hill country current - january 2010

8/14/2019 Hill Country Current - January 2010

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www.hillcountrycurrent.com H ILL C OUNTRY C URRENT January 2010


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2 January 2010 H ILL C OUNTRY C URRENT www.hillcountrycurrent.com

Hill Country Current features the businesses unique to the Texas Hill Country.Were here to help people nd where to eat, sleep, and play. Its a spotlight onthe Hill Country Lifestyle.

Hill Country Current is available at Chambers of Commerce and otherlocations in Albert, Bandera, Blanco, Boerne, Bulverde, Canyon Lake, Comfort,Driftwood, Dripping Springs, Fredericksburg, Gruene, Horseshoe Bay,Johnson City, Kerrville, Llano, Luckenbach, Marble Falls, New Braunfels, SanMarcos, Spicewood, Spring Branch, Stonewall, and Wimberley. The Current isdistributed inside the Horseshoe Bay Beacon to every household in HorseshoeBay (3,100 total circulation).

Hill Country Current is a free, monthly publication covering the Texas Hill Country.

Published the rst week of every month and distributedround the Hill Country, reaching 13,000 readers.

submissions

To have your event included on ourmonthly calendar, submit it to [email protected] or by fax to (830)

33-4246. Events must be sent at least 14ays before the rst of the month. Includeontact name, telephone number, locationf event including address, and ticketost.

advertiseant to get your business or organization

seen? We can help with that! Contact theurrents ad sales staff today at (830) 833-

812. The advertising deadline is 5 daysbefore the rst of the month.

subscribeSubscribe to the Hill Country Current for$25 per year for 12 monthly issues. Send aheck to P.O. Box 429, Blanco, TX 78606 orall (830) 833-4812 to subscribe by creditard. Issues will be mailed out duringhe rst week of ach month. Contact usoday to get Hill Country events, stories,nd more in your mailbox.

Get Hill Country Current in your mailbox!Keep updated on events and more from around the Hill Country.Subscribe today and youll nd a copy of Hill Countr Current inyour mailbox every month. Its only $25 per year for 12 issues.

Send a check to P.O. Box 429, Blanco, TX 78606 orcall (830) 833-4812 with your Visa or MasterCard card handy.

Happy New Year!

Theres a lot to see in the Hill Country. Show us!From gorgeous views to friendly people, there are great photo

opportunities everywhere. Amazing view? Friends all dressedup for a night out? Meet a celeb? Pull out that camera (or cellphone!) and grab a shot for us. Let us know whos in the photo,whats going on, and where you are!

Email your snaps: [email protected]

cover photoruly Dining Out Sitting in the back of a pickup, eating Arriba! salsa and chips.

Read more about Arriba!s history on page 4.Photo by Melissa Regeon / melissaregeonphotography.squarespace.com.

the staff Scott Wesner

[email protected]

Charles WillgrenEditor

[email protected](830) 833-4812

ill HunterAd Sales Director


Francie Dix

Ad [email protected](830) 598-6740

my BrolinAd Sales


Heather WagnerWriter / Subscriptions



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inside Arriba! Salsa

Where Flavor is a Family Tradition

6 Hill Country Calendar of Events

9 FredericksburgHill CountryGem & Mineral Show

10 BanderaMardi Gras in the Cowboy Capital

14 FredericksburgGearing up for the

8th Annual Windows on Texas

15 KerrvilleKPAS Opens 2010 Seasonwith Lively Dance Show

15 Stonewall Renovations Bring LBJ State ParksSauer-Beckmann Farmstead to Life

16 Dining Out Taste of the Hill Country

18 Hill Country Off the Bookshelf

Follow us on Twitterand nd us on Facebook.heck out our social network onnections. Let us know what youreoing in the Hill Country and what

youd like us to cover!Twitter : twitter.com/texashcFacebook :

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4/204 January 2010 H ILL C OUNTRY C URRENT www.hillcountrycurrent.com

Photo by Melissa Regeon / melissaregeonphotography.squarespace.com.


5/20www.hillcountrycurrent.com H ILL C OUNTRY C URRENT January 2010

Arriba! Rolled TacosTaquitos con Arriba! (Serves 6)

1 lb lean roast beef nely chopped

12 oz Arriba! Chipotle Salsa20 white corn (or our)

tortillas1 onion nely chopped

1 bunch cilantro8 oz Monterey Jack cheese

shredded

Arriba! Salsa comes in nine varieties of re-roasted salsa, two bean dips, two chili conqueso (cheese dips), two Bloody Mary mixers,and ve exotic pepper sauces.

Riba Foods has further grown, offering diverseoptions for avorful food lovers. The NortenaArriba brand has ve varieties of regionalMexican salsas, a cheese dip, and two enchi-lada sauces. The Texas Pepper Works brand hasbread and butter-type pickles, peppers, andmustard. Comalera, the most recent brand de-veloped, includes four avors of picante sauce.

Since Texas is known for, and loves, its tastybar-b-que, the rst re-roasted bar-b-que saucewas created in three avors--original, chipotle,and garlic. Riba Foods also introduced the U.S.to the rst Sangrita, a popular Mexican drink

made to sip with tequila.

The company is still family-owned and is proudto be one of the premier re-roasting packers in

the United States. Riba Foods started with themotto Where avor is a Family Tradition andthey are still holding strong to that philosophytoday. The company currently has four genera-

tions of Barrios working together to bring youone-of-a-kind re roasted salsas and dips.

