over-sized portions on everything from appetizers to entrees to dessert.

The Happy Hour at Aspen – one of the most affordable in town – is a welcome break after a challenging work day.

4110 I-40 West, 398.2776, aspencreekgrill.com $-$$ c Bagel Place Whether for breakfast or lunch, the Bagel Place offers a wide variety of cream cheese and bagel flavors. Zip through the convenient drive-thru for a great, lazy morning take-home breakfast. For lunch, try the bagel sandwiches made with Boars Head cheese and meat, a generous salad, or a tasty bowl of soup.

3301 Bell St., 353.5985, bagelplace.net $y Beef Burger Barrel Open in the same location since 1952, the Barrel is an Amarillo icon. The walk-up diner offers typical burger-joint fare at an affordable price, along with sandwiches, a chicken basket and fried jalapeños.

3102 Plains Blvd., 374.0101 $ y The Big Texan Steak Ranch & Brewery Everyone knows about the 72-ouncer, but did you know the breakfast buffet

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is only $14? Every morning from 7-11 a.m. you can pile your plate high with pancakes, sausage and skillet potatoes.

Top it off with a trip to the Omelet Bar before leaving completely satisfied.

7701 I-40 East, 372.6000, bigtexan.com $$ c T ^ y Bubba’s 33 The newest sports restaurant on the scene in Amarillo, Bubba’s boasts madefrom-scratch food and three restaurants in one: family dining, the garage bar, and a dining area with a bar. Feast on handtossed pizza, fresh-ground burgers, and tender rib-eyes. 2813 I-40 West, 353.0033, bubbas33.com $$ c y ^ Bunny Flakes & Crepes With an interesting name and a curious take on pizza, Bunny Flakes & Crepes is worth a visit. Choose from the menu, or create your own savory crepe with a smattering of meat and veggie toppings, or fruit, Nutella, chocolate and caramel for a sweet dessert. “Bunny flakes” is shaved, flavored ice cream topped with your choice of cookies, cereal or candy. Sip on smoothies, frappes, Vietnamese coffee and Thai tea while you wait for your order. 6010 SW 34th Ave., Unit A, $ Cask & Cork You’re in for a treat when you visit Cask & Cork. Ingeniously crafted menu items, which range from flatbread pizza and pasta to rib-eyes, quail and seafood to sandwiches and salads, will make choosing only one item a challenge.

5461 McKenna Square, Suite 101, 410.1113, caskncorkamarillo.com $-$$ c y ☎ Cattleman’s Cafe For a hearty meal to start the day, Cattleman’s is the place to go. Order the Cowboy Breakfast to curb those early morning hunger pangs. Customers keep going back for the enchiladas or traditional chicken-fried steak.

3801 Amarillo Blvd. East, 383.4818 $ c Cecil’s Last Chance Bar and Grill Burgers with all the fixings, chicken-fried steak, chili and sandwiches round out the menu at Cecil’s. Located just outside the I-40 East and US 287 junction, it’s your “last best chance for a great burger.”

12800 S. US 287, 335.1938 $ Coffee Fixx Serving breakfast and coffee all day, Coffee Fixx’s menu is bolstered with daily lunch specials featuring hot and cold sandwiches, soups, and nachos.

3020 SW Sixth Ave., 584.2445 $ Cowboy Gelato Smokehouse Formally located on historic Sixth Street, Cowboy Gelato Smokehouse began operating a food truck around town before settling in a new location in southwest Amarillo. The eatery has beefed up the menu and also offers a full bar and live music. 6103 S. Coulter St.,

Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • JULY 2018

Suite 200, 376.5286, cowboygelato.com $Tc Crush Wine Bar & Grill Crush’s excellent tapas, sandwiches, entrees and desserts are a big enough draw. Add an extensive and impressive wine list, a rooftop and street-side patio, and excellent service, and you’ve got one of the city’s premier hang-out spots. The Saturday brunch is hard to beat, too. 627 S. Polk St., 418.2011, crushdeli.com $$ C y^ T UPDATE

Delvin’s Restaurant & Catering Head to Delvin’s and fill up on some of the city’s finest comfort food. Long-time chef Delvin Wilson opened his small eatery in 2015, and it’s quickly become a favorite lunch and brunch stop. Sample a three-meat combination barbecue plate, or traditional American favorites like fried chicken, soul food, and fresh fried catfish.

Finish with the homemade buttermilk pie.

1300 N. Hughes St., 803.9111 $ The Drunken Oyster Open Monday through Saturday until 2 a.m., The Drunken Oyster features Louisiana-style cuisine in a unique and rustic setting. Fill up on fresh oysters, crawfish etouffee, gumbo, jambalaya, po’boys, and plenty of shrimp entrees.

Craft cocktails and an excellent wine list ensure you’ll stay awhile.

7606 SW 45th Ave., Suite 100, 418.6668 $$-$$$ c ☎ Dyer’s Bar-B-Que If you’re a meat lover, Dyer’s is the place for you. The family-style, all-you-can-eat lunch special is hard to beat. On Fridays and Saturdays, eat your fill of premium smoked prime rib. 1619 S. Kentucky St., Suite E526, 358.7104, dyersbbq.com $$ Eat-Rite The food at Eat-Rite isn’t just good for you; it’s delicious as well. Pile your plate high from the organic salad bar or choose from a variety of tasty sandwiches, soups and entrees. The marinated carrots are pure, tasty goodness. 2425 I-40 West, 353.7476, eat-rite.com $$ El Bracero Mexican Grill Home-cooked flavor and excellent service make El Bracero Home-cooked flavor and excellent service make El Bracero a popular stop for authentic Mexican food.

