Rice Picks ‘04

The best of life at Rice

By Catherine Adcock | Thresher Editorial Staff

Favorites. Sometimes, they’re so predictable, we wonder why we even ask. In this, the fourth installation of Rice Picks, the survey came up with some expected results — Amy’s Ice Cream and Coffees handily took Best Ice Cream Shop — and some not-so-expected results — 12 students tied for Best Student-Athlete.

All told, off-campus categories were not as well contended as those on-campus. Chuy’s came in as winner in Best Mexican Restaurant, even though it’s a Tex-Mex restaurant, not a Mexican one.

Of course, given our lack of predilection for leaving campus, the small number of off-campus nominations isn’t much of a surprise.

The relationship between Rice students and the area surrounding our hedge-encrusted campus is best likened to the one between a married — but estranged — couple.

Houston turns you off during your first drive in from Bush Intercontinental Airport. And when you’re new to a place, especially a place as hard to navigate as Houston, you tend to gravitate to what you know — chain restaurants (like Chuy’s) and stock Rice experiences (like Amy’s.)

But just as your husband will never spontaneously buy flowers for the apartment, Houston will never magically sprout century-old buildings and greenery on every corner — it will never be the city of your dreams.

But given that, nothing irritates me more than when a Rice student rags on Houston. (Especially if this particular undergraduate is from Dallas.) If you look beyond the numerous billboards, you will see an indescribable beauty in our strip-mallesque city.

Beyond the hedges, you can behold an integrated diversity unknown to most U.S. cities. It’s not perfect — racism and segregation exist — but we have two Chinatowns, two Koreatowns, an Arabictown and even two Vietnamtowns, all of which will welcome you even if you don’t look like you belong.

You are lucky to live four years (five for those with extra luck) in a city with a greater number of restaurants per capita than New York City — restaurants with more authentic and cheaper dishes than what’s available in Austin.

Downtown is undergoing a renaissance of nightlife, if that’s your thing. And if it’s not, Houston is considered to be one of America’s most creative cities. Our art scene is not only large and productive, but also accessible.

But the thing that makes Houston so wonderful is its utter lack of pretension. No one here tries to pretend that we live in a beautiful city — it’s hot and it’s ugly. In order to survive Houston and appreciate it, you have to look deep inside yourself and in others.

So when you go to that bar in Rice Village, take a look around you. You’ll see cocktail dresses alongside workout clothes, and no one will bat so much as an eyelash.

Sure, there are pockets of snobbiness in Houston, especially in the downtown and Galleria areas. But they do not define the city. Bars like Lola’s and West Alabama Icehouse — no-frills places that rely on what’s tangible: good company and beer — are the heart and soul of Houston.

This year’s Rice Picks chronicles the favorites of both the student body and the Thresher editorial staff. Both groups were polled to produce two winners for each category. Sometimes, they were the same. Often, they were divergent.

So take this best of Houston guide and venture forth, my young grasshopper. It’s a big city, but you can conquer it.

On campus picks

Administrator

Audience Pick: Zenaido Camacho, Vice President for Student Affairs

Rice University: the school where Camacho knows your name. This year, Zenaido Camacho has fought to keep the tree house and even listened to the reasoning of student leaders on the issue of the Beer-Bike parade. Find him after a Rice Philharmonics concert (where he endures self-deprecation at the hands of the a capella group), and he’ll still be able to tell you where you’re from.

Editorial Pick: Don Ostdiek, Assistant Dean, Student Judicial Programs

As a newspaper, we are constantly stricken with trust issues when it comes to persons of authority, but we will admit being pleased by Don Ostdiek’s commitment to fairness as Assistant Dean for Student Judicial Programs, a role that lends itself to controversy. Ostdiek’s administerial roles don’t end there. As a prelaw adviser and the head of the Policy Studies Program, he’s helped a lot of socially- and politically-oriented students find their way in a university that can’t seem to get over its reputation as solely an engineering school.

Rice University Police Department Officer

Audience Pick: Officer Cash

Editorial Pick: Officer Cash

The friendly voice of Henry Cash is always a nice greeting on your way out to Saturday evening dinner. As most Brown students know, not only does Cash cares about our safety collectively, but also about us individually. If you happen to run into him while returning from your physics lab, he’ll ask how your friends are. His rapport with students is professional yet personable. His service to Rice clearly reflects his pride in his service career.

Faculty Member

Audience Pick:

Joel Wolfe, Associate Professor, History

Comedy Central has nothing on the first five minutes of Joel Wolfe’s famous lectures. No matter what the topic — Rice, President George Bush, Peronist economic policies — classrooms erupt in laughter over Wolfe’s commentary. But more important than the comedy routines, Wolfe’s classes bring unique perspectives on intra-American relations and history to his students. It’s easy to be from the United States and ignore what’s south of the border, but Wolfe’s classes ensure we never do just that.