Sometimes, the family says, traditions are as-sociated with practices and beliefs which arehanded over from one generation to the next.During this process of transmission such familytraditions also acquire an aura or spirituality.It is interesting to note that transmission of anyset of such family traditions, acquiring spiritualsignicance, is largely an intuitive phenomenonand the ow of family traditions continue with-out any intention to generation after genera-tion.

Family traditions for the most families remainlargely conned within the family membersbut, sometimes, non-family members may alsoget associated with a particular familys tradi-

tions. This could most denitely be said aboutthe Barrios Family. They strive to continue tokeep their traditions of avor and family alive inevery product they produce.

Although they may not all bear the Barrios fam-ily name, they are all in fact part of the familythat keeps the traditions of authentic Mexicansalsa thriving. It is because of this extendedfamily that they have been able to bring you asmorgasbord of avorful products from salsasand dips to savory or sweet sauces... they haveit all!

Enjoy the difference of re-roasting fresh toma-toes, peppers, onion and jalapenos for that oneof a kind Arriba! taste. They invite you to start anew family tradition.

Arriba! Salsa and all other Riba Foods productsare available at grocery stores all over Texas andon the web at ribafoods.com.

Recipes

You can nd more recipes online at ribafoods.com.

Salsa De CapasLayered Dip (Serves 6)

16 oz Arriba! Spicy Black Bean Dip8 oz sour cream4 oz Arriba! Chipotle Salsa2 avocados, peeled, seeded

mashed2 tablespoons lemon juice, fresh4 oz Monterey jack cheese

grated4 oz cheddar cheese grated

1 large tomato chopped3 green onions diced6 slices bacon fried and

crumbled1 can ripe olives, black chopped

Preparing meat: In a skillet, brown thenely chopped roast and drain of anyexcess fat or water. Add 12 oz of ArribaChipotle Salsa, cover and simmer for 3hours. Warming tortillas: In a dry skillet,set at medium heat, warm tortillasone at a time, 15 seconds on each side(until they become warm and soft).Place in a towel line tortilla warmer orbasket. Making tacos: Take one warm

tortilla and place one tablespoon of theprepared meat in a straight line to theleft of the center of the taco. Sprinkleonion, cilantro, cheese and additionalsalsa on the meat. Starting at the leftside of the tortilla tightly roll into a taco.

Use a 9-inch casserole dish.Spread the Arriba! Spicy Black Bean Dip evenly over thebottom of the dish. Mix sourcream with Arriba! ChipotleSalsa and spread evenlyover the bean dip. Mix theavocados with lemon juice andspread evenly over the sourcream. Mix the two cheesesand sprinkle evenly. Sprinkletomato, onions, bacon and

olives as a nal touch. Chill fortwo hours. Serve with favoritecorn tortilla chips.


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events calendar

Dates of events are subject tochange. Please conrm them inadvance by calling the eventsphone number or local cham-ber of commerce.

BANDERA January 7-9Bandera County Junior Livestock ShowBandera County Junior Livestock Associa-tion will hold its annual Stock Show andSale at the Show Barn at Manseld Park.Animals will be shown Thursday andFriday, and the sale will be held Saturday.830-796-7755.

January 23Boots and Baubles Celebration4:30pm-7:30pm. The Bandera EducationFoundation will hold its annual fundraiserat The Lodge on San Julian Creek. 830-796-8538.

January 30Wild Game Dinner4pm-7pm. Grace Lutheran Church (451Hwy 173 North) will host its annual WildGame Dinner. Dine in and take out areboth available. Plates are a $10 donation.

February 2Silver Sage Music Corral7pm. Come enjoy the Grand Old Opry-style Entertainment the rst Tuesday of the month at the Silver Sage Corral Activ-ity Center. Hosted by Gerry and HarrietPayne, the evening will include the bestof Texas country music, refreshments anddoor prizes. Admission is $5 for adults or$12 for the whole family. 830-796-4969.

February 13Silver Sage Corral Sweetheart Dance6:30pm-11pm. The Silver Sage Corral willhost its annual Sweetheart Dance andDinner at The Farm Country Club. Musicwill be provided by The Almost Patsy ClineBand. For reservations and ticket informa-tion call 830-796-4969.

February 21CCPAL Sweetheart Spaghetti Dinner5:30pm-9pm. The Cowboy Capital PetAssistance League will host its 5th annualSweetheart Spaghetti Dinner at the SilverSage Corral. The evening will also featurea silent auction. For more information call830-510-6879.

BROWNWOOD January 2, February 6Family Day at theLehnis Railroad Museum10am-4pm. 700 E. Adams St. The rst Sat-urday of every month is Family Day at theLehnis Railroad Museum! The museum

will present a special interpretive programat 11:00 a.m. The rst program will be atour of the caboose, plus the Lehnis Heartof Texas Model Railroad Club will be work-ing on the new permanent model railroadlayout and will be available for questions.325-643-6376

January 6-9Brown County Youth FairFair Barns on Hwy. 377 S. 325-646-0386.brown-tx.tamu.edu.

ebruary 7-192th Annual Stars of Texas

Juried Art ExhibitDepot Civic and Cultural Center, 600 E.Depot St. 325-642-3397. www.starsoftex-sjuriedartexhibit.com.

BUCHANAN DAMebruary 13nnual Las Vegas Nightpm-9pm. Hill Country Hall, 15675 E

State Highway 29. Time for our annualLas Vegas Night! Come join the fun withhe Lake Buchanan/Inks Lake Chamber of ommerce. Drinks, food, games. 512-

793-2803. buchanan-inks.com.

BULVERDE January 9Bird Dog & Cat Fish Pet ShopRibbon CuttingNoon. 115 Old Boerne Rd Ste D. 830-980-

900. www.birddog-catsh.com.