You’ll find a full menu of Mexican favorites like fajitas, carne asada, and enchiladas that keep local patrons satisfied.

2116 S. Grand St., 373.4788 $$ c El Patron When you’re looking for friendly service and flavorful Mexican cuisine at a reasonable price, you can’t beat El Patron. Prepare yourself for its morethan-generous portions, such as the restaurant’s namesake, which includes a 10-ounce rib-eye steak, two enchiladas, rice, beans, lettuce, tomato and sliced

avocados. Just looking to unwind?

Then enjoy El Patron’s draft beer and margaritas on the rocks during Happy Hour. 3401 I-40 West, 352.2570, elpatronrestauranttx.com $ c El Tejavan We love El Tejavan’s homemade guacamole, served up thick with onions and cilantro. The ceviche makes for a great starter or a light meal. For authentic taste, try the soft corn tortilla chicken tacos. The recipes at El Tejavan have been passed down for generations, so everything’s good. 3801 I-40 East, 372.5250/3420 I-40 West, 354.2444, eltejavan.com $$ c T Evocation Coffee You’ll find a thoughtful, simple menu at Evocation Coffee. Pour-over coffees and espresso dominate, but you’ll also find tea, cold press juices, fresh in-house waffles with a variety of spreads, and thick-sliced toast drizzled with sweetened condensed milk. Visit Evocation for expertly roasted and brewed coffee and a snack. Hang out because of the peaceful, modern vibe. 3300 S. Coulter St., Suite 5, 418.8968, evocationcoffee.com $ Fab Foods Fab Foods serves straightforward, homestyle meals with busy families in mind. Dine-in, call ahead, take-and-bake, delivery and catering are available for breakfast and lunch. And choose from a rotating daily menu of sandwiches, wraps, salads, hot entrees, and desserts. With those kinds of options, you’re guaranteed to please the whole family – no matter how large. 5901 S. Bell St., 398.3663 $ FAVs Conveniently located close to downtown, FAVs (which stands for Fruits And Veggies) offers salads, smoothies, soups and snacks chockfull of fresh vegetables, fruits, seeds and nuts – perfect for graband-go early morning fuel or a midday lunch. The health-conscious diner will also appreciate protein shakes, fresh muffins, juice and more. 706 SW 16th Ave., 803.9171 $ Fire Slice Pizzeria You know you’re in for a good time at Fire Slice when you see the menu. Choose from pizza specialties, such as “Tommy Boy” and “Hot Momma,” or build your own. Each pizza is made fresh in a custom-built pizza oven. Try savory Italian brunch items on Saturdays and Sundays, starting at 11 a.m. 7306 SW 34th Ave., Space 10, 331.2232, fireslice.com $$ c T Furrbie’s You’ll find old-fashioned grilled onion burgers and an array of sandwiches, salads, seafood and ice cream treats at Furrbie’s. Hot dog enthusiasts will love the famous Nathan’s Hot Dogs, the originals from Coney Island, New York, made with 100-percent kosher American

beef. Looking to cool off? Choose from fruity-flavored ice treats or ice cream.

210 SW Sixth Ave., 220.0841 $

803.9538, thehandlebarandgrill.com $cy

NEW Georgia Street Taphouse Whether in the dining room or inside the spacious bar area, there are plenty of big screens to keep you entertained at Taphouse. Sample typical pub fare and enjoy daily drink specials inside or on the covered patio.

2001 S. Georgia St., 803.7000, $$

Hoffbrau Steak & Grill House Family-owned Hoffbrau has been serving Texas-style steaks and beer for three decades. We recommend one of the Gr8 Steaks or something from the Hill Country Favorites list upon your first visit. Guaranteed, you’ll go back again. 7203 I-40 West, 358.6595, hoffbrausteakandgrill.com $$ c

Girasol Cafe & Bakery If you’ve missed having an artisan bakery in Amarillo, you’re in luck. Head over to Girasol Cafe and enjoy fresh baked goods along with a rotating menu of salads, soups, sandwiches and entrees – many with a Latin influence. Check the bakery’s Facebook page for daily featured items.

3201 S. Coulter St., 322.0023 $

Hud’s Open early every day for fans of the hearty breakfast burritos, Hud’s has been satisfying locals’ cravings for decades.

The faithful return again and again for Hud’s fountain drinks (try the cherry limade), chicken dinners, fried okra, and burgers, all made fresh daily.

7311 Amarillo Blvd. West, 351.1499/ 4411 Bell St., 331.4837 $

cTy

The Golden Light Cafe As the oldest operating restaurant in Amarillo, The Golden Light has been in business since 1946, all in the same location. For a great burger and fries, this is the place to go. 2908 SW Sixth Ave., 374.9237, goldenlightcafe.com $ c T

^y

Gooney’s You won’t get bored with Gooney’s menu. This downtown eatery and lounge cooks up pretty much every Asian dish you can think of – egg rolls, lettuce wraps, the always-reliable Charlie’s Special, chow mein, curry wings, even hot-off-the-grill rib-eyes and steak kabobs.