Editorial Pick: Krista Comer, Assistant Professor, English

Krista Comer teaches the kind of classes you think someone must be making up until you take them: Cultures of Third Wave Feminism, Literature and Culture of Generation X, Literature and Culture of the American West. Her classrooms tend to feel like a testing ground in attempts to theorize the world as we’re actually living it. These aren’t courses about dead white men or their work. They’re about the types of books, culture and images we encounter daily. They’re about us and, not surprisingly, consistently packed. Extremely approachable, Comer displays a deep dedication to her students.

Campus Legend

Audience Pick:

Willy’s Statue Turns 180 degrees

In the spring of 1988, several ingenious Rice students put their engineering prowess to work. They built an A-frame that, through a series of levers and pullies, lifted Willy’s statue up off its base (it wasn’t bolted down) and turned the statue around 180 degrees. The myth associated with this legend is that the boys wanted to send a message to the administration regarding a rise in tuition. The real story just involves some kids wanting to have some fun. After all, Willy had never seen Fondren Library.

Editorial Pick: The Death of William Marsh Rice

When William Marsh Rice’s lawyer and butler conspired against him in 1900 to kill him and take the money he conferred to build a university in the port town of Houston, they didn’t realize how many students’ lives they would affect. The two managed to murder Rice, but thanks to the keen observational powers of Rice’s bankers and the swift action of Captain James A. Baker, Rice University was saved from near disaster.

Alcohol-Free Campus Event

Audience Pick: O-Week

If being awakened at 7:30 a.m. by the musical stylings of Mr. Roboto every day is your thing, then Orientation Week is for you. They say O-Week is the most sleep-deprived fun you’re going to have at Rice. Some might take issue with this — O-Week isn’t for everyone. However, it is certainly one of the most carefree, fun, interesting weeks you’re going to have at Rice. And if you love it that much, you can enjoy it over and over again as an advisor.

Editorial pick: Varsity Athletic Events

Student support for Rice athletics is growing, and it’s not just because of the College World Series win. During a time when the words “athletics” and “controversy” seem to be inextricably linked, there is no question that Rice students are supporting the Owls more and more every day.

Student-Athlete

Audience Picks: Female Student-Athlete

Karen Chao, women’s tennis

Janelle Crowley, women’s soccer

Angela Furin, women’s soccer

Anna Reeve, women’s track and field

Sarah Yoder, women’s soccer

Audience Picks: Male Student-Athlete:

Morris Almond, Men’s basketball

Ryan Harlan, Men’s track and field

Michael Harris, Men’s basketball

Brock Gillespie, Men’s basketball

Ryan Morgan, Men’s golf

Editorial Pick: The Barker Brothers

Most Rice students can’t tell them apart, so we figured it was best for them to share the award. They took home the national indoor doubles championship in Nov. 2002 and are looking to add an NCAA title in June. They’ve both been all-WAC and academic all-WAC in any year in which they were eligible, but they’ve probably left an even more indelible mark on some of the Rice Village’s finer establishments.

Campus news story

Audience Pick: Rice baseball wins College World Series

When he spoke at Rice stadium, former President John F. Kennedy asked, “Why does Rice play Texas?” At the College World Series in June, the baseball team answered. After overcoming the University of Texas for a shot at the championship series, the Owls beat Stanford University in a grueling, three game, battle-of-the-brains series. It was Rice’s first national championship in an NCAA sport and a turning point in student support for Rice athletics.

Editorial pick: Fake IDs

Maybe it’s the way this story haunted the news staff of the Thresher all year, but nothing seems to top a certain sophomore’s alleged entrepreneurial ingenuity in setting up a miniature fake ID shop in Lovett College. From the jokes we shared over pizza on the second floor of the Ley Student Center to the many (and we mean many) unreturned phone calls we placed to a high-rollin’ lawyer, the hundred extra fake IDs that floated around campus in the fall semester mean more to us than any athletic reports or strippers.

Thresher opinion columnist

Audience pick:

Pat Hastings IV, Martel Freshman

There’s one every year: a freshman so willfully determined to publish his or her controversial thoughts in opinion column form. Year after year we warn them, “Are you sure you want to write this?” But they persevere, unconvinced of the problems they might face at Rice University after everyone knows who they are. You have to admire Hastings’ confidence in the face of immense opposition and, at the same time, thank him for getting a conversation about gay rights started, even if it starts with vitriol and lighter fluid.