BURNET January 7-9Burnet Coounty FFA & 4-H Livestock ShowBurnet County Fair & Rodeo Grounds.Located on Highway 281 South, behindthe airport.

COMFORT January 9 & 10, 23 & 24Paydirt Trail Building Workdays atFlat Rock Ranch Comfort, TexasIn 2010 we plan to re-route the trail acrossthe top Flint Hill to the perimeter ridge atthe top. The re-route will allow for a newtrail with fantastic views and some techni-al rocky sections. We do encourageamping on Paydirt weekends. 830-995-

2858. www.atrockranch.net.

January 30

Miles of DisComfort MarathonFlat Rock Ranch is located just outside of omfort. The Dreiss Family has ownednd operated the ranch for over 100

years. Beginning in 1999, STORM has builtnd maintained mountain bike trails at

Flat Rock Ranch. There are over 25 milesf single-track with switchback climbs,

technical sections and sustained descents. The trails offer stunning views of thesurrounding Texas Hill Country. $6 perperson land access fee. Primitive camp-ing with showers is available at Flat Rock

Ranch. Camping is $4 per night in addi-tion to the land access fee of $6 per per-son. Charlie Cude, 210-846-4608. www.storm-web.org/stormrace.shtml

ebruary 13Friends of the LibrarysMardi Gras Danceomfort Park. Music by The Gratefuleezers band. Tickets sold at Comfort

Public Library. 830-995-2398

COPPERAS COVE January 232010 TBi Copperas Cove ClassicRoad Race The TBi Classic is USAC sanctioned roadrace. The course consists of an 8.4 miles

ut section, followed by a 34.7-mile loop,then the same 8.4 miles back to town andthe nish line in Copperas Cove. Pro, 1, 2,3 eld makes two loops. Start and nisht the Civic Center, 1206 West Avenue B.

254-547-7571. teambicyclesinc.org.

got an event? send it on: [email protected]


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www.hillcountrycurrent.com H ILL C OUNTRY C URRENT January 2010 7

FREDERICKSBURG

Gillespie County Youth Livestock ShowSupport the youth of Gillespie County attheir annual Stock Show. gillespiefair.com.

January 8, February 5First Friday Art Walk FredericksburgA tradition in Fredericksburg, with galler-ies open until 8:00pm. Fredericksburgs artgalleries will be focusing on some aspectof exhibiting artists works, which mayinclude painting and ne craft demon-strations, casual art talks, opportunitiesto meet artists, special showings and en-tertainment. Participants will experiencethe Fredericksburg art scene up closeand personal while enjoying ne winesfrom local wineries and beyond all daylong. Participating galleries are Artisansat Rocky Hill, Charles Beckendorf Gallery,Fredericksburg Art Gallery, The GoodArt Co., Rodeo Studio Gallery, UptownMarket, Whistle Pik Galleries, Fredericks-burg Art Guild and InSight Gallery. Jan. 8date was changed due to New Years Day.www.rstfriday-fbg.blogspot.com.

January 9, February 13Fredericksburg ChoraleDialogues & Dances7:30pm. The Fredericksburg Choralewill host a concert of original and clas-sic chorale and instrumental music, aswell as poetry and art by local residents.Donations are graciously welcome. www.fredericksburgchorale.com.

January 14-17 Windows on Texas This event is designed to showcaseunsigned Texas musicians. Enjoy concertsthroughout the city and in Luckenbach. Texas art and wine will be on display aswell. See the schedule on page 14.

January 15-17 Fredericksburg Trade DaysShop with over 350 vendors and 6 barnsin one location every third weekend of the month. Acres of antiques, collectablesand much more. Relax in the Biergartenwhile listening to live music. $3 parkingfee is good all three days. Hours are Fridayand Saturday 9:00am - 6:00pm and Sun-day 9:00am - 4:00pm. Call 210-846-4094for vendor info. www.fredericksburgtrade-days.com.

January 16Scraps of Historyat the Pioneer Museum10am-2pm. Pioneer Museum/VereinsKirche, 325 W. Main Street. Try your handat stitching or learn about popular quiltpatterns from years past. Youngsters willenjoy making their own patterns withbasic squares, triangles and diamonds.Admission is $5 per adult and children 6- 17 $3. 830-997-2835. www.pioneermu-seum.com.

January 16Jazz in January2pm-5pm. Enjoy live jazz music at Ch-isholm Trail Winery, 2367 Usener Road (9miles west of Fredericksburg on Highway290). 830-990-2675. www.chisholmtrail-winery.com.

January 16-17 Gem & Mineral ShowLady Bird Johnson Park, Highway 16South. Enjoy mineral, lapidary, fossiland jewelry exhibits, demonstrationsand sales. Hours are Saturday 10:00am- 6:00pm and Sunday 10:00am - 5:00pm. This event is free and the public is wel-come. The Fredericksburg Rockhoundshost the show. 830-990-9823. www.fredericksburgrockhounds.com.

January 17 Fredericksburg Music Club Concert3pm. Fredericksburg United MethodistChurch, 1800 N. Llano Highway. Violin,cello and piano by the Merling Trio. Thisconcert is free and the public is welcome,with donations gladly accepted. 830-997-5413.

January 30Indian Artifact Show8am-4pm. Lady Bird Johnson Park, High-way 16 South. Buy, sell or trade NorthAmerican historic artifacts. Cost is $5 perperson for ages 15 and above. 830-626-5561.

January 31American Legion BBQ10:30am. Highway 87 South. The Ameri-can Legion annual pork and chickenBBQ with all the trimming for dine-in ordrive-thru. Cost is $7 per plate. Come earlybefore its sold out. 830-997-5582.