705 S. Polk St., 367.9585 $ y c Grandma’s Cocina With simple American-style food, Tex-Mex entrees and sides, a hearty breakfast menu, flavored tea, and fresh-squeezed cherry limeades, Grandma’s Cocina can be your new one-stop drive-thru for comfort food Panhandle style. Or call in an order on the way home from a long workday – Grandma’s is open every weekday until 8 p.m. 3609 SW 45th Ave., 398.9999, grandmascocinaamarillo.com $ Green Chile Willy’s Grill As the owners say, the way you like it is the way they fix it. Hand-cut grilled steaks, excellent burgers, chicken-fried steak and grilled chicken; you name it, Willy’s has it. And you can’t beat the country atmosphere for a relaxing good time. 13651 I-27, 622.2200, greenchilewillys.com $$ ^ T The Handle Bar & Grill Open at 7 a.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday for the breakfast crowd, The Handle Bar serves Texas-style comfort food – the handmade burgers are a customer favorite. Dine outside on historic Route 66 or cool off inside while savoring an ice-cold beer. 3514 SW Sixth Ave.,

I Don’t Know Sports Bar and Grill This Sixth Street grill has a little bit of everything. Chicken-fried steak, catfish, burgers, steaks, sandwiches, wraps, breakfast – there’s a lot for hungry diners to choose from. Enjoy fresh, homestyle meals, extra-friendly service and a casual, laid-back atmosphere while you watch your favorite sports on the flat screen TVs that line the dining room. On your first visit, try the pizza fries, a sinfully delicious combination of french fries loaded with pepperoni, jalapeño bacon, marinara, and mozzarella cheese. 1301 SW Sixth Ave., 331.7985, idksportsbar.com $ y c ^ Ichiban Noodle Bar & Asian Cuisine With the inner workings of its kitchen on display, Ichiban makes you feel like you’re right in the middle of a bustling noodle bar on a street in Asia. Endless choices of cold noodles and hot dishes make your dinner decision a tough one.

3309 Wimberly Road, 355.5031 $ Indian Oven The moment you enter Indian Oven, you’ll be enveloped by the fragrances of cardamom, ginger, anise, garlic and chili wafting from the kitchen. Start your meal with a generous portion of naan as you work your way through the extensive menu. Select a chef special such as chicken tandoori or chicken tikka masala or try a little of everything on the lunch buffet. Finish up with the to-die-for rice pudding. Don’t leave without sipping the mango lassi. 2406 Paramount Blvd., 335.3600, indianovenamarillo.com $$ It’s a Punjabi Affair If you were among the many Indian food fans that despaired when Amarillo Hut closed its doors, brood no more.

Punjabi Affair serves Indian-style street food, available for dining in or to take out. Savor classics like flat bread, butter chicken and samosa, and a few you might not be accustomed to like lamb curry, or marinated and fried tilapia. You’ll also find JUNE 2018 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

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options for vegans and vegetarians. The menu will change with the seasons in order to offer fresh local ingredients.

4201 Bushland Blvd., 414.2114 $ y J’s Bar and Grill Most of the entrees on J’s menu are priced at $10, and range from burgers and sandwiches to pasta and chicken. Enjoy fresh, handmade food at affordable prices.

3130 S. Soncy Road, Suite 100, 358.2222, jsbarandgrillamarillo.com $ c T y Jimmy’s Egg Fast, friendly service, a bright and cheerful dining area, and plenty of breakfast and lunch items from which to choose will keep you going back to Jimmy’s Egg. Order any menu item beginning at 6 a.m. and customize your entree to your liking.

Catering, dine-in, and easy online to-go ordering make your visit an easy one.

2225 S. Georgia St., 418.6752, jimmysegg.com $ Joe Daddy’s If you’re in need of some comforting, we suggest drowning your sorrows in Joe Daddy’s homestyle fare. The hot dog fries, ribs or homemade Nanner Puddin’ could be your new best friends.

For a weekend brunch, you can’t turn down the chicken and waffles.

2108 Paramount Blvd., 353.1227, joedaddys.net y T c $$ Joe Taco Great atmosphere and a variety of Southwest favorites make Joe Taco a great place to sit and relax, especially while enjoying a signature margarita.

Soak in the sun on the patio when the weather is nice. 7312 Wallace Blvd., 331.8226, joetaco.net $$ c T y ^ K-N Root Beer Drive-In If you’ve tried K-N’s yummy burgers and floats, then you know why it’s been a success for more than 40 years. The K-N Special, a double-meat, double-cheese burger, melts in your mouth. You can’t beat the old-fashioned, icy mug of homemade root beer. 3900 Olsen Blvd., 355.4391 $ y Kabuki Romanza Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar Who says you can’t enjoy fresh sushi aboard a boat in the heart of the Panhandle? Kabuki Romanza serves teppan-style cooking and fresh-sliced sushi in a dining area that resembles a boat, surrounded by special effects that add to the tropical feel. 8130 I-40 West, 358.7799, kabukiromanza.com $$-$$$

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Kathy’s Kitchen This is the simple, Texas Panhandle homestyle food locals crave. Grab the napkins and tackle the brisket burger, a hamburger patty topped with brisket and smothered in barbecue sauce, cheese, and two stuffed jalapeños. Generous

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portions, daily specials, and low prices will keep you going back for more.

