October 22 2015

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Thursday, October 22, 2015 | A1

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San Marcos Stars 2015

DARYL ONTIVEROS STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Best Sandwich: Alvin Ord’s Sandwich Shop By Brooke Phillips @brookephillips_

Best Pizza: Pie Society Mack Ressler, pizza cook, prepares pizza dough Oct. 21 at Pie Society. By Autumn Anderson SPORTS REPORTER @aaautumn_

If you’re wondering what about the identity of the best pizza place in town, we’ve got the answer. Pie Society was recently awarded the San Marcos Star award for Best Pizza, presented by The University Star. “It’s really important that someone appreciates our hard work and high

quality ingredients,” said Faith Daniels, manager of Pie Society. “Especially the whole city of San Marcos." The almost-hidden pizzeria on North LBJ Drive has stirred up conversation between students and San Marcos residents alike. With its unique signature pizzas, there’s nowhere quite like it. The “Balance of Power,” which seems to be the most popular pizza, features fresh spinach, spicy sausage and Texas honey. “It’s not like anything you

could usually get,” Daniels said. “It’s a little sweet and a little spicy, that’s why people like it.” Being right on the edge of the Texas State campus has certainly been an advantage for the pizzeria and the students. Location is a huge factor, as the presence of such a noteworthy place right off of LBJ has been great for hungry students just getting out of class. The students of Texas State have played quite a big role in helping get the

PRESLIE COX MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

word out and around San Marcos about Pie Society. No one likes to talk like college students do. “They’re really important to us. We’re right by campus so they support our business,” Daniels said. “We try to go along with different Texas State organizations and help the university out because they help us out.” For more information, visit Pie Society online at http://www.piesmtx. com/#menu.

A piece of bread smeared with peanut butter and jelly is not the kind of simple sandwich one can expect from this award-winning restaurant. Alvin Ord’s Sandwich Shop is the proud winner of this year’s San Marcos Star: Best Sandwich in San Marcos. Instead of boring, dried-out sandwiches, it is clear Alvin Ord’s’ recipe for satisfying sandwiches comes from the way each order is prepared. “We bake our bread fresh every single day from scratch,” said Erika Pierce, Alvin Ord’s manager. “All of our ingredients are very fresh. It’s just a different style of sandwich.” Although the shop offers the usual choices like turkey, roast beef and ham, the sandwich called “Salvation” has proven to be the shop’s most popular hit. The Salvation consists of

ham, salami, three different cheeses and tasty toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, onions and mustard. With this combination of meats and cheeses placed on their freshly made bread, customers are always coming back for more. “We’ve never done much advertising as long as I’ve worked here,” Pierce said. “We keep people coming back here through word of mouth. Mostly people will be caring customers.” Being named the best sandwich shop in San Marcos is both rewarding and familiar to Alvin Ord’s. “I’ve been here for six years and we’ve won just about every year,” Pierce said. “We think it’s pretty awesome to win this.” For more information, visit Alvin Ord’s online at http:// www.alvinordsonline.com.

Best Burger: Taproom By Lauren Friesenhahn LIFESTYLE REPORTER @littlelo1122

Taproom Pub and Grub is San Marcos’ go-to bar for students and local residents looking for good food and fun times. Payton Weigel, Taproom employee and marketing senior, said the restaurant is best known for its burgers and wide variety of beers. Taproom has the largest selection of beers in San Marcos, racking up a total of 102 to choose from. Weigel felt honored the restaurant received the San Marcos Star award for Best Burger. “It’s rewarding, especially

PRESLIE COX MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

Alicia Jones, health information management junior, serves a mocca latte Oct. 21 at Mochas and Javas.

Best coffee shop: Mochas and Javas By Kasandra Garza NEWS REPORTER @KasGarza

Mochas and Javas has emerged as a crowd favorite among the many coffee shops that have made their home in San Marcos. Kevin Carswell, owner of Mochas and Javas, believes customers are attracted to his shop because his staff treats them equally and fairly. “We treat all our customers very well, and I think they appreciate that sincerity and honesty we have with our custom-

ers,” Carswell said. Unique coffee blends are what motivate locals to make Mochas and Javas their coffee destination, he said. Blends offered at the shop are always fresh and served within 10 days after the beans are roasted. “We’ve been consistent with our coffee for the last 12 years,” Carswell said. “I think, also, people can expect the same quality and flavor every time they come in.” Carswell said the mission of Mochas and Javas is to serve “extraordinary” beverages and food

to each customer. “What’s not to love?” said Joshua Szczeblewski, electronic media junior. “You got the mochas and you got the javas— bada-bang, bada-boom.” Mochas and Javas offers a gathering place where the people of San Marcos can meet and talk, Carswell said. “It’s where you spend most of your time,” Carswell said. “It’s a place where people meet up and relax.” For more information, visit Mochas and Javas online at http://www.mochasandjavas.com.

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whenever you have been working here for so long, and you see your efforts pay off,” he said. “It’s really cool to earn that title.” Taproom has been a staple in San Marcos for over 20 years, Weigel said Ciara Knight, communication design senior, said she enjoys going to Taproom for its Geeks Who Drink trivia nights every Tuesday. Knight said she could not think of any establishment more deserving of the award. “I have friends who have graduated who come back to the restaurant—specifically that place,” Knight said. “I always

judge a burger by if it drips down to your elbows. And if it does that, it’s the right kind of burger—and Taproom definitely is that.” Weigel said Taproom’s working environment and customer base make it a great place to work. The restaurant is a special place that should be shared with the entire community. “I feel like everyone should go there at least once—even if it’s in the middle of the day—just to have one of the burgers or to go drinking that night.” For more information, visit Taproom online at http://taproomsanmarcos.com/index. html.

San Marcos Stars Winners

Best Auto: Frank’s Auto Best Boutique: Two P’s and Calli’s Best Burger: Taproom Best Date Spot: Root Cellar Cafe Best Happy Hour: Zelick’s Icehouse Best Italian: Italian Garden Best Tacos: Exxon Best Ice Cream: Rhea’s Best BBQ: Kent Black’s BBQ

Best Coffee: Mochas & Javas Best Beauty Shop: Monroe’s Hair Studio Best Asian: Wok & Roll Best Liquor Store: Twin Liquors Best Music Venue: Cheatham Street Best Pizza: Pie Society Best Mexican: Garcia’s Best Nightlife: Harper’s Best Sandwich: Alvin Ord’s

Flexible options to earn Texas State credit. Find out more: studyanywhere.txstate.edu 512.245.2322 ASBN 302


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October 22 2015 by The University Star - Issuu