February 5-7 Hill Country Wine TrailEnjoy this food and wine pairing event.Wine is not just for lovers; friends, neigh-bors, enthusiasts and newcomers alikeare welcome. Venture through sleepingvineyards and cozy wineries, along theway enjoying complementary chocolatesand enchanting wine pairings. All TexasHill Country Wine Trails are self-guided.Visit website for maps. 866-621-9463.www.texaswinetrail.com.

February 6Wrede Historic School Host Open House3828 Highway 16 South. Join the Friendsof Gillespie County Country Schools Trailfor their open house at the Wrede HistoricSchool. The Trail allows visitors to learnabout the education and customs of the19th century residents of German heri-tage in the Hill Country. Each month adifferent rural county school will host anopen house and tour. Color coded mapsof the trail are available at the Visitor Cen-ter at 302 E. Austin Street. 830-644-2655.www.historicschools.org.


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January 2010 H ILL C OUNTRY C URRENT www.hillcountrycurrent.com

T ll us about your Hill Country travels.Email [email protected] with your story!

February 6-7 Merlot and Chocolate TastingBecker Vineyards and Lavender Farm, 464Becker Farms Road. A guest chef will cre-ate tantalizing chocolate creation samplespaired with our merlot. Hours are Satur-day 10:00am - 6:00pm and Sunday noon- 6:00pm. This event is complimentary.830-644-2681. www.beckervineyards.com.

February 12-14, 19-21, 26-28Fredericksburg Theater CompanyPresents The Man of La Mancha The Steve W. Shepherd Theater, 1668Highway 87 South. Join the Fredericks-burg Theater Company as they celebrateanother season. FTCs production will bethis ve time Tony Award winning musicalThe Man of La Mancha. All performancesare on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pmand Sundays at 2:00pm. 830-997-3588.www.fredericksburgtheater.org.

February 13Sweetheart DinnerChisholm Trail Winery, 2367 Usener Rd.Enjoy this formal dinner of ve courses,each paired with our wines. There willbe live music and a silent auction thatwill benet the Shriners Hospital. Costis $85 per person, plus tax. Reservationsrequired. 830-990-2675. www.chisholm-trailwinery.com.

GOLDTHWAITE January 14-16Mills County Youth Fair & Stock ShowMills County Civic Center, 1103 ClineStreet.

HAMILTON January 30-21Dearly BelovedHamilton Civic Theatre.

HONDO January 96th Annual Ed Fisher MemorialCollectible & Classic Car Show10am. Along 18th Street near the load-ing dock. A fun day for the whole family.Come see hot rods, antique cars, collect-ibles, motorcycles. Then visit our friendlystores in town and our many restaurantsfor a sit-down meal.

JOHNSON CITY January 14-1672nd Annual Blanco County YouthLivestock ShowBlanco County Fairgrounds.

KERRVILLE January 12Brown Bag Lunch at Riverside NatureCenter11:30am-12:45pm. Riverside NatureCenter, 150 Francisco Lemos Street. BrownBag Lunch Program, an educationalprogram: Mussel Aches and Pains-Dis-covering a Hidden Treasure, presented byJoseph Bergmann, a Texas Master Natural-ists who has co-authored several journalarticles and consulted for governmentagencies, universities and nature conser-vation organizations on the topic of land-snails and freshwater mussels. Bring yourlunch and enjoy this unique program.830-257-4837. riversidenaturecenter.org.

January 156th Annual Cowboy Breakfast at KerrCounty Courthouse6am-8am. Kerr County Courthouse.Sausage wraps featuring Shiner Smoke-house Sausage. Plenty of hot coffee, hotchocolate, orange juice and of course, ourannual Goat Milking Contest, Cow Chip Toss, and this year, were introducing a Turkey Bowling Contest! All to kick off and benet the Hill Country District JuniorLivestock Show and Sale. 830-459-6525.

January 16Star Party at Riverside Nature Center7pm-9pm. Riverside Nature Center, 150Francisco Lemos.Mars is the star of the show in this winterseries that features an educational andentertaining program for the adults andexciting games and activities for the kids.Afterward view the beautiful night skythrough telescopes provided by the SanAntonio Astronomical Association. 830-257-4837. riversidenaturecenter.org.

January 16Annual Dance of the Hills Fundraiser6pm-1am. Tucker Hall, St. Peters Episco-pal Church. Our Lady of the Hills AnnualDance of the Hills Fundraiser. An eve-ning of dinner, dancing, and fun to benetOur Lady of the Hills High Schools annualfund. 830-895-2301. www.ourladyofthe-hills.org.

January 21-22Ballet Folklorico de Mexico de AmaliaHernandez7:30pm-1am. Presented by Kathleen C.Cailloux City Center for Performing Arts.830-896-5727. kpas.org.

January 23Symphony of the Hills with PreservationHall Jazz Band7:30pm-9:30pm. Cailloux Theater. TheSymphony of the Hills will be playing inconcert with the Preservation Hall Jazz

Band. Tickets are still available for $35 byalling the Cailloux Box Offi ce at 830-896-393. The Preservation Hall Jazz Band isworld famous jazz band dedicated to

perserving and performing the original,New Orleans jazz. They have performed all

ver the world, from royalty, Carnigie Hallo symphony halls all over the world. Theyill be coming to Kerrville directly from aeekend engagement with the Nashville

Symphony Orchestra. Questions relativeo the concert can be addressed to R.

Kinas at [email protected]. symphonyofthehills.rg.