4517 Highway 136, 383.2513 $ La Campana La Campana offers flavorful, inexpensive Tex-Mex with options that will please the entire family and the salsa is made fresh daily. We suggest the manchacas and huevos rancheros served with beef sauce. Don’t overlook the papas frijoles covered with cheese. 2220 Canyon Drive, 373.4486 $ C Las Parrilladas Norteñas With cuisine typical of northern Mexico, Las Parrilladas Norteñas features parrilladas, mixed grill items designed to feed more than one person. Grill plates come with chicken, beef and pork. Or feast on the parillada de mariscos, a plate brimming with shrimp, crab legs, oysters, lobster, tilapia, and ceviche, which feeds four people. Customers love the buffet with traditional Mexican entrees and sides. 1706 Amarillo Blvd. East, 803.9566 $-$$ T C NEW The Lazy Gator Get your Cajun fix at The Lazy Gator. The menu is brimming with pasta, seafood, fresh oysters, frog legs, burgers, po boys, and plenty of drink specials to wash it all down. We’re ready to tackle the peel-and-eat shrimp and creamy creole alfredo. 6103 Hillside, Suite 200, 418.6768 $$ c Lone Star Bar & Grill Visit Lone Star Bar & Grill for classic, American grill-style food including savory steaks, burgers, chicken sandwiches and more, all at an affordable price. You’ll also enjoy down-home, friendly service.

Lone Star’s guarantee: no hot beer and no small steaks. 935 E. FM 1151, 622.9827 $$ C The Lost Cajun You’ll find southern-style comfort food at The Lost Cajun. Enjoy the open kitchen as you dine on New Orleans favorites like fried catfish, oysters, gumbo, po-boys and beignets. 2401 I-40 West, 576.0019, thelostcajun.com $$ c Lupita’s Lupita’s comes from a long line of restaurants in Amarillo, all springing from the original Tortilleria Lupita. Find fresh fare, such as chile rellenos or a green chile Puerco torta, a basket brimming with pork, lettuce, tomato, onion and avocado.

4013 SE 10th Ave., 372.3537/ 3221 S. Western St., 350.7638/ 2403 Hardin Drive, 350.7637/ 3309 Bell St., 350.7297/316 SW Sixth Ave., 350.7705 $ c Macaroni Joe’s Macaroni Joe’s isn’t just a place to eat a great meal. The Tuscan-inspired rooms are the perfect place for creating memories.

Whether for a first date, the start of a new

Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • JULY 2018

life together, or celebrating important milestones, the restaurant offers excellent service and an exquisite food and wine menu. It’s at the top of our list.

1619 S. Kentucky St., Suite D1500, 358.8990, macaronijoes.com $$-$$$ c y

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Malcolm’s Ice Cream & Food Temptations Malcolm’s offers the ultimate in classic soda-fountain food: burgers, sandwiches and salads – everything’s good. Be sure you save room for dessert. Better yet, start with a treat. After all, it’s the most important part of the meal at Malcolm’s.

2100 Paramount Blvd., 355.3892 $ Maria’s Cocina Mexicana Find all your favorite Mexican dishes at Maria’s. We’re taken with the fresh tamales, but there’s plenty to choose from. In-the-know diners eat at Maria’s for the menudo, chile verde, and traditional enchiladas. 1316 SE 10th Ave., 373.8841 $ Metropolitan-A Speakeasy Start your day with a coffee and pastry at Metropolitan. If a midday lunch with colleagues is in order, impress them with Metropolitan’s twist on classic favorites like a BLT. Or celebrate the end of a productive workday with a classy cocktail, savory small plate, or scrumptious homemade dessert. The menu changes frequently so check the club’s Facebook page for updates and special menu offerings. 9181 Town Square Blvd., Suite 1201, 242.0117, metroofamarillo.com $$ c y T Moe Dogs Grill Memories of Route 66 come alive at Moe Dogs Grill. What once served as a gas station now offers hot dogs, burgers and other Americana classics. Decorated with memorabilia yet updated with flat screen TVs, Moe Dogs patrons have the opportunity to earn a free meal – that is if they can down eight jumbo hotdogs piled with chili, cheese and jalapeños within 30 minutes. And yes, there are fries with that. 3515 SW Sixth Ave., 220.2198 $ c y

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Momma J’s Head over to Momma J’s and fill up on more-than-generous portions of comfort food, such as extra-large breakfast burritos, chicken-fried steak smothered in gravy, fried okra, and all-you-caneat biscuits and gravy. There’s even a convenient drive-thru when you’re eating on the run. 2700 S. Grand St., 372.8911 $ My Thai It’s hard to find authentic Thai cuisine that compares to My Thai. We recommend the angel noodle with sauteed tomatoes and mushrooms for a tasty alternative to fried rice. 2029 Coulter St., 355.9541, mythaiamarillo.com $ ^

Napoli’s Fine Italian Restaurant Napoli’s has created an oasis in downtown Amarillo. Indulge yourself with the housebaked bread while you browse the ample menu. Try the hearty lasagna or one of the over-sized calzones while enjoying live music on the spacious patio.

700 S. Taylor St., 220.2588, napolisofamarillo.com $$ c T y ^ Nu-Castle Diner Patrons gather at Nu-Castle for classic American cooking. The small, downtown breakfast and lunch spot stays crowded with regulars. You can’t go wrong with a chicken-fried steak breakfast or a Dusty Burger. 518 E. 10th Ave., 371.8540 $ OHMS Cafe & Bar Set in downtown Amarillo, OHMS serves a buffet-style lunch then switches to wait service in the evenings. The chef features specials each week that range from seafood and smoked duck to beef tenderloin. Start with daily Happy Hour and give the Bar Burger a try. (It’s not on the menu, but it might be the best burger in town.) Excellent cuisine and service make this a delightful place to linger.