Editorial pick: Raj Wahi, Wiess ‘99, Chemistry Graduate Student

The Thresher opinion desk can count on three things week after week: first, people will always send in letters to the editor without even really reading (or understanding) the article about which they write; second, Raj Wahi will always be nice; and third, Raj Wahi will always write interesting, accessible columns when you need them. For his reliability and overall friendliness, the Thresher editorial staff, especially opinion editors new and old, would like to thank Raj Wahi.

Most Attractive Varsity Soccer Player

Audience Pick: Vanessa Serrano, Martel freshman

Vanessa Serrano quickly made her impact with the team by starting 19 games as a freshman. Although she stands only 5-foot-2, she played larger than life as a central midfielder to spark the Owl offense. Serrano also had two assists in the Oct. 17 game against Nevada and netted her only goal of the season against Northwestern State Sept. 21. Her genuine personality and down-to-earth nature will put you at ease.

Editorial Pick: Caitlin Currie, Wiess junior

A 5-foot-8 defender from Plano, Caitlin Currie has been the steadiest player on the Rice back line in each of the program’s three seasons. She was named first-team all-WAC last season by the WAC coaches and second-team all-central region by the web site Soccer Buzz Magazine. Quick with a smile, Currie is recognizable by her authoritative demeanor on the field and blonde hair and blue eyes.

Most Attractive Varsity Baseball Player

Audience Pick: Paul Janish, Wiess junior

Editorial Pick: Paul Janish, Wiess junior

A slick-fielding shortstop from Cypress, Tex., Paul Janish was an all-WAC performer in each of his first two seasons at Rice and will surely add a third to his résumé when the 2004 season ends. Owl fans have become accustomed to seeing Janish range deep in the hole and nip runners with a long throw from short, but this year he has shown another dimension by leading the Owls offensively with seven home runs. Tall, dark and classically handsome, Janish easily leaves an impression with his friendly nature and quick smile.

LPAP

Audience Pick: Swing Dancing

Tired of constantly being turned down when dancing at a club? Well, here’s your sure-fire way to land a dancing partner. This class focuses on the basic elements of swing dancing and serves as a refreshing break during the day. Instructor Tracy King is extremely likable, helpful and easygoing, and creates a classroom atmosphere that is both low-key and instructive.

Editorial Pick: Latin Ballroom

Doing the tango is the one of the most worthwhile experiences at Rice. Glaring dangerously into your partner’s eyes as you move your body with calculated grace will elevate one higher than any amount of alcohol or (insert choice substance here). Latin ballroom teaches just this: interaction between the sexes at a purely physical level — it’s beautiful.

Most Stylish Student

Audience Pick:

Katherine Brill, Will Rice junior

Editorial Pick:

Katherine Brill, Will Rice junior

On some days, Katherine Brill is so fabulously stylish, you aren’t sure if you would be comfortable wearing what she’s wearing. On other days, you wish you owned her wardrobe. We’re not sure exactly where Brill obtains her clothes, but we’re fairly certain the stylings hail from Europe. But while her stylings might be out of reach, her friendly demeanor is not.

Most Stylish Professor

Audience Pick: Kristen Ostherr, Assistant Professor, English

Strikingly well-dressed with an uncanny ability to accessorize, you have probably seen this English professor walking around campus in her �ber-cool red raincoat, fashionable shoes and killer eyewear. Her research concentrates on film, which may have inspired her eye for aesthetics. Complementing her great fashion is her wit, approachability and breadth of knowledge.

Editorial Pick: John Ambler, Professor Emeritus, Political Science

John Ambler could be named most stylish professor on the merit of his hair alone. Fortunately, his classic white mane is complemented perfectly by impeccably-fitted suits and gutsy salmon-colored shirts. If he weren’t such a brilliant professor, we would think he had stepped straight out of an Eddie Bauer catalogue.

Arts & nightlife picks

Art space

Audience pick: DiverseWorks

Editorial pick: DiverseWorks

1117 East Fwy., (713) 223-8346

DiverseWorks is emblematic of the Houston arts scene. Contemporary and local, it features everything from puppetry to art installations that will always challenge your definitions of art and the way you look at it. It’s cutting edge while still accessible. Check out http://www.diverseworks.org for more information.

Museum

Audience Pick:

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

1001 Bissonnet St.

(713) 639-7300

Within walking distance of Rice, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston is the anchor of the Museum District. The MFAH gained fame and recognition by hosting the finest pieces of art in The Heroic Century: The Museum of Modern Art Masterpieces, on loan from New York’s Modern Museum of Art, called the best art show Texas has ever seen. But more importantly, every day it displays everything from high school photographs to the great Impressionists. Thursday is free for students.