January 26, 28Berlin Philharmonic Wind Quintet7:30pm-10pm. Presented by Kathleen C.

ailloux City Center for Performing Arts.30-896-5727. kpas.org.

ebruary Rivers Edge Gallery presents Bud

ordinieram-5pm. Rivers Edge Gallery (832 Water

Street) will be featuring Landscapes of theHill Country. Tonalism by Bud Gordinier,moody realism by Richard Byrd and Hill

ountry Rivers by Lynn Forlee. 830-895-5184.

ebruary 5-7 inter Acoustic Jam Camp

New for 2010. Mt. Wesley Conferenceenter. Organized by the founders of Hillountry Acoustic Music Camp. This is a 3-ay camp. Contact Bob Miller at 830-459-

2120. www.hcamp.org.

ebruary 12-14hocolate Fantasy Weekend

Kerr Arts and Cultural Center. 830-895-2911.

KINGSLAND January 12, February 9

inter Texan DinnerKingsland Community Center, 3451 Rose

Hill Drive. 325-388-3321.

LLANO January 7-9Llano County Junior Livestock ShowLlano County Community Center, 2249 RR152.

January 30itywide Garage Salemerican Legion Hall, 200 Legion Loop.

325-247-4158, extension 209.

ebruary 13nnual Llano Memorial Hospital Mardiras Ball

The Llano County Memorial HospitalFoundation board members met recentlynd identied the acquisition of a new he-

matology analyzer for the hospital labora-ory as their 2010 fundraising project. The

Phyllis Farr Alexander, President of theFoundation, stated Our goal is $60,000.Proceeds from the 2010 Mardi Gras Ball,set for February 13th, as well as all other

onations received this year will help uschieve our goal and make the purchasef this new equipment a reality.

ebruary 13th Annual Desserts of Llano

325-247-4158, extension 209.

LUCKENBACH January 30Luckenbach Blues Festival2pm-midnight. Listen to the blues in theworld famous Texas town of Luckenbach. This event showcases blues artists from

round the country. 888-311-8990. luck-nbachtexas.com.

ebruary 12-14

Luckenbach Hug-InEnjoy this annual camp out and Valen-tines Ball with Gary P. Nunn. Three days

f campre songs and fun. 830-997-3224.luckenbachtexas.com.

MARBLE FALLS January 7 Meet On Main Takes place on the rst Thursday of everymonth between 5:00-8:00pm through-

ut Historic Main Street in Marble Falls, TX. The Historic Main Street Associationsponsored event focuses on providingthe local community and tourists withthe chance to stroll through Main Streetsunique shops and galleries, while enjoy-ing free live entertainment and in-storespecial sales and events. Local growers,rtists and crafters are present at thevents Homegrown & Handmade Farmers

Market. Meet on Main is an opportunityfor residents to indulge in local culture,visit with neighbors and shop local.

January 16Join Camp Phoenix at The Trails of Horseshoe Bay5:30 PM. Experience a world of tranquility,brilliance and transformation outside-the-box event staged in an elegant Zen

arden. This evening features complimen-tary signature cocktails and dazzling en-tertainment! Call Sarah at 830/613-7230.www.supportcampphoenix.org.

January 21Ribbon Cutting and Mixer at SpicewoodVineyards5:30 PM - 7:00 PM. 1419 CR 409 / Hwy 71E. Turn right before entering Spicewoodfrom Marble Falls. 830-693-5328.

nd us on facebook http://facebook.hillcountrycurrent.com/


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MASON

Mason County Livestock ShowShow barn at the Fairgrounds.

NEW BRAUNFELSFebruary 5The World Famous Platters

7:30pm. Brauntex Theatre, 290 W. SanAntonio Street. Expect to be dazzled andcharmed by the nostalgia that is the Plat-ters, with Eddie Stovall, Lawrence Roost-er Lockhard, Willie Nash McCall, AndreSheppard and Yolanda Branch Fletcher.With over 40 years of performing live onstage, 13 in Branson, this group will WOWyou with show-stopping performances of Only You, Smoke Gets in Your Eyes, andThe Great Pretender to name just a few. These Platters will also bring the music of The Temptations, Smokey Robinson, Four

Tops and Mary Wells live on stage in theBrauntex Theatre for one performanceonly. 830-627-0808.

February 6Hopelessly DevotedDaddy/Daughter Sweetheart Dance. 7pm-9:30pm. A magical evening with dancingin a 50s themed ballroom, refreshments,keepsakes and a memorable photographof the couple! Call for details - hurry,always sells out! 830-221-4370. $38 percouple for registration before Jan. 23rd.

February 7-23Traveling Exhibit to Visit Sophienburg10am-4pm. 401 W. Coll Street. The So-phienburg will be hosting the TRACESexhibit Vanished: German-AmericanCivilian Internment, 1941-48. Vanishedillustrates the WWII story of the arrest anddetainment of alleged potentially danger-ous enemy aliens and German-Americancivilians. The state of Texas had intern-ment camps at Seagoville, Kenedy, CrystalCity and other locations. 830-629-1572.

SAN SABA January 8City Wide Skate Night6pm-9pm. San Saba Civic Center, MillPond Park. Movie in the Park follows skat-ing. 325-372-5440.

January 14 & 15San Saba County Youth FairSan Saba Senior Center.

January 14-16San Saba County Livestock ShowCounty Show Barn on Church Street.

February 13Valentine Dinner and Movie6pm. San Saba Civic Center. Sponsoredby the San Saba Golden Armadillo BandBoosters.

STARTZVILLEVFW Post NightsJoin us! Tacos every Wednesday night atthe VFW Post. Karaoke from 6 PM until 10PM. Shuffl eboard tournament in our can-teen. Bingo every Thursday night. Kitchenopens at 6pm, cards go on sale at 6:30pm.Hamburgers and hot dogs every Fridaynight. 830-899-7774.