619 S. Tyler St., 373.3233, ohmscafe.com $$$ y c ☎ The Original Stockyard Cafe This cozy cafe has been located inside the Amarillo Livestock Auction building for decades. Fill up on home-style favorites like biscuits and gravy, chicken-fried steak, fried catfish, burgers, and zesty enchiladas. Finish with the homemade cobbler. 100 S. Manhattan St., 373.7999, amarillostockyardscafe.com $ Pacific Rim Pacific Rim offers a variety of AsianFusion cuisine in a unique setting. One of the best things about this place is the greeting you’ll get from Andy, the owner. But let’s talk food. The lettuce wraps are outstanding. In fact, everything is good. Pacific Rim even offers speedy delivery. 2061 Paramount Blvd., 353.9179, pacificrimam.com $ C Palio’s Pizza Cafe Palio’s has all your Italian food cravings covered. From generous subs and pasta dishes to fresh-made pizza, the cafe promises “real” food with madefrom-scratch dough, fresh produce and all-natural ingredients. There are even gluten-free options for celiac sufferers.

3562 S. Soncy Road, Suite 301, 398.7256, paliospizzacafe.com $$ c Pan-Handlers Cafe Kick your lunch experience up a notch at Pan-Handlers. Settled in the basement of Amarillo National Bank Plaza One, this family-run restaurant supports the community by using farm-fresh produce.

With a list of daily specials ranging from Mexican to seafood and cleverly concocted sandwiches (try the ANBLT on ciabatta bread), your dining experience

Pho 84 Serving traditional Vietnamese food, Pho 84 offers spring rolls, dumplings, and a variety of Asian fusion cuisine. Expect quality food and service when you visit the small, cozy eatery. 5713 SW 34th Ave., 437.1626 $ The Plaza Restaurant & Bar A long-time Amarillo favorite, the many loyal customers of the Plaza attest to the great food and affordable prices. Eat your fill of fresh chips and hot sauce and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere. Perfect for a family night out, the menu offers enough variety to suit the pickiest eaters.

2101 S. Soncy Road., 358.4897, theplazaamarillo.com $ c Poblano’s Grill Poblano’s Grill serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with a focus on Tex-Mex fare.

Try the sizzling fajitas, smothered chile relleno, stuffed avocado – breaded, fried and topped with your choice of meat – or opt for American favorites like a made-to-order rib-eye and chicken-fried steak. You’ll enjoy a bustling, friendly atmosphere when you dine in, or call ahead and take your order to-go.

900 S. Tyler St., 803.9235, poblanosamarillo.com $-$$ T c y Polk St. Eats Polk St. Eats offers a simple menu that includes burgers, “not a burger” sandwiches, salads, appetizers and fries.

You may be tempted to forgo a burger and give the Ripper, a quarter-pound, deep-fried hot dog, a shot. Enjoy Happy Hour daily from 4 to 7 p.m., and all day on Saturdays. 614 S. Polk St., 376.4700, polkstreeteats.com $$ c y T Public House You’ll want to take your time to enjoy t he ambience and upscale Southern comfort food at Public House. Savor the house favorite, a generous portion of meatloaf comprised of ground duck, pork and beef with mashed potatoes, a house-made pimiento grilled cheese sandwich, or enticing nightly specials.

3333 S. Coulter St., 398.7777, publichouseamarillo.com $$-$$$ c ☎ Rain Premier Sushi Bar & Lounge Rain lights up Polk Street with its sleek, energetic ambience and exceptional menu of contemporary Asian cuisine. Grab the gang for an evening of flavor and fun.

817 S. Polk St., 331.1155, rainamarillo.com $$ c y Red River Steakhouse Experience the flavor of Texas at Red River Steakhouse. With plenty of beef on the menu – customer favorites are the prime rib, barbecue ribs, and hand-cut steaks – and rustic windmill-themed decor, the

well-known steakhouse promises quality and quantity in every meal.

4332 SW 45th Ave., 367.9732, redriversteakhouse.com $$ c

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Robinson’s BBQ Robinson’s has mastered the art of barbecue. Especially with its chopped beef sandwiches. But don’t limit yourself to just a sandwich; try the tasty Frito pie.

If you’re in time for breakfast, grab an excellent breakfast burrito.

5920 Hillside Road, 358.2194 $ Roosters Restaurant and Catering Roosters offers more than just a good cup of Joe. Stop in and plan on staying for a hot breakfast pastry or one of the delicious lunch specialties. It’s the perfect place to relax with friends for lunch.

3440 S. Bell St., Unit 110, 353.7309, silver-fork.com $ y Saigon Restaurant If you’re in the mood for authentic Vietnamese cuisine, this is the place to dine. Even the pickiest eater can find something they like at Saigon.

The extensive menu, which consists of traditional Vietnamese favorites such as pho, spring rolls and Korean barbecue ribs, is vegan-friendly, too.

2909 I-40 West, 373.3456 $ C Scott’s Oyster Bar If you are a fresh oyster connoisseur, Scott’s is the place for you. Even though it’s a little on the small side, the quick service and excellent seafood make it one of our favorite places to hang out.

