Sam Cook, local comic and creator of the popular Gazellionare will be throwing a monthly comic our way. This week, for your viewing pleasure, we have his first piece for us titled, "Artichoke."
Comic by Sam Cook
Sam Cook is a lover; a lover of designer board games, graphic novels, stoner metal, and computer science (read: video games). He works at TWU and is slowly being eaten alive by two orange tabby cats named Biscuit and Gravy.
Interview with Authentic Yoga Life by Naomi Wood
Photo by Stephanie Smith
Authentic Yoga Life is the brand spanking new yoga studio on Austin Street. This Baptiste-inspired power yoga facility is currently the only hot yoga studio in town and is likely to attract all limber and limber-hopeful Dentonites. Owner Valerie Warren has been in the yoga biz many years now, and decided to bring her studio to Denton. When I dropped in for a preview of one of her morning classes, before her grand opening on the 23rd of February, here’s what she said:
Photo by Stephanie Smith
There are a lot of yoga studios in Denton, what are you bringing to the table that is different from what is already here?
It’s a Baptiste-inspired power vinyasa, which incorporates all levels, and pretty much allows for modifications in each class. Anyone can do this style. And we have green energy heat lamps that have been retrofitted for this building, which allows for the raised temperature to achieve better results.
“Recently [a friend] told me that Denton was the new hot spot for creatives.”
Why did you choose Denton as the startup site for this particular studio?
Well, Denton has a lot of creative energy, more so than the other cities that I’ve done yoga in for years. I think Denton is receptive to wellness, and I wanted to help light up the community with my studio. You know, I used to think Denton was a boring place back when I went to school here many years ago, but recently talking to a girlfriend of mine, she told me that Denton was the new hot spot for creatives, and I had to come check it out for myself. So I decided that this was the best place to expand my studio venture.
You said you’re really interested in wellness, do you have anything else in mind to bring to the community besides yoga?
I’m interested in bringing more education and research to this practice, and I think Denton has a culture of people who are interested in that sort of thing, so on the 23rd at our grand opening for the studio, I’m having a community class and a couple of guests yogi’s come out from Dallas. We will offer talks and resources for those interested in little things like that. I also have a friend driving out a bus called the “yoga boutique” on wheels and they’ll be selling all kinds of goodies that day outside the studio.
Photo by Stephanie Smith
We have a lot of students in this city. What do you plan on doing to entice them?
Right now we have a special going on for $30 for 30 days of yoga. That’s unlimited sessions for 30 days, so you can get a feel for the studio and see if it works for you.
What kind of things are you planning on doing to contribute to the small-town feel of Denton and the culture within?
On our grand opening, any and all donations made that day will benefit the Denton Community Food Center, and we are also featuring other local business that day like NV cupcakes right next door.
My band played our first set at a local venue last week and it went great, but at one point after our set, the sound guy cursed at me quietly and then I think he gave me the finger slyly (not sure on this, though). I’ve had run-ins with some sound guys before at other clubs, too. I love playing at this place and want to do it again sometime in the future, but what can I do about this sound guy, or is it just me?
Signed,
Vexed at Venues
Read MoreHere are our top three local songs to check out this month.
Pageantry from Denton, TX
First off, we have the lead single from the full-length album Pageantry released last October. We're gonna go ahead and throw the term "math rock" out there for this, but with a qualifier. If Don Caballero is Calculus, then Pageantry is College Algebra, and that's not a bad thing. This song has enough driving force that anybody will be quickly sucked in. Over the course of the song the breaks and repetitions gradually build up to a gigantic opus that might even get away with it's use of a synth in an arguably non-synthy song. Pageantry is playing this Saturday at Hailey's with Chambers.
You by Sacco & Vanzetti
Denton-wise, S&A is a good mix of Sunnybrook and Matthew and the Arrogant Sea. This song is full of lots of reverb-drenched builds and falls and starts and stops more than most bands' entire EPs. It's always refreshing to hear a band full of so many ideas that they couldn't stick to just one. Sacco & Vanzetti is also playing this Saturday, February 23rd at Hailey's with Chambers, Pageantry and a few other interesting bands.
And not least today, we have local group, Bad Design. Bad Design definitely shows that age doesn't necessarily have anything to do with energy level when compared to our other two bands this month. Knockout Rose (track 2 from their LP released last year) moves quickly and before you know it, you've streamed their whole album. This song would fit right in the middle of any Dischord lover's collection.
That's it for us this month, y'all. If you have a specific song you'd like to debut on the blog or just like for us to highlight, be sure to send us a message or leave us a comment!