STONEWALLFebruary 6Fredericksburg ChoraleMid-Winter ConcertSt. Josephs Society, 212 W. San Antonio. The Fredericksburg Chorale will host aconcert of original, classic and instrumen-tal music. Donations are welcome. 830-997-6869. fredericksburgchorale.com.

February 6

Old Time German Smokehouse SecretsLBJ State Park & Historic Site, 199 StatePark Road 52. Experience 1900s meat pro-cessing methods used on an old Germanfarm. Watch the curing of bacon, the artof stuffi ng sausage. Visit with interpret-ers at the farm on methods and ways of handling foods, compare them to todaystechniques. Free, with donation graciouslyaccepted. 830-644-2252. www.tpwd.state.tx.us/park/lbj

UVALDE January 28-30Uvalde County Jr. Livestock ShowUvalde Fairgrounds.

February 19-20, 26-27 Sahawe Indian Winter CeremonialsFirst United Methodist Church, 301 NorthHigh Street. Bill Dillahunty, 830-278-2016.

WIMBERLEY January 7 YAPI (Young Artist PerformingIncubator) @ Maui WowiCome to Maui-Wowi (14200 Ranch Road12) from 6:00pm-8:00pm. YAPI is a greatopportunity for youth 18 and under toperform in an intimate setting. ContactDuAnne, 512-847-6215.

January 22-24, 29-31, February 5-7, 12-14The Elephant Man, presented byThe EmilyAnn TheatreNew indoor Studio Theatre Show! The

Elephant Man by Bernard Pomerance. Iam not an elephant! I am not an animal! Iam a human being! I am a man! Tickets:$15.00 for adults; $10.00 for students.Only 35 seats available per performance!Buy your tickets now online (emilyann.org) or by calling the EmilyAnn Theatre(512-847-6969). Dont miss this wonderfulproduction featuring an amazing cast!

fredericksburg

AM until 5 PM. This event will be inside thePioneer Pavilion at Lady BirdJohnson Municipal Park, abouttwo miles south of downtownFredericksburg on Highway 16.Admission and parking are free,and every visitor is eligible forfree tickets for hourly door prizedrawings.

Exhibitors, demonstrators, anddealers will have gems, jewelry,exotic minerals, geodes, crystals,arrowheads, fossils, meteoritesand more for the visitor to see orbuy. The vendors include profes-

sional dealers from all over thecountry as well as members of

the Fredericksburg Rockhoundswho have parts of their collec-tions for sale.

Finished, one-of-a-kind itemsin all price ranges will appeal to jewelry lovers and gift buyers.Jewelry designers and artists willnd materials to create their ownpieces. Rock, fossil, and arrow-head collectors will nd interest-ing objects and people. To see an unusual assortment

of rocks, visitors can enter a dark room with uorescent mineralsshining in vivid and varied col-ors. Club geologists and some of

Hill Country Gem & Mineral Show

Inside Pioneer Pavilion at LadyBird Johnson Municipal Park (about 2 miles south of down-town Fredericksburg on High-way 16).

Sat., January 16: 9am-6pmSun., January 17: 10am-5 pm

Free admission, free parking.

,

ing, and talking. Rock houndscome to the show to talk aboutexperiences and share thingshey have found on their hunts.

The camaraderie among hobby-ists makes this gem and mineralshow an enjoyable experience.

Folks of all ages are welcome. The show offers an opportunityfor parents or grandparents tointroduce youngsters to theideas of rock, arrowhead, orfossil collecting; tumbling rocks;geology; archaeology; jewelrymaking; silver smithing; andother pursuits that are hands-on, active, and sometimesoutdoors.

Its a denite change from the

orld of computers, television,iPhones, and digital games.


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B Y H EATHER W AGNER

What happens when you bring Mardi Gras to the Cowboy Capi-

tal of the world? One of the wildest, craziest, and fastest growing

celebrations in Texas! Cowboy Mardi Gras, held each year for the

past six years the week before the offi cial celebration in Louisiana

and throughout East Texas, is sure to make you wish you were Ca-

jun! The 11th Street Cowboy Bar, located just one block off of Main

Street in Bandera, is the host to this massive celebration, hosting

some of the best Zydeco bands and a Gumbo cook-off that boasts

more than 30 entrants.

bandera

Photos courtesy 11th Street Cowboy Bar.


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in the parade, an event that hasgrown to include horses, motor-cycles, oats, and people dressedin all forms of Mardi Gras-inspiredcostumes. One year there wereeven 24 singing Elvis imperson-ators from Texas Tech! Nobody isurned away, and everybody is

guaranteed to have a great time. The parade will start at noon at theriver, go down Main Street, andcircle back to where the crowd willgather at the 11th Street CowboyBar.

At approximately 12:30pm,Herbie Stutes and The Grand ShinBand will start rocking the house

ith some authentic Acadianydeco music that will guaranteehat you tap your toes to the irre-

sistible beat and make you hungryfor the Cajun goodies. The party will go all day, with the

bars open and Gumbo samplesavailable for all to taste.