4150 Paramount Blvd., 354.9110 $$ y C Scratch Made Bakery & Cafe Conveniently located in downtown Amarillo, Scratch Made has the solution for your sugar cravings. This small bakery features cupcakes, along with a variety of from-scratch cookies, pastries, pies and cakes. Feast on some of the best biscuits and gravy in town during the weekday and Saturday brunch, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. 118 SW Sixth Ave., 731.4477, scratchmadebakery.com $ Serrano’s Mexican Restaurant You’ll find the real deal at Serrano’s.

The family-owned business serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with stand-bys such as battered chile rellenos stuffed with cheese, enchiladas and burritos.

If you’re stumped by all the options, owner Cynthia Vasquez takes pleasure in pointing you toward her favorites.

3701 Amarillo Blvd. West, 373.1303 $ Shi Lee’s Barbecue & Soul Food Cafe You’ll find classic barbecue along with fried chicken wings, catfish, pork chops and a featured soul food meal of the day at Shi Lee’s. Meat lovers can feast on platters piled high with ribs, sausage and brisket, with plenty of sides to fill up even the hungriest diner. 1213 SW Third Ave., 220.0032 $

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JUNE 2018 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

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NEW Sinaloa Hot Dogs and Mexican Food The hot dogs Mexicanos are the star of the menu at Sinaloa (although the roasted chicken is pretty tantalizing, as well). The extra messy hot dog, topped with bacon, avocado, onions, mayonnaise, mustard and ketchup comes on a toasted bun. We recommend extra napkins.

2618 Amarillo Blvd. East, 367.8935 $ NEW Six Car Pub & Brewery You’ll see attention to detail and not-your-run-of-the-mill small plates and entrees at Six Car. The chefs feature local greens, grains, meats, brews and wine whenever possible. Enjoy brunch on Saturday on one of the breezy outdoor patios. 625 S. Polk St., 316.8101, sixcarpub.com $$ C y T Spicy Mike’s Bar-B-Q Haven Diners won’t leave Mike’s hungry; they’ll leave licking their fingers. With chopped brisket sandwiches, tender pork ribs and more, Mike’s is a meat lover’s paradise.

6723 S. Western St., 358.8550, spicymikes.mymobisite.us $ Sushi House You’ll see Thai, Lao and Japanese influences on Sushi House’s ample menu.

Start with one of the many sushi offerings or choose an appetizer like marinated short ribs. Feast on filling teppanyaki entrees (the fillet mignon and scallops caught our eye), or choose a traditional Thai favorite like fried rice. With most menu items priced at less than $10 each, it’s the perfect place to grab a tasty lunch or dinner. 2630 Wolflin Ave., 803.9470 $C Tacos Garcia At Tacos Garcia, serving authentic Mexican food is a family affair. In the same location since 1999, the Veloz family serves up traditional favorites that keep loyal customers going back time after time. Try the Swiss enchiladas or the chile relleno lampriados. You won’t be disappointed.

1100 Ross St., 371.0411, tacosgarcia.com $$ c y Taqueria El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant Taqueria El Tapatio serves up authentic Mexican flavor in every dish. It’s just plain good food. The generous portions and affordable prices are easy on your pocketbook, too. 3410 S. Coulter St., 331.6248 $ C T Taqueria Rivera This unassuming little place is easy to miss. But don’t let the exterior fool you.

The chorizo is well worth going a bit off the beaten path. 2602 SE Third Ave., 803.9485 $ Taqueria Y Restaurant El Sol de Mexico With about 80 menu offerings, it’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed on your first visit to El Sol de Mexico. But press on.

Photos accompany each entree – which

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helps in the decision-making process – as does easy ordering with numbers for each item. Choose from traditional Mexican plates and sides or something from the grill (quail is a tasty option.)

3501 NE 24th Ave., 383.2038 $ C Teddy Jack’s Armadillo Grill Teddy Jack’s is known for its Texas-style comfort food featuring gourmet burgers, brick-oven pizza, and Tex-Mex. But the ample menu doesn’t stop there – fill up on Italian entrees, seafood and wraps and sandwiches. There’s plenty of items to make you go back for more.

5080 S. Coulter St., 322.0113, amarillo.teddyjacks.com $-$$ c y Texas Firehouse Sports Bar & Grill Texas Firehouse offers everything from a delicious, fried green bean appetizer to steaks to pizza, all in a family-friendly, smoke-free environment. Watch all your favorite sporting events while you eat.

3333 S. Coulter St., Suite D1, 351.1800, txfirehouse.com $-$$ c ^ Thai Diamond An ample menu filled with Thai, Lao and Chinese food awaits you at Thai Diamond.

Choose from staples like pho, chicken wings, beef jerky and sticky rice, pad ladna, or mango catfish. This is a cashonly establishment. 1653 N. Grand St., 383.1900 $ Thai Garden Take a culinary adventure at Thai Garden.

Choose from Lao, Chinese, Vietnamese and Thai specialties like seafood stew, beef jerky, and honey roasted duck.

The generous portions and low prices will guarantee a return visit.

