The Peaceful Haze of “Half Dreaming”

by Dr. Spin

I moved back to Austin in the summer of 2009 to an apartment complex that I now remember as idyllic. It was very clean and well-kept, our neighbors were mostly pretty realistic and mature, and my new wife felt safe enough to walk to the gym in the morning dark. It was quite perfect for us at the time, and it represented the promise of the new life we had begun to lead in Austin. Additionally, I was finishing my Master’s thesis in ethnomusicology, and I was riding a wave of academic momentum.

As I began to break free of the constraints of my study, I focused that energy on the study of Asian music. I took Japanese language lessons the following summer and studied the shakuhachi as an investment in my potential future as an ethnomusicological scholar… invest in your potential at the Pharmacy.

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Twinkie The Kid Is Alive And Kicking

by Steven Doyle

Before you look to Ebay for that last box of Hostess Twinkies, you might want to wait just a bit. Last week Hostess suspended operations of its 33 plants across the United States last week as it moved to start selling assets and consider this move as the best way to preserve its dwindling cash.

Today Hostess, its lenders and the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union (BCTGM), agreed to mediation at the urging of Bankruptcy Judge Robert Drain of the Southern District of New York. Continue reading

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Craft and Growler Opens Today

by Steven Doyle

Dallas seems to be a few years behind in the beer scene, and certainly that holds true when it comes to Growlers. Growlers are those large brown bottles used to store fresh poured beer that usually have a refrigeration life of just less than a week. The TABC mandates that bars are not allowed to pour growlers for roadie purposes, but they give special dispensation to pubs which hold a single beer and wine permit. Whole Foods has been a leader in the Dallas market for growlers, and today there is a special bar opening that focuses on the growler

The new Craft and Growler is owned by husband and wife attorneys Kevin Afghani and Catherine Kinslow who also operate a patent firm just to the rear of the Craft and Growler building located at 1601 Parry which is just in view of where Big Tex should be standing at Fair Park. The couple are soft opening Craft and Growler today at 3pm and close at 9. The shortened hours are just for this week and will expand starting after Thanksgiving.

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Union Bear Family Beer Dinner

by Steven Doyle

The first Tuesday of each month Union Bear hosts a family beer dinner. The inexpensive 3-course dinner is infinitely more pleasant than any Thanksgiving dinner you have ever had with your family as the table is swirled with whimsical conversation about food and beer. There is no bickering about dark family secrets, just dark beer.   Continue reading

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JoJo Eating House and Bar Opens Tonight

by Steven Doyle

This weekend I was an invited guest to the pre-opening festivities at JoJo Eating House and Bar, the latest restaurant to open in Dallas in a long ration of new eateries in Dallas. Some of these new restaurants will gain the ire of public scrutiny; others will be issued a blessing that few restaurants receive as they become the patina of the Dallas landscape.

JoJo will be one of the lucky restaurants to survive and for a few good reasons.      Continue reading

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Rest In Peace, Keith

by Steven Doyle

I was to report some news this morning from a local barman and friend, Keith LaBonte, owner of Four Lounge.  I was to discuss the expansion of the State and Allen bar expanding, but instead of the happy news I am now to report that Keith has passed away.

Keith Thomas LaBonte was passionate about his work as the quirky bar owner who made such notorious concoctions as his cotton candy martini that was laced with champagne.   Continue reading

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SĒR’s Thanksgiving Feast Is The Bargain Of The Season

by Steven Doyle

Have you made your reservations for thanksgiving dinner yet? We have a nifty idea that will save you a few bucks and allow you to dine at one of the hottest new restaurants in Dallas at the same time.

The new steakhouse on the roof at the Hilton Anatole is offering their dinner for a mere $32 for adults and $12 for those kiddos under twelve. For this you get your full on Thanksgiving dinner, plus one of the best views in Texas.    Continue reading

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Seafood Shack Opens on Northwest Highway in Dallas

by Steven Doyle

For all my dive loving friends, I have some terrific news for you. The Seafood Shack on Webbs Chapel, just north of Forest Lane in Dallas has long been a spot to be in a crowd of Hispanic seafood lovers and to sample some pretty terrific dishes at a bargain rate. Seafood Shack has been known for their quarter oyster Tuesday (since been marked up to thirty cents), and daily specials that are true miserly treats. Do not fear the cheap oysters, they stay so busy they blast through these babies very, very quickly. In the world of oysters, that’s a good thing Continue reading

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