At 3pm, all the guys and gals willgather for the Costume Contest

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and for the announcement of thewinner of the cash prize for theGumbo Cook-Off. The Grammy-award nominated,

accordion master Jo-El Sonnier willtake his place on the grand stageat 8:30pm where he will show howits done in the back country. Son-

nier began playing the accordionat only three years of age, and byeleven, he debuted his talent onthe radio for the rst time. Sincethen, he has written songs for starslike Johnny Cash, George Strait,Mel McDaniel, John Anderson,and Jerry Lee Lewis. His accordionplaying can be heard on albumswith artists such as Alan Jackson,Neil Diamond, Johnny Cash, ElvisCostello, the Indigo Girls, EmmylouHarris, Hank Williams Jr, and SteveCurtis Chapman, just to name afew. Bandera is the only local stopon his tour schedule; he will alsobe the marshall of the huge paradein New Orleans for the Mardi Grascelebration held there. Sonnier

promises to give an awesome per-formance, one that party goers willrave about long after last call.

Last year, the party was an amaz-ing success, making the CowboyMardi Gras the place for cowboysand creole lovers alike. This year will be no different.

Once the Gumbo has been eaten,the parade has nished and thecostumes appraised, partierswill need to get ready for a footstompin, sweat breakin, beerdrinkin good time!

The 11th Street Cowboy Bar isocated at 307 11th Street, Ban-era, Texas. Visit their website at

www.11thstreetcowboybar.comto get more information, read

bout the other great events they ost and to nd recommended ccommodations in Bandera.

f d k b


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scheduleThursday, January 148pm The Auslander Biergarten

Restaurant (Food for Industry)Kick-Off Party FeaturingYoung Generation

Friday, January 155pm Nimitz Museum BallroomRex Foster

pm Nimitz Museum Ballroomoncert & Riba Foods

Presentation and Cash Bar8pm Hondos on MainBlue Condition9:30pm Buc OBriansBlack Bone Child

Saturday, January 161am Max & Zeldas Oasis

Musician/Industry Mixer andoncert - Artist Matt Harlan

pm Hilltop Cafe Johnny Nicholas & Friends4pm The AuslanderFingerpistol

pm-9pm Hondos On MainThe Kat Moore Band9pm-midnight Hondos On MainRed River Mudcats7pm Willies BBQ & SteakhouseTBA

0pm-1am Red BaronsTrent Turner & The Moontowers

Sunday, January 17 1am The Amish Market

Uncle Luciuspm Becker Vineyards

TBA5pm Luckenbach Dancehall

Riba Foods PresentsMusic Showcase9pm Luckenbach DancehallWalt Wilkins & Friends

Check texasrebelradio.com for schedule changes.

fredericksburg

Its nearly that time of year againin Fredericksburg. The annualWindows on Texas music festival iscoming up this month, presentedby Riba Foods Arriba! Salsa (www.ribafoods.com) and Texas RebelRadio Network (www.texasrebelra-dio.com).

For the past seven years, this fourday music festival and industryconference has showcased someof the best emerging talent in Tex-as. The eighth year is going to bebigger and better than ever. Join inon Thursday, January 14, through

Sunday, January 17, as they show-case some amazing Texas talent. The event will kick-off with Young

Generation at the Auslander Res-taurant & Biergarten and continueinto the weekend at venues in andaround Fredericksburg. Severalshowcases are planned all week-end long, culminating in a big bashwith Walt Wilkins and friends atLuckenbach Dancehall on Sunday. The lineup this year includes

Young Generation (San Antonio,

Gearing up for the 8th Annual

Windows on Texas TX), Blue Condition, Black BoneChild, Matt Harlan, Johnny Nichols,Fingerpistol, The Kat Moore Band,and Red River Madcats, playingmusic at great venues that include The Amish Market, Hondos onMain, Buc O Brians, The Auslanderand the Hill Top Caf. The wine of

indows on Texas will be present-ed by Becker Vineyards. Accomo-dations are provided by La Quintaand Fredericksburg Inn & Suites.


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B Y C HARLES W ILLGREN

While moving over the wide,rolling expanse of the Texas HillCountry, driving through towns of all sizes, its hard not to notice the

eateries local to each spot on themap. For every restaurant you seesliding by out the window, thereare most likely more just off themain drag.

They come in all shapes, sizes, andcolors. From those with brightly-painted walls to the understated,unassuming building with a simplesign hanging from a post, theserestaurants dotting the hill countryare ready to serve up the grub, beit simple chicken tacos or four-stargourmet fare.

Whether youre out hiking the hills,visiting the shops along a towns

main street, or simply drivingthrough, its worth stopping in fora bite. With the selection the HillCountry has to offer, the food is adestination all its own.

Many food nds in the hill countryare inuenced by the areas rootsthat stretch deep into the past.In the 1800s, people left what isnow Germany and made their wayacross the Atlantic and then the

Texas wilderness. They settled insmall groups amongst the hills. Through many dif-culties, often fatal,they made lives forthemselves. You cansee their inuence to-day with town namessuch as Fredericks-burg, New Braunfels,Boerne, and in the cui-sine of those towns.

Texas Mexicanheritage also showsthrough with a widevariety of restaurantssprinkled all around.Diners can nd Tex-

Mex air or food fromeven further southof the border fromrestauranteurs whohave brought cooking

styles up from deep within Mexico.

Craving a juicy hamburger? Thatcraving can denitely be satised.

lamo Springs Cafe (107 AlamoRd., Fredericksburg; 830-990-8004;

alamospringscafe.com) has beennamed one of the top burgers in

Texas in the August 2009 TexasMonthly magazine--their greenchile cheeseburger with grilledonions and avocado was featuredon the front cover. Check out

lamo Springs, located outside

Fredericksburg near the Old TunnelWildlife Area.

A family enjoys a lunch at A Taste of Thyme (7407 FM 2147, Horseshoe Bay;830-598-4963; atasteofthyme.biz).