Editorial Pick: Menil Collection

1515 Sul Ross

(713) 525-9400

The Menil, located in the Montrose area, is the crowning gem of Houston’s incredible art collections. Built to house the art of John and Dominique Menil, the museum features everything from ancient Byzantine to tribal to modern art. Translation: among the ancient artifacts, you’ll also find work by Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso.

Local Band

Audience Pick: Blue October

Blue October is one of Houston’s few major label bands. Most often compared to Pearl Jam, they’ve earned a reputation for excellent live shows. With a number on the American Wedding soundtrack and two members sharing a musical friendship all the way back to high school, Blue October looks like it’s going to have a half-life a lot longer than most local incarnations.

Editorial Pick: The Drop Trio

Every Friday at Brasil, located at Dunlavy and Westheimer, Houston’s funkiest jazz band — the Drop Trio — puts on Funk Jazz Fridays, where either they or one of their friends (typically a band from another Texas town) lets the funk hit the fan for the kids at Brasil. The Drop Trio is not only just one of Houston’s best local bands, but they’ve also created a weekly event where Houstonians can reliably access some great bands in a city where good local music exists but is extremely hard to find.

Live Music Venue

Audience Pick: The Engine Room

1515 Pease Street

(713) 654-7846

The Engine Room, the only midsized venue in downtown, features a slick interior and cheap drinks, and on some of the less crowded nights, it has seating. For a corporate joint, though, it’s got awful sound — depending on your location, what you hear changes dramatically. If you want to catch a show at the Engine room, remember free parking is scarce, but METRORail stops Bell and Downtown Transit Center are within walking distance.

Editorial Pick: Rudyard’s British Pub

2010 Waugh Dr.

(713) 521-0521

Sadly for most Rice students, Rudyard’s has a strict over-21-only policy. Rudz boasts an intimate setting for some of Houston’s best local bands and larger indie acts that roll through town. You can generally catch the whole act with your butt glued to a chair, but the crowd often drifts to a standing position in front of the stage. The sound is excellent and, most importantly, the bookers at Rudyard’s tend to show all the bands that play there, local and national, a respect not found at other local joints.

Margaritas

Audience Pick: Chuy’s Restaurant

2706 Westheimer Rd.

(713) 524-1700

Frozen or on the rocks, plain, dotted or swirled, Chuy’s margaritas are best when you drink them on the restaurant’s shady patio on a sunny day. Whether you are there for happy hour, lunch or dinner, order one of these reasonably priced ‘ritas for a frosty treat.

Editorial Pick: El Pueblito Place

1423 Richmond Ave.

(713) 520-6635

Who does not love a cool, strong margarita? Combination Guatemalan/Mexican restaurant, El Pueblito Place keeps them coming with its speedy service and enjoyable patio. While the drinks are something all Rice students can enjoy, don’t forget to try the food, which is also of respectable quality. Coolest non-alcoholic menu item: Pineapple Salsa — it’s to die for.

Martinis

Audience Pick: Davenport

Editorial Pick: Davenport

2115 Richmond Ave.

(713) 520-1140

The Davenport is so authentic, it’s ugly. The retro-50s martini bar is outfitted with authentic pieces and remakes of the decor that was so popular during America’s most perfect decade. On your first visit, be sure to ask for a drink menu. With more than 50 martini creations offered, you must mull them over before picking just one.

Lesbian Club/Bar

Audience Pick: Chances Bar

Editorial Pick: Chances Bar

1100 Westheimer Rd.

(713) 523-7217

One of the few bars in town that caters specifically to lesbians, Chances Bar comes complete with a kicker bar, dance club and pool hall, as well as a lounge that features live music most nights. Physically, Chances is enormous, with room opening onto room onto room. Not surprisingly, it attracts an extremely diverse clientele who enjoy the bar’s warm and inviting atmosphere.

Gay Club/Bar

Audience Pick: Rich’s

2401 San Jacinto St.

(713) 759-9610

Many consider this spot to be Houston’s quintessential gay club. Its multiple lounges are great for nondancers, while the dance floor itself is large and always packed. There is also a nice outdoor patio, which is a great place to go when the club overcrowds. Thursday night is unofficially the night that straight men frequent Rich’s, and Friday nights are always hip-hop and especially popular.

Editorial Pick: South Beach

810 Pacific St.

(713) 529-7623

Visit this high-energy Montrose club for an assured good time. It’s always packed, there are consistently great drink specials, and the techno music is to die for. Look out for theme nights like “Madonna-rama” with cool remixes of the diva’s classic hits. Oh, and did I mention the �ber-hot go-go dancers in G-strings?