A preview of the forthcoming Royal's Bagels by Courtney Marie
Photos by Courtney Marie
Joey Hawkins, the owner of Jupiter House Coffee and Denton’s newest eatery, Royal’s Bagels, has a secret talent in the kitchen: cinnamon rolls. It won’t be a secret for long. When you walk into Royal’s, the first thing you’ll see is a sign right above the counter that reads, "A BAGEL SHOP WITH THE GREATEST CINNAMON ROLLS IN TEXAS. STRANGER THINGS HAVE HAPPENED."
“A BAGEL SHOP WITH THE GREATEST CINNAMON ROLLS IN TEXAS. STRANGER THINGS HAVE HAPPENED.”
As a teenager, Joey first tried his hand at crafting this breakfast treat as the first employee at the first Cinnamonster in Littleton, Colorado. He went on to accrue fourteen years of experience and opened Cinnamonster shops in Lewisville, Grapevine, Gainsville, and even Chicago. “I can make cinnamon rolls blindfolded,” Joey jokes. At Royal’s every roll is made from scratch right down to the ooey-gooey frosting. Justifiably, Joey anticipates his cinnamon rolls to be one of the biggest hits at his new shop.
Along with their signature rolls, Royal’s also prides itself on a wide variety of legitimate New Jersey-style bagels. The flavors range from chocolate chip to sesame seed to jalapeno. There’s a number of tasty shmears to mix and match. Handwritten on the board during my visit were maple pecan, green chili, curry mango, and chipotle to name a few. The menu offers an array of breakfast and lunch items, sandwiches, wraps, and salads, as well. Heck, they even cater if you need 'em to.
The inside of Royal’s Bagels has a cozy, rustic feel to it. Sean Starr of Starr Studios has given the shop a charming makeover. Sean is known for his remarkable hand-painted signs around the downtown square, and the signs here are no exception. The wooden booths inside are also completely handmade by Joey, family, and friends. A family-owned and operated business to the core, the shop is even named after Joey and his wife, Amy’s firstborn, Royal.
At a secret soft opening last weekend (this preview is based on the soft opening, but Royal Bagels is open and ready to go as of this post), I ordered the number 25, a spinach salad dressed up with roasted red peppers, green apple slices, fresh tomatoes, feta cheese, cucumber, dried cranberries, and candied pecans, served with a side of zesty vinaigrette. The service was quick, the salad was well-constructed and refreshing. I like to think it added some balance to the giant cinnamon roll I had for dessert.
Contrary to some speculations, Royal’s Bagels is not to be confused with Jupiter House Europa, the business Joey and Amy were running in the same locale until October of last year. Royal’s is a completely separate entity. Re-branded for a very different purpose. Of course, they, too, have coffee to go with your bagels and cinnamon rolls at breakfast, but customers who need their quick morning latte fix will need to traipse on down to the tried and true Jupiter House on the Denton Square.
Royal’s Bagels is located at 503 W University Dr in Denton, TX. They are open Monday through Saturday from 6:30am to 3pm, and Sundays from 7am to 2pm.
Facebook / Website / Starr Studios / Joey Hawkin's for City Council
We all know by now (and if you don't - start catching up over at Little D After Dark or The Pink Antler) that I have a soft spot for both nostalgic recipes and booze. That's right - I may or may not have taken a liking to spiking my favorite childhood memories. Just like right here - one of the most comforting desserts (or snacks) that I can think of - now with bourbon added in.
This may actually be the best way to bring bourbon to work. Just pack up a cup of this pudding, wear a Cosby sweater while enjoying - and try not to dance too much or people might get a little bit suspicious.
Alyssa's Bourbon Spiked Chocolate Pudding
3 cups whole milk
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp. cornstarch
2 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 tsp. salt
2 large egg yolks
3 oz. dark or semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tbsp. bourbon (I used Blanton's Original)
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of milk with the sugar, cornstarch, cocoa powder and salt. When well blended, whisk in the egg yolks. Set aside.
In a large saucepan, bring the remaining 2 cups of milk to a boil over medium heat. Stir frequently so as not to scorch the bottom. As soon as the milk comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer. Gradually whisk in egg mixture, stirring quickly to incorporate. Continue cooking and stirring until pudding thickens enough to thickly coat the back of a spoon, 2-3 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in the chopped chocolate until completely melted and the pudding is smooth. If there are any small lumps, you may want to run the pudding through a fine mesh strainer. Stir in the vanilla extract and bourbon.