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If youre looking for more adven-turous fare, Texans have taken foodfrom abroad and made it theirown. Russos (602 Steve HawkinsPkwy, Marble Falls; 830-693-7091;texitally.com) blends together Texas and Italy on their unique andunforgettable menu. The prices

are just right forevery budget.

For lighter cuisine,Taste of Thyme

(7407 FM 2147,Horseshoe Bay;

830-598-4963;atasteofthyme.biz)serves up outstand-ing breakfasts andlunches in a bright,elegant setting.

The Hill Countryhas even more to

offerbarbecue, diners, pies, andmore. Many restaurants offer morethan just food, also serving up livemusic and other entertainment aswell. Its all out there, waiting foryou to mosey on down the roadfrom your Hill Country adventures.

lip to the next page for ore dining suggestions.

Got a place torecommend?Email us [email protected].

e may include youraves and comments in

upcoming issues.

Fredericksburg Brewing Company (245 East Main St.,Fredericksburg; 830-997-1646; yourbrewery.com). Photoby Sean Mason, ickr.com/photos/smason/

Coopers Old Time Pit Bar-B-Q (604 W. Young St.,Llano; 325-247-5713; coopersbbq.com). Photo byickr.com/photos/insuffi cientpostage/


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Tex-ItalianRussos602 Steve Hawkins Pkwy, Marble Falls;830-693-7091; texitally.com

BurgersAlamo Springs Cafe107 Alamo Rd., Fredericksburg; 830-990-8004; alamospringscafe.comChrome Cactus801 S. Hwy. 281, Johnson City; 830-868-2375Storms Famous Texas Foodlocations in Burnet, Kingsland, Lampasas,Hamilton, Marble Falls

Sandwiches & MoreA Taste of Thyme7407 FM 2147, Horseshoe Bay; 830-598-4963; atasteofthyme.bizBlue Bonnet Cafe211 Hwy 281, Marble Falls; 830-693-2344Camp Verde General Store258 Camp Verde Road E., Camp Verde;830-634-7722; campverdegeneralstore.com

MexicanPedros Mexican115 Main St., Blanco; 830-833-9944El Charro502 S. Hwy. 281, Johnson City; 830-868-7040Hacienda El Charro49 Main, Blanco; 830-833-0507Pepperbellys Mexican Food RestaurantCourthouse Square, San Saba; 325-372-4462Santos Taqueria205 San Antonio St., Mason; 325-347-6140; santostaqueria.com

GermanThe Auslander323 E. Main St. Fredericksburg; 830-997-7714; theauslander.comFredericksburg Brewing Company245 East Main St., Fredericksburg; 830-997-1646; yourbrewery.com

Upscaleilver K Cafe

209 E. Main, Johnson City; 830-868-2911Uptown Blanco317 Main St., Blanco; 830-833-0738; up-ownblanco.comBBQ

oopers Pit Bar-B-Q502 San Antonio St., Mason; 325-347-6897

oopers Old Time Pit Bar-B-Q04 W. Young St., Llano; 325-247-5713;oopersbbq.com or 1125 N. Loop 337,

New Braunfels; 830-627-0627Red River BBQ Bar & Grill706 N. Rice, Hamilton; 254-386-5553Rileys Bar-B-Que318 4th St., Blanco; 830-833-4166; ri-leysbarbq.com

Steak ld Peanut Mill Steak House

1100 Fort McKavitt St., Mason; 325-347-540

Rockin R Steakhouse318 4th St., Blanco; 830-833-5783; ri-leysbarbq.com

And MoreBear Creek Fudge & Chocolates118 S. Nueces, Camp Wood; 830-597-

160; bearcreekfudge.net

Friendly Bar Bistro106 N. Nugent, Johnson City; 830-868-2182; friendlybarbistro.comNorth Side Cafe510 Broad St., Mason; 325-347-5002Riposa Bistro & Wine Bar

685 Hwy. 281 N., Spring Branch; 830-228-4415

ideoats CafeHwy. 83, Menard; 325-396-2069

unset Restaurant & Bar419 3rd St., Blanco; 830-833-5776The Square Plate212 Fort McKavitt St., Mason; 325-347-1911; sqplate.comWillow Creek Cafe106 Fort McKavitt St., Mason; 325-347-

124avalas Cafe02 Fort McKavitt St., Mason; 325-347-

5365

The Texas Hill Country:A Food and Wine Lovers ParadiseBy Terry Thompson-Anderson with photography by Sandy Wilson.

This book takes readers on a gustatory

tour of this picturesque Central Texas re-gion of rolling hills, spring-fed streams,and good eats. Professional chef andcookbook author Terry Thompson-An-derson has explored every corner of theeighteen-county region and discoveredmore than one hundred establishmentsthat are sure to please the palate. Morethan a travel guide, the book is alsolled with recipes that she has gatheredfrom proprietors or developed usinglocal food products. Sandy Wilsons

stunning full-color photographs capturethe diversity of the Hill Country eatingexperience and vast array of restaurantsserving both traditional and haute cui-sine. Welcome to the rich bounty of theHill Country, where youre in for someremarkable food nds.

Best Hikes With Dogs:Texas Hill Country AndCoastBy Melissa Gaskill

55 dog-friendly hikes

throughout the Lon-estar States Hill Countryand Gulf Coast regions.All trails within drivingdistance of Austin, SanAntonio, Houston. Terrainthats hazard-free and easyon the paws. What to pack for your poochthe TenCanine Essentials and theDoggy First-Aid Kit.For each hike, leash regu-

lations and availability of water are noted, alongwith any trail concernspertinent for your dog.Visit our Off the Bookshelf page to order

hese Hill Country books and others online.hillcountrycurrent.com/bookshelf/


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hill country current - january 2010

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