Nightclub

Audience Pick: O

710 Pacific St.

(713) 523-0213

This hot spot is great for all types who like to go out — gay, straight, dancer, nondancer, drinker and nondrinker. Set up in a converted house, this club offers multiple bars, porches and balconies for chatting, as well as a great dance bar, all while retaining a certain quaintness and charm. Though it caters to a primarily gay clientele, O always has an eclectic assortment of patrons.

Editorial Pick: Danseparc at Numbers

300 Westheimer Rd.

(713) 526-6551

Once a month, the girls from Danseparc lug their musical repertoire to Numbers, where they DJ sets that turn locals into dancing zealots on par with whirling dervishes. The content of their set lists range from ’80s throwbacks, like Michael Jackson and Joy Division, to contemporaries, like the Rapture and the Strokes. If you are looking for set lists sans Chingy and crowds without sweaty former frat boys, or if you’re a hipster trying to find a scene, Numbers is your place. For more info, check out http://www.synthlife.com/danseparc.

Dive Bar

Audience Pick: Marquis II

2631 Bissonnet St.

(713) 522-2090

Tuesday nights at the Marquis II are like Thursday nights at Willy’s Pub, except off-campus and with stiffer drinks. On Tuesday, you’ll find Rice’s over-21 crowd sipping the stiffest Long Island Iced Teas that $4.50 can buy. The decor of the Marquis reminds one most of a cheap hotel bar that wasn’t really that classy back when it was first designed in the ’60s, even though it’s been updated with some new televisions and chairs and tables. Just remember, whatever you do, don’t drink more than one Long Island Iced Tea without being prepared to suffer the consequences.

Editorial Pick: Lola’s

2327 Grant St.

(713) 528-8342

Visiting Lola’s is an experience every Rice student should have before graduation. This Houston institution, set on the north side of the Montrose area, is a friendly pool-hall that harbors the down and out. Almost everyone at Lola’s is amicable while at the same time being completely strung out. The bartender will gladly serve you a coke and rum that’s actually rum with a splash of coke. Highlights include the expansive porch that more closely resembles a backyard and the jukebox — heaven for indie and punk rock fans.

Shopping & services picks

Independent music store

Audience pick: Cactus Music and Video

2930 S. Shepherd Dr.

(713) 526-9272

Cactus and its three-story tall sculpture is one of the more happily independent music stores around. While its selection might not be the most diverse or expansive, you can always feel good contributing to Cactus’ commercial success. It’s heavily involved in the local music scene — and none of its profits go to the Blockbuster Corporation.

Editorial pick: Sound Exchange

1846 Richmond Ave.

(713) 666-5555

Sound Exchange is a CD and vinyl resale shop housed in a small house on Richmond that is best visited by the musically adventurous. You never know what you’ll find at Sound Exchange, but we can guarantee two things: First, the staff will be able to help you get something you’ll like and second, it’ll be cheaper than you could possibly expect — all used CDs, $7.99; used LPs, $4.99.

Best Tattoo/Piercing Studio

Audience Pick: Taurian Body Piercing

1505 Westheimer Rd.

(713) 526-2769

When considering where to get pierced, Taurian advises you to ask your friends where they got their piercings or to come in and watch someone else get pierced. It’s the kind of place that encourages you to think a lot about your piercing or tattoo before undergoing the needle and hopes you’ll come in to discuss the best jewelry and placement for your piercing needs.

Editorial Pick: Sacred Heart Studio

327 Westheimer Rd.

(713) 523-0985

Clean, safe and professional, Sacred Heart Studio offers a wide range of piercing services, as well as extremely talented tattoo artists. Also the home of one of Houston’s quirky art cars, the studio features friendly, helpful staff who will make your piercing or tattoo experience as comfortable as possible.

Vintage/Thrift Store

Audience Pick: Buffalo Exchange

1614 Westheimer Rd.

(713) 523-8701

Buffalo Exchange is a trendy resale chain started in the Southwest. It promises a slick shopping experience even if what you’re buying has been rung through the washer more than once. While the prices won’t reach the depths of Value Village, you’ll find something you like while paying a lot less than getting a new outfit at Nordstrom.

Editorial Pick:

Leopard Lounge Clothing Exchange

1637 Westheimer Rd.

(713) 524-9100

Leopard Lounge is Taxi Taxi’s less slick cousin. With the same owner, both stores are trendy places to sell and buy used clothes, but Leopard Lounge features a wider variety of sizes and a friendlier staff. Leopard Lounge also features a little bit more off-the-wall, while Taxi Taxi tends to be more of a place to catch Gap and Banana Republic on resale.