Refrigerate for at least 3 hours - or until the pudding is thick and set. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra decadent treat.
Here are our picks for shows to hit up this week. If you think we missed something, tell us in the comments!
Monday, February 18th:
A Taste of Herb: a Tribute to Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass - Dan’s Silverleaf | 5:00pm | Free
If you haven't made it to check out A Taste of Herb at Dan's yet. Today is your day. What else are you gonna do? Spend time with your loved ones? Do you even have booze at home?
Boxcar Bandits - Hailey's | Free/$5 | 10pm
Boxcar Bandits is a regular at Hailey's Club. They're currently playing every Monday when not on tour. They will also be playing at 35 Denton next month.
Tuesday, February 19th:
Ramsay Midwood / Brent Best - Dan's Silverleaf | $7 | 8pm
If you like your country music simple and dirty, go check out Ramsay Midwood. Dude's from Austin, TX and kinda sounds as if current day Josh Pearson was locked up like the suspected terrorist in Zero Dark Thirty, but instead of making him listen to metal, they forced him to listen to Rain Dogs-era Tom Waits over and over. Brent Best (Slobberbone, The Drams) opens.
In Defence / Primitive Orgasm / Pissed Grave - Rubber Gloves | $7/$9 | 9pm
Rubber Gloves got the memo that it was dirty Tuesday and has this lineup. Nothing country here at all, though, people. If you're into thrash, moshing or angry-good times in general, this looks like the place to be. Opening bands have better names than your band, too.
Wednesday, February 20th:
The Green Hour Residency with Robert Gomez - Dan's Silverleaf | Free | 5pm
Dan's has another great early, free show on Wednesday. Check this out especially if you like headless chickens.
Hentai Improvising Orchestra / Tidbits / More Collective - Hailey's | $5/$10 | 9pm
This is the show we'll most likely be hitting up this week. Hentai Improvising Orchestra is an experimental improvisational group with lots of DIY equipment and a show that will either ruin your night or make your ears bleed in the best of ways. We haven't heard of the other bands, but opener Tidbits looks to offer more of the same in a more likely-to-be-restrained sort of way.
Here are our picks for shows to hit up this weekend. If you think we missed something, tell us in the comments!
Friday, Feb. 15th:
Camp David/ Sophomore/ Chambers/ Babar - VDAY.BDAY.PARTY.SHOW | 2300 W Oak St.
Trebuchet/ Descender/ Bad Design - Dan’s Silverleaf | 9:00pm | Show 10:00pm | $5
Trebuchet is the working-man band of Denton. They always put in their time and they always do a good job. Definitely looks like a good show to get the slime of Valentine's Day off of your back.
The Iron Claw/ Bubba Hernandez Y Los Super Vatos/ Fab Deuce - Rubber Gloves | 9pm | $9
Fab Deuce is a local group of MCs and DJs that always put on a good show, but the name Bubba Hernandez Y Los Super Vatos has us itching to be at Rubber Gloves to check these guys out based solely on the name.
The Paramedic/ It Lies Within/ Surrounded By Monsters/ Aspire/ I Am Man, I Am Monster/ Citadel/ Fist Meets Face/ My Dear Epidemic/ To Keep You Safe - Hailey’s | 7pm | $10 Over 21 | $15 under 21
All of these bands look “tough” in their band photos. So, there’s that. Also, It Lies Within has one of those awesome metal logos that is completely illegible.
Saturday, Feb. 16th:
Deep Throat/ Bitch Teeth/ Princes of Fucktown/ Eccotone - Rubber Gloves | 9pm | $5 or $7
The Reggie Watts-approved local ridiculousness that is Deep Throat takes the stage this Saturday at Rubber Gloves with a whole crew of other grossly interesting bands. If you wanna sleaze it up after a nice Thin Line doc, this is the place to be.
Denton Babe Bash featuring The Virgin Wolves/ The Red Death/ Sol Tax/ Classy San Diego/ Stormy Durant - Hailey’s 8pm | $5 Over 21 | $7 ages 18 -21
Uh... so apparently Class San Diego is a female-fronted local ska band that we didn’t know existed. Might be worth your $5 just for that alone. Besides that, this is a show featuring a bunch of women-as-frontperson bands.
Denton Babe Bash
Sunday, Feb. 17th:
Hares on the Mountain - Dan’s Silvearleaf | 7pm | Free
And you can of course hit up Dan’s early Sunday evening for some always-accountable Americana for free. Do you not do this already?