5017 Amarillo Blvd. East, 373.7020 $ Thai House A look past the classic dive appearance will gain you an excellent dining experience at Thai House. The diverse menu includes Thai, Lao and Chinese styles with can’t-miss choices like dancing shrimp, fresh Lao oysters, catfish and pad kee mao. 5601 Amarillo Blvd. East, 383.0003 $ Thai Palace With more than 100 entrees available, your first visit to Thai Palace might feel somewhat overwhelming. Rather than settling for boring chicken fried rice, mix things up and opt for something from the curry menu. With red, green, yellow, Panang, or Masaman, there’s a flavor for every palate. 4723 S. Western St., 331.6011 $ Thai Spoon Thai Spoon’s menu focuses on Thai and Chinese specialties. Soups, fried rice and spicy dishes dominate – the tom yum noodle soup and green curry are customer favorites. 500 N. Fillmore St., 372.2909 $

Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • JULY 2018

Thai Town Restaurant This popular Thai restaurant offers a straightforward, simple menu in a casual, clean environment. Opt for customer favorites like chicken fried rice, chicken curry, and pad thai. The excellent and speedy service makes it ideal for lunch or takeout. 1300 Ross St., 372.6675 $ Torchy’s Tacos Feast on Torchy’s breakfast and savory tacos, many with the eatery’s signature use of pickled ingredients, making for a spicy, zesty twang of flavor in every bite. Start with the queso and a Happy Hour special and linger in Torchy’s hip atmosphere as the perfect end to a workday or for day-time weekend relaxation with friends. 3562 Soncy Road, Suite 101, 398.1111, torchystacos.com $

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Tyler’s Barbeque Going back to the basics, Tyler’s Barbeque combines a straightforward menu with a relaxed atmosphere. We suggest the mouth-watering Man-Sized Double Meat Sandwich or the tasty Frito pie. 2014 Paramount Blvd., 331.2271, tylersbarbeque.com $ ^ y Uncork’d Bar & Grill Uncork’d is more than just a wine bar.

Serving lunch and dinner, the small eatery offers American fare, with choices like fish and chips, steak, or hot Panini sandwiches. Choose a custom cocktail from the full bar or get help from the staff with the perfect wine or beer pairing.

2511 S. Georgia St., 367.6000, uncorkdwinebar.com $$ c y Urbana Coffee Works Southwest Amarillo can get its caffeine fix a little closer to home with the opening of Urbana Coffee Works. Hang out with a fresh brew and breakfast pastry, or enjoy lunch from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. daily with hearty, hot sandwiches, tapas, soups and salads, and desserts like gelato or cupcakes. 5215 S. Coulter St., Suite 100, 803.9022 $ T Vince’s Pizza Vince’s calzones are some of the best we’ve had. The pizzeria also offers huge Greek salads, Giro and an even larger family-sized pizza. Enjoy the quirky atmosphere or get your food to go at the convenient drive-up. 2413 S. Western St., 352.2656 $ Wesley’s Bean Pot & BBQ Loyal customers return again and again to Wesley’s. The atmosphere is friendly and the barbecue is genuine Texas style. The baby back ribs and brisket The baby back ribs and brisket are customer favorites.

6406 River Road, 381.2893 $ Wild Bill’s Wild Bill’s offers American food and friendly service. The green chile cheese burger with hand-cut, seasoned fries is

our favorite. Enjoy billiards, darts and arcade games while you wait, or after you dine. 3811 SW Sixth Ave., 372.4500 $ y

CT Wingstop Wingstop cooks up some of the best chicken wings around. There’s a flavor for every palate. And if you haven’t had sugared french fries, you just haven’t lived. 5807 SW 45th Ave., Suite 260, 356.9464/3300 I-40 East, Suite 900, 331.9464, wingstop.com $$ C Wonder Womenz Bakery If you have a sweet tooth, this small drive-up bakery could turn into a serious habit. The rotating dessert menu offers a dazzling variety of cookies, cupcakes, cheesecakes (whole or by the slice), sweet crepes, pies, turnovers and fudge.

And the treats don’t stop there. Savory entrees, soup, quiche, brunch, and handheld breakfast items fill the menu, along with coffee and tea. Check the Wonder Womenz Facebook page for daily specials and flash sales.

909 S. Madison St., 477.0199 $ y YCSF Craft YCSF Craft serves its popular gourmet eats for lunch and dinner. The diverse but limited menu boasts burgers, tacos, and daily specials, and features craft beer and a well-rounded wine list.

2916 Wolflin Ave., 353.9273 $-$$ C y Ye Olde Pancake Station With breakfast this good, you’ll be glad to know the Pancake Station serves it all day long. The restaurant also offers great diner-style entrees for lunch. We recommend the over-sized omelets, fresh pancakes, and southern fried chicken. 2800 Virginia Circle, 355.0211, pancakestation.com $ ^ Young Sushi “Rocks!”

The friendly greeting you receive when you walk into Young’s is your first clue your experience will be a good one. The helpful staff is always willing to offer suggestions regarding the sushi. If sushi’s not your thing, try the authentic Thai cuisine. 202 SW 10th Ave., 371.7200 $$

C^ Youngblood’s Cafe Experience the Western heritage of Amarillo at Youngblood’s Cafe. The Cafe serves up excellent chicken-fried steaks to satisfy your craving for beef.

Plus, Youngblood’s also offers a hearty breakfast every day starting at 6 a.m.

620 SW 16th Ave., 342.9411, youngbloodscafe.com $$ C Zombiez Bar & Grill Locals rave about the homestyle offerings at Zombiez Bar & Grill. Fill up on daily specials, burgers, chicken-fried steak or chicken-fried chicken. Dine-in, takeout and delivery are available.