Bookstore

Audience Pick:

Half Price Books, Records, Magazines

2537 University Blvd.

(713) 524-6635

A visit to Half Price in the Rice Village will reveal untold treasures. Not only will you find that slick coffee table book you’ve been wanting for an extremely low price, but you can also check out the CDs and tapes for some steals on good music. Pick up a book and then patronize neighboring Crossroads for some coffee or a smoothie while you read.

Editorial Pick: Brazos Bookstore

2421 Bissonnet St.

(713) 523-0701

Brazos Bookstore is home to an extremely knowledgeable staff who will order you anything they don’t have in stock. Brazos’ stacks are filled with a large number of journals, and it offers a 10 percent student discount. Brazos offers a true community feel, hosting readings not only by nationally well-known poets, but also by those of local renown.

Car Repair

Audience Pick:

Demo’s Automotive Center

2438 Tangley St.

(713) 526-3781

Located right next to The Village, Demo’s is close enough to Rice to have your car affordably towed there when it fails to start after a storm that featured a hurricane rating. Demo’s can offer your car everything from a simple oil change to a complete body repaint and has the confidence of your fellow students.

Editorial Pick: Eric’s Exxon

6802 Kirby Dr.

(713) 667-9293]

Stop by Eric’s Exxon on the corner of West Holcombe Boulevard and Kirby Drive. Fill your tank; get your car hand-washed; check out the tacky — but cute — greeting cards in the lobby. Eric’s Exxon has it all. It has even managed to keep a Thresher staff member’s 30-year-old Ford Pinto on the road, much to the consternation of drivers everywhere. However, the question is, who’s Eric?

Culinary picks

Vietnamese Restaurant

Audience Pick: Mai’s Restaurant

3403 Milam St.

(713) 520-7684

Mai’s Restaurant offers acceptable Vietnamese fare at a reasonable price all the way until 4 a.m. If you’re not a big fan of huge helpings, it offers two size options for most meals. The late-night clientele is the kind that’s fun to watch, and the service is always friendly. Just don’t head to Mai’s expecting a quick meal — there’s often a wait for both seating and service.

Editorial Pick: Van Loc Restaurant

3010 Milam St.

(713) 528-6441

Van Loc is just down the street from Mai’s, and while it’s not open late, it has excellent food and a varied menu for very reasonable prices. The spring rolls are particularly fresh and should not be missed. The service ranges from average to outstanding, and servers are always very friendly and accommodating, even with special requests.

Late Night Restaurant

Audience Pick: House of Pies

3112 Kirby Dr.

(713) 528-3816

With 40 different desserts on the menu, House of Pies earns its name. But more importantly, House of Pies has more than the traditional short-order menu to complement the saccharine delight. Almost any late-night visit will find the company of other Rice students and Houston’s more interesting cultural sides. Don’t be afraid if the service you receive is brash — it’s all part of the charm.

Editorial Pick: Chacho’s

6006 Westheimer Rd.

(713) 975-9699

An all-night eatery off of 59 past 610, Chacho’s offers your standard taco and enchilada fast food fare but with a few more exoticisms — and taste — than Taco Cabana. More importantly, Chacho’s has a salsa bar with several different types of chips and salsa to choose from, including a mango salsa that you can’t die without trying once. Just remember, only the sweet tea comes with free refills. Fortunately, it’s the best sweet tea this side of the Mississippi, and you’ll need those refills — Chacho’s doesn’t skip on the haba�eros.

Mexican Restaurant

Audience Pick: Chuy’s

2706 Westheimer Rd.

(713) 524-1700

What do you get when you cross Elvis Presley and Tex-Mex dining? A shrine to the King, a school of wooden fish dangling from the ceiling and a selection of witty T-shirts that provide a fun, off-beat atmosphere. Don’t let the scarce parking or long waits deter you — the creamy jalape�o dip alone makes Chuy’s worth the trip.

Editorial Pick: Chapultepec

813 Richmond Drive

(713) 522-2365

Chapultepec has killer enchiladas, margaritas and late-night service in a place that you would visit during the daytime without finding it sketchy. Its interior is homey but cute, and the service quick. Best off all, it’s cheap and actually qualifies as Mexican, not Tex-Mex.

Pizza Place

Audience Pick: Star Pizza

2111 Norfolk St.

(713) 523-0800

From the hand-painted murals adorning the booths to the creaky wooden floors, Star Pizza is an experience for the eyes and the stomach. The menu is filled with a variety of Italian dishes — but why would you order anything but the pizza? If you ever wanted broccoli or jalape�os on your pizza pie, this is your chance. It’s slow, but when your pizza finally arrives, you won’t care.