Oh, and Thin Line, too!
Also, here’s the entire schedule for the rest of Thin Line with our selections bolded. If you have not yet attended a Thin Line show, we highly encourage you to do so! Joshua Butler and crew do a great job of selecting documentaries that are not only interesting, but pertinent and thought-provoking.
Campus Theatre:
Friday Feb 15:
3:30pm – Beyond Pollution/There Is No Place...
6:00pm – Seadrift vs. The Big Guy
8:00pm – 4 Nights in December
10:00pm – Shorts Program #7
Saturday Feb 16:
11:30am – Shorts Program #8
1:30pm – DocuDenton 7k Films
3:30pm – Brother on the Line
6:00pm – The House I Live In
8:30pm – The Informant
Sunday Feb 17
2:00pm – The Anderson Monarchs
4:00pm – In No Great Hurry
6:00pm – Central Park 5
8:30pm – Building Babel
Fine Arts Theatre:
Friday Feb 15:
6:30pm – Drawing Dead
8:30pm – Backyard Blockbusters
Saturday Feb 16
12:00pm – Swingman
2:00pm – Stories from Lakka Beach
5:00pm – Bat City USA
7:00pm – Invisible Young
THE BEST AND WORST TOILETS IN DENTON
In our constant quest to present you with the best of Denton, we thought we'd take a peek into the oft-overlooked, but ever-so-important restroom. Below you will find what we have designated the five best restrooms in Denton. In the midst of our search, we also found many water closets that weren't exactly up to par (and that's putting it lightly). Needless to say, we decided to do you a favor and include them in a "worst of" list at the bottom! Comment and let us know if we missed one!
The pleasantly scented men's room of Paschall Bar.
Rose Costumes - The restroom at this square ex-pat is decorated like 221B Baker St., AKA Sherlock Holmes’ apt. Distressed chairs, fabric-covered walls and other things that sound like they’d make a restroom gross are all over this baño, but somehow it works. Just don't touch anything. Plus, you get to pretend to be Benedict Cumberbatch while you pee. Can’t beat that.
Paschall Bar - Cleanliness is absolutely vital to the quality of a restroom. Many bars apparently missed that meeting. Paschall Bar didn't. In addition to providing a respite from the cigar and cigarette smoke, the restrooms at Paschall are always clean and well-stocked with interesting artwork. In addition, the patrons here are such gentlemen that nobody yells at the ladies for sneaking into the mens’ room when the ladies’ has a line. Another interesting aspect is that the men's room at Paschall is routinely cleaner and nicer-smelling than the ladies. Well done, men. Well done.
Loco Cafe - This is an executive/level restroom in an unexpected location. These facilities are not only spacious, private and quiet but also clean enough to eat your biscuit sandwich off of the floor (please don't actually do this). As an added bonus, you get to smile or grimace at a photo of Glen Farris as you make your way to the throne.
Chestnut Tree - Where else can you read recipes that include jello molds while peeing at the same time?
The Possibly Mythical Secret Restroom In the Gateway Center - Some We Denton Do It-ers swear by this restroom as the number one place in town to take care of business, but we went investigating and couldn't find it. Our friends wouldn't share as to keep this unicorn of a restroom a secret. We think they might just be big fat liars.
The men's room at Recycled.
Recycled Books - Recycled employees even avoid this hellhole of a lavatory, instead finding safe-haven in any other restroom on the square. Due to the fact that these rooms are open to the public, it is nearly impossible to keep them clean or even passable. There is almost always a line to get in them. Also, if you enjoy hot water, you're out of luck, it's only freezing cold or lukewarm at best. However, if you're an exhibitionist and enjoy people listening to the sound of you pee, this is 100% the place for you. It's made even better due to the fact that it's right next to the children's section so you can hear small children critiquing Seuss as you try to hover above the seat.
Andy’s upstairs bathrooms (behind the stage) - These rooms are usually missing toilet seats and smell like dead things. There are no mirrors. They probably haven’t been cleaned in years, and you can’t count on toilet paper being readily available.
J and J's - The constant fear of falling into the basement below with your pants at your ankles makes for a stressful restroom experience. In addition, the long walk down the hall to get to them has a very The Shining feel to it for some reason. We wouldn't be surprised to see a guy dressed in a dog costume walk out of the men's room at some point.
Rubber Gloves - These restrooms smell of stale urine and a flavor of Doritos that hasn't been invented yet. They're always extremely dark, giving off a very dungeon of doom feeling. We wouldn't want it any other way, though, Rubber Gloves.