The University Star | Tuesday, November 18, 2014 | 5
TRENDS
UniversityStar.com
FOOD
Restaurants close to campus offer great eats By Andrea Hurell TRENDS REPORTER
312 University Drive Suite A San Marcos, TX 78666 (512) 353-3913
The Big Kahuna brings a diverse array of ingredients to the San Marcos melting pot, and it’s hard not to fall in love. The food truck features genuine Hawaiian food from its location at The Hitch less than a half-mile from central campus. Owner Mark Jacobson said the food truck is the only authentic Hawaiian eatery in the entire 512 area code. The food truck utilizes Jacobson’s family recipes from their restaurants in Maui. Even though The Big Kahuna is in touch with its Hawaiian roots, the food truck’s owners make an effort to be progressive in customer service by offering both vegetarian and gluten-free meal options.
THE BIG KAHUNA
312 E Hopkins St.
ZOOKAS ULTIMATE BURRITOS
ALVIN ORD’S
This close-to-campus spot features fresh, flavorful sandwiches and a mural-like wall decorated by current and long-graduated Bobcats. The shop offers options for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, with the pulled pork sandwich ranking among its most popular items. “The food is cheap and pretty massive,” said Olivia Trevino, Alvin Ord’s manager. “We are open during most campus hours.” 204 University Drive San Marcos, TX 78666 (512) 353-8042
Zookas Ultimate Burritos, founded and operated by a pair of Texas State alumni, offers the perfect local alternative to the ever-popular Chipotle and Freebirds chains. Patrons have the opportunity to build their own burritos from fresh ingredients, including vegetarian options. Students can relax with premium tall boys at rockbottom prices once class is done for the day.
PRESLIE COX STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Alvin Ords Sandwich Shop at 204 University Dr.
SPUD RANCH
San Marcos, TX 78666 (512) 680-0224
TANTRA COFFEEHOUSE
A relaxing atmosphere coupled with artisan menu offerings makes Tantra Coffeehouse one of the best options near the Texas State campus. The menu hosts a large array of sandwiches, breakfast food and homemade hummus in addition to its wide and varied coffee selection. Food aside, the coffeehouse is a popular gathering spot for friends to socialize, study and take in weekly live music. 217 W. Hopkins St. San Marcos, TX 78666 (512) 558-2233
PRESLIE COX STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Tanta Coffee House at 217 W Hopkins St.
The creative mind knows no bounds, and the geniuses behind the Spud Ranch baked potatoes exemplify this with their twisted and delicious take on everyone’s favorite starch. The restaurant offers a huge variety of themed toppings for their spuds, including macaroni and cheese, buffalo wing and chicken Parmesan. Spud Ranch proves that even the most classic dinner staple can pack a big punch. Spud Ranch serves burgers and salads in addition to its amazing potatoes. 1330 Aquarena Springs Drive Suite 112 San Marcos, TX 78666 (512) 805-7783
PRESLIE COX STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Spencer Spilman, mass communication senior, and Garrett Gonzales, mass communication junior, eat burritos Nov. 17 at Zookas.
MUSIC
DJ Mic-D proves work more business than hobby By Jonathan Hamilton TRENDS REPORTER Michael Taylor Texas State student and aspiring DJ better known as Mic-D, fell in love with the art of music mixing in the seventh grade and is well on his way to stardom. Taylor first began to explore his craft at age 13, making what are known as “screw tapes” or mix tapes paying homage to the legendary Houston artist, DJ Screw. Initially, Taylor spent hours upon hours practicing in his bedroom as he only had the funds to
buy a standard turntable. But as Taylor began to take the craft more seriously, he caught the attention of his middle school debate teacher who also DJ'd as a hobby. The young disc jockey didn't have enough money to purchase all of the essentials for a full set of equipment, so his instructor lent him speakers, amplifiers and chords in order for Taylor to get his start. Taylor bought his own speakers from a local pawnshop for $400 after about three months of saving up, officially starting the business he continues today. What started out as curiosity is
now a job for Mic-D. Taylor realized he could make a bona fide career of disc jockeying when he started scheduling his first gigs. “I was doing the same stuff I was doing in my room in front of grown-ups, and they really liked it,” Taylor said. “I started thinking, ‘If I can do this in my room for free, then I can get paid for this, too.’” Taylor said he matured musically and in a business sense after cutting his teeth on performing at parties and other social events. Numerous clients attempted to talk Taylor down on his price
for performing, he said. He now understands the importance of knowing one’s worth as a DJ and not budging when confronted with people underestimating him. As Mic-D has progressed, he has passed down wisdom and knowledge to other DJs trying to understand the business side of things. DJ Fat, another Texas State artist, regards Mic-D as something of a mentor, especially with his approach to making money. "Mic-D taught me to know my worth,” DJ Fat said. “He taught me to charge clients the value of
my services rather than what I think they are willing to pay. He's made me realize this is much more of a business than just a hobby." Word of mouth is usually the best form of advertisement, and DJ Mic-D has made a conscious effort over the years to build a clientele that will give positive reviews. He acknowledges even the most skilled DJ will be nothing without a loyal fan base. It is his direct aim to make sure people at parties or events enjoy themselves. Mic-D’s motto is "The difference between a good and a great time.”
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At University Club
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Rent: $399/month
KUNGFUSANMARCOS.COM
Email: rqh4@txstate. edu
SUBLET NEEDED
Phone: 9792166163
Sublease from Jan. 2015-Aug. 2015 Contact Robeshea Hill for more information
In the Mercantile Building
Across from Gruene Hall
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TIMELINE
Thu. 12/4 - Sun. 12/7 Thu. 12/11 - Sun. 12/14 Thu. 12/18 - Sun. 12/21 Outpatient Visit: 12/23
Men and Women 18 to 55
Up to $3500
Healthy & Non-Smoking BMI 18.5 - 32
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Healthy BMI 18-33
Thu. 12/4 - Mon. 12/8
Men and Postmenopausal or Surgically Sterile Women 18 to 55
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Healthy & Non-Smoking BMI 18 - 30 Weigh at least 110 lbs.
Wed. 12/10 - Sat. 12/13 Outpatient Visit: 12/17
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