Editorial Pick: Late Night Pie

502 Elgin

(713) 529-5522

The oven-fired creations at Late Night Pie, located where Westheimer turns into Elgin, offer previously-unheard-of combinations that create culinary sensations you didn’t think possible. If you don’t believe us, try the Boss Man, replete with artichokes, goat cheese, spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. The wait for food at Late Night Pie, open until 3 a.m., can sometimes be more than you bargain for, but you can always order delivery. The staff will drive pizza, salads and buckets of ice-cold beer all the way to the Rice area.

Sushi Bar

Audience Pick: Miyako

3910 Kirby Dr.

(713) 520-9797

With Yan Sushi (a.k.a. Sushi to Go) out of the picture due to a combination of a deadly yuppie makeover and price inflation combination, Miyako continues to offer the bargain sushi most Rice students crave. Its sushi bar gives clients a comfortable feel despite its chain heritage. The Happy Hour menu, available all hours of the day, offers dirt-cheap prices for rolls.

Editorial Pick: Azuma

5600 Kirby Dr.

(713) 432-9649

This restaurant’s striking Kabuki aesthetic creates a pleasing atmosphere, which compliments the impressive menu and high sushi quality. Diners sitting at the bar are given the opportunity to see their food prepared before their eyes. In addition to the vast array of sushi types available, the menu also boasts strong alternatives. In particular, the green tea ice cream and fried banana dessert are killer. I suggest hitting this place for the lunch specials, where one can get a good sushi meal for an affordable price.

Asian Fusion Restaurant

Audience Pick: Pei Wei Asian Diner

5110 Buffalo Speedway

(713) 661-0900

Pei Wei Asian Diner’s eclectic menu features a variety of food from countries ranging from China to Vietnam. It’s a walk-up-and-order place to eat. Within minutes of ordering, the staff will deliver your food to your table. This is sit-down Asian for the high-speed lifestyle.

Editorial Pick: Jenni’s Noodle House

2130 Jefferson St.

(713) 228-3400

Jenni’s Noodle House, complete with a night when feather boas are mandatory, is Houston at its best. It’s classy without being pretentious, quirky without making you feel uncomfortable and excellent cuisine without high prices. From the pink flamingos made by local artists that dot the yard outside this Asian restaurant to the $5 butt grabs on the menu, Jenni’s has cultivated a personality of its own without losing touch with what is most important: excellent food. Don’t miss the dumplings, best devoured with Jenni’s special soy sauce.

Coffee Bar

Audience pick: Starbucks

5801 Kirby Dr.

(713) 522-4898

There are a few things wrong with Starbucks winning best coffee bar. First of all, it’s not a bar. Second, there are plenty more options for coffee that aren’t, say, franchised. But when you’re new to a city, especially one like Houston, you tend to gravitate to what you know, like Starbucks. And when you don’t care about supporting the locals, and all you want is some trendy retro music wafting through a pre-manufactured yet soothing environment while you sip a good cup of coffee, Starbucks is your place.

Editorial Pick: Agora

1712 Westheimer Rd.

(713) 526-7217

Hidden in a white house across from Brasil, Agora is perfect for catching up with a friend, eyeing some locals or a first date. The atmosphere at Agora is familiar, like an overnight stay at a friend’s house, complete with great coffee and an excellent selection of wine and beer. From the upper level, you can take in all the clientele, which ranges from former University of Texas fraternity brothers who work for ExxonMobile to trendy hipsters with more piercings than we care to count. Overall, Agora’s offers a little bit of something for everyone, including a parking lot and friendly service, something Brasil doesn’t attempt to aspire to.

Ice Cream Shop

Audience Pick: Amy’s Ice Cream and Coffees

Editorial Pick: Amy’s Ice Cream and Coffees

3816 Farnham St.

(713) 526-2697

When your shop features delicacies such as Shiner Bock Ice Cream, and you still win best ice cream shop, you’re doing something right. At first, we felt bad going with the expected. Sure, Amy’s has some good competitors — Cold Stone Creamery and Marble Slab for example. But this Austin import acts like a member of the community while being a truly original ice cream shop with consistently creamy creations. Even if you aren’t intimidatd by the many choices, ask the friendly Amy’s staff for recommendations.

Oddball picks

Off-campus spot to show out-of-towners

Audience pick: Downtown

Editorial pick: Downtown

The money and people flooding into Houston for this year’s Super Bowl brought a renaissance of nightlife to downtown Houston. But even if clubbing isn’t your thing, there are also great theaters and sports venues. Take the METRORail downtown on a Sunday for people-watching and dining at the fabulous Mia Bella Trattoria or what the Thresher staff calls the best Chipotle location in the world.

