Southpoint

Expensive seafood, great location. That's all I remember. I don't think its still around, is it?

Shiner

One of the five pillars of old Rocky Top... Jax and Lone Star (in tin cans), Miller in its signature clear bottle, Schlitz and Shiner. 12 or so years later and in college they started brewing something called Boch under that signature yellow label and it was pretty darned good. But, because it was 'Shiner' and not Bud, MGD, or Becks, stores couldn't give it away, even at $1.99 a six pack. But, I loved it enough to suffer the ridicule for drinking "that dark cheap swill." Soon it was a legend, common in the hands of every party-goer and sixth-streeter in Central Texas. That was before the brew pubs opened, Celis moved in and a new legend was born. 24 years later, the brew pub fad fades, Celis is gone... gunned down like Roy Bean at a minstrel show, buried and forgotten. Wine is the sign of our time. But Shiner is still around. The Boch recipe has change, dumbed down liked most industrial beer, surviving on a legend that turned a sleepy little town down around San Anton', into a tourist destination. You can still find that yellow label all over the Country on the shelves of the specialty stores. And your lucky if you pay less than $9.99 for a six pack here in Oregon. As for Rocky Top... its still there. But, it rests on no pillars... only a cracked, aged slab covered by dusty, rusted blue tin waiting on the return of a legend that may be too far beyond reach.

Waco Elite Cafe

Oh, I've survived "the Circle." More importantly, I've survived Waco. Not everyone can say that. Apparently not even the old cirle 'Cafe.' It's now the Elite Circle Grille.

West Lynn Cafe

The other West L-nn! But in Austin, it's a street and a place not a town and was home to one of the best vegan eateries around. Well at least it was when I lived in Clarksville. Then again, I'm not a vegan so I can't say for sure, but if a tyrranosaur like me liked the green cuisine, it must've been good, I figure.

Chuy's

In a place awash with many wonderous flavors of one of the world's greatest cuisine's, Chuy's is both a Tex-Mex and an Austin legend. Oops! Pardon me, I'm salivating on my salmon, dreaming of a spicy chicken flauta.

Double Door

Not all of my matchbook memories are from Texas. The Double Door probably should be on Austin's Sixth Street, but its not. Wicker Park in Chicago is home to this famous bar. If you have seen Wicker Park, or High Fidelity, or had the pleasure of going 'Round the Coyote, you know this place. For me the Double Door was the source of a few fond Friday night memories.

Astroworld / Waterworld

Since I will be away for the next several days, I thought it appropriate to post this double matchbook entry. Who could forget Astroworld?! It was dream destination for every Texas kid, to be put ..."in the middle of fun." It's a timely tribute, since we're heading out to visit a contemporary Water Park Amusement Resort... Great Wolf Lodge. In 2010 the Tribes have figured it out. Why gamble money away from the hands of adults, when you can extricate it more effectively from the wallet through the fingers of their children. I must admit, I prefer experiencing a waterslide with my kids to playing the odds of dollar slots any day. Give credit, where credit is due. Six Flags mastered the art of wholesome thrill entertainment long before and after anyone else... except maybe Disney! But that's another Matchbook.