711 SW 10th Ave., 331.7305 $ c T y

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A D V E R T I S E M E N T

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or more than 35 years, La Fiesta Grande has been a Tex-Mex go-to in Amarillo. Staying true to fresh ingredients and great service, La Fiesta is now serving up new flavors with a revamped menu of exciting dishes and beverages.

One newcomer is tacos al pastor. Feast on a plate of grilled pork with fresh pineapple and onions served on three authentic-style corn tortillas, and served with beans, rice and house-made chile de arbol sauce, onions, cilantro, guacamole and limes.

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RETRO REWIND

part from updated landscaping and signage, the Khiva Temple looks virtually the same today as it did when it opened in 1924.

Designed by the Herbert M. Greene Company – a Dallas architecture firm known for its department store designs as well as several buildings on the University of Texas at Austin campus – the elegant building has occupied the corner of Fifth Avenue and Fillmore Street for nine decades. The first Potentate of the new Khiva Temple was George W. Stapleton, a 33rd degree Scottish Rite Mason.

The presence of Masons in Amarillo dates back to

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Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • JULY 2018

1891, when Amarillo Lodge No. 731 received its charter. At the time, it was known as Blue Lodge No. 731 and met at the Opera House on Polk Street, a location now occupied by the new Six Car Pub & Brewery and Crush Wine Bar & Grill. Three years later, the lodge moved to 600 S. Polk St., meeting in a space above the Nobles-Callaway grocery. Around the time the Masons took occupancy of their new temple, the grocery on Polk was torn down to make way for the 10-story Barfield building – which still stands today and is being renovated into a boutique hotel.

IMAGE FROM AMARILLO PUBLIC LIBRARY ARCHIVES

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20 QUESTIONS

Cindi Bulla BROKER/OWNER, REALTY CENTRAL

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Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • JULY 2018

PHOTO BY SHANNON RICHARDSON

What is the best advice you received when you were beginning your career? Whether business or personal, time is your most valuable – and expensive commodity. Never waste it. How do you use social media to grow your network? The most valuable use of social media is in letting potential clients know who you are, what you value, and how you are contributing to their investment by working to enrich the community. Social media is a great way to promote yourself and your business, and an even better way to ruin both. How do you maintain balance? I block personal time as well as family time. Give yourself permission to walk away from all of it for a few hours a week. It makes you a better family member and a more productive professional, because it generates peace and gratitude. I often tell my coworkers what I taught my children – “Work to live, don’t live to work.” What has been your wisest investment? The people with whom I have associated through broker sponsorships.

They are the face and integrity of my name, business and life’s work. Nothing else has generated more return on investment than working with brilliant, trusted people. How has your past work experience shaped you into a leader? I came into the brokerage business with banking, mortgage lending, construction and commercial development experience. The experience in those fields has been invaluable to me, my agents, and most importantly, my clients. What is the best part of your job? The ability to measure results through satisfied clients with whom our relationship begins long before, and continues well after, their real estate transactions. The big “win” is when our clients recommend us to their friends and family. How has mentorship made a difference in your professional and private life? The real estate business is something of an enigma, in that competitors are often also mentors.

Because the best of us realize that different business models and consumer choices make for a healthy, robust real estate market, we tend to work together for the good of the profession, even as we compete for clients. Much of my own personal success is owed to direct and indirect mentorship by some of the best brokers in the business. Which living person do you most admire and why? I could easily name my husband or any one of my three children or their spouses, because they wow me daily. A close second, and a person whose life and wisdom fascinates me, is Condoleezza Rice. I don’t agree with 100 percent of her politics, but I aspire to her grace, dignity and ability to communicate. Which over-used word or phrase makes you cringe? “With all due respect,” which suggests none at all. Disagree if you will, but don’t be condescending by offering trite, verbal affirmation of respect. What is your business philosophy? Your integrity and the trust of those around you is worth more than all the money you could possibly gain by compromising it. Which quality do you most value in an employee? Integrity. All the rest can be taught. What personality trait has most helped you succeed? Sincere happiness and gratitude. I wear it like a forehead tattoo. Who is your favorite author? Today, it’s Maya Angelou. In a single phrase or poem, she speaks to the core of who I am. My favorite: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” What did you learn from your best boss? To lift up your coworkers and give them credit for all they are due, and then some.

Your worst? That you win through intimidation. No, you don’t. How can Amarillo improve its business environment? We have dramatic housing affordability issues on our doorstep, and must explore ways to maintain housing that our average workforce can afford. I’m concerned now about our City Council’s discussion on rental registration, which, if approved, will create another barrier to access and affordability. We have a brilliant and successful citizenry, and we need all hands on deck in order to thrive in such a competitive municipal environment.

Most important tech tool: Electronic signature platforms are not only the best, but also the worst because the process is fraught with risk. I love it and I hate it. Best time management tool: Setting aside short windows of time, when, short of a catastrophe, I do only that. I can’t live without my: network. I’ve spent my lifetime building it, and it sustains me personally and professionally. My favorite thing about Amarillo is: the generosity of its people. We live, breed and teach philanthropy. It creates an incomparable quality of life for a city our size.

Culturally, educationally and professionally, Amarillo is a gem. Too bad we haven’t told our own story very well. Most unusual job or task: There are so many, often involving moving boxes and pep talks. Most commonly, stashing something personal left on the floor or on the counter minutes ahead of a showing. That’s all I’m saying.