METRORail Stop

Audience Pick: Preston

Editorial Pick: Preston

Surrounded by some of the hottest bars and clubs in Houston, the Preston stop takes you to the middle of the action. With Minute Maid Park, the Alley Theatre, Verizon Wireless Theater and countless trendy clubs and restaurants in easy walking distance, everyone can find something to do.

Off campus make-out spot

Audience Pick: Hermann Park

From the giant hill by Miller Outdoor Theatre to dirt trails lined by vast expanses of grass, Hermann Park is romantic in the most reliable way. But if the cliché of making out in a park gets you down, try out the Japanese garden or the Houston Zoo for something more interesting. Just stay away from the Children’s Water Park.

Editorial Pick: METRORail

We know the minute you saw the subway sex scene in Risky Business, you immediately wished you could act it out. It used to be the closest you could get in Houston was getting your freak on with your “business partner” on a 30-seater trolley car downtown. Which explains why we all love the METRORail. Most times of the day it’s packed, but hop on around 12:30 a.m. or 5:30 a.m., and we are certain you can find an empty car in which to get your groove on.

Off Campus Study Space

Audience Pick: Starbucks

5801 Kirby Dr.

(713) 522-4898

We can comprehend the Rice student’s allegiance to Starbucks, but for God’s sakes, there are better places around to study in, complete with wireless connections and more comfortable seating. Get in your car or get on your walking shoes and look for them.

Editorial Pick

Café Artiste

1601 W. Main St.

(713) 528-3704

The reliable wireless connection at Café Artiste and wonderful food selections keep the Thresher editorial staff going back again and again. Café Artiste is reliably busy but always has an open booth, couch or chair to perch yourself while preparing for that big bio exam.

Road trip destination

Audience pick: Austin, Texas

Austin is the city with all the things Houston doesn’t have: a strip of actually decent bars, places to party that you can walk to, and green space. A cool two and a half hour drive away, it’s no wonder most Rice students prefer to spend their free weekends in this chilly Texas city that, unlike Houston, shockingly features zoning laws. Although Austin might be losing its edge — it’s going from granola to yuppie —it’s still a great place to go party or catch some live music when you’ve got the time.

Editorial pick: Shiner, Texas

Two hours southwest of Houston is the wondrous Spoetzl Brewery in Shiner, Texas. You can tour the brewery at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. However, there isn’t much else to see in Shiner, so we recommend visiting during the month of October, when the Spoetzl Brewery puts on Bocktober fest, a one-day event with bands, beer and a really big tent.

Ironically Hip T-Shirt Slogan

Audience Pick: IDAHO NO UDAHO

Thank God for vintage irony. On this black shirt, you’ll find a white outline of the potato state with the words, “Idaho No Udaho” overlain. It’s beautiful. If you want to find one yourself, search for “Idaho” under the men’s shirt section of eBay.

Editorial Pick: Voting is for old people

It’s a story we’ve seen before: not-so-hip store tries to be hip by making offensive, yet trendy t-shirts. It’s a story line that started with Abercrombie and Fitch’s “Two Wongs make a White” and continued with the now-discontinued Urban Outfitters’ shirt “Voting is for old people.” Voting isn’t for old people; if more young people had voted in the last election, the phrase “Axis of Evil” might not be part of the national lexicon. But sometimes it just feels good to wear something that flies in the face of everything that’s acceptable.

Beer for Chugging

Audience Pick: Bud Light

Bud Light doesn’t taste particularly good, but it does go down easier than other cheap options. It’s the favorite of Rice parties and, more importantly, chug practices at every college. We’re not sure what puts it above its competitor, Miller Lite, but that’s not important. Sometimes a thing become your favorite for reasons that you can’t explain.

Editorial Pick: Schlitz Malt Liquor

You may not believe us, but Schlitz — straight from Milwaukee — is a beer you can actually sip. That said, the kitsch factor and inexpensive price make Schlitz a prime target to overtake current favorites such as Miller High Life, the “Champagne of Beers,” and Pabst Blue Ribbon, the “Champagne of hipsters,” for the beer you guzzle.

Website at which to procrastinate

Audience Pick:

http://www.homestarrunner.com

Editorial Pick:

http://www.homestarrunner.com

Monday mornings wouldn’t be the same without the Brothers Chap, the creators of homestarrunner.com. The Brothers Chap create flash-cartoon humor without offending anyone other than vegans and the occasional girl who has a crush on every boy. For the newcomer, it’s sometimes hard to get into, but check out the intro page and then head immediately into the archives of Strong Bad emails. Just don’t start fooling around here when you have a paper due, or you’ll be watching old issues of “Teen Girl Squad” all night.

April 16, 2004

The Student Newspaper of Rice University

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