A Game Changer Arcade

CONROE, TX -- I’m in Conroe’s Switch this week, taking a few sips, feasting on a NY Strip and broadening my burlesguial horizons at ‘A GameChanger’ (AGC), located at 109 Metcalf Street, in Conroe. I was in downtown Conroe last month, and I decided to have a walkabout and check out the bar/pub scene. That’s when I ran across AGC, which then had been open for only a few weeks. So I got to talking with the ownership group; Andy Adams, Gary Nunn, and Carlos de la Haba, who each brought their specialized talents to the enterprise.

AGC has so many aspects to it, and has little niches for everyone; kids, parents, grandparents, even great-grandparents. I think of it as a mini-version of one of those family entertainment places on the interstate. They’ve got arcade games from the ‘80s, Galaga, Ms. Pac-Man, air hockey, pinball; stuff that serves up a lot of memories from our high school dayz. I even saw a great-grandma with dementia enjoying herself at one of the shooting games that AGC offers.

If you love to hang out, AGC is right for you. In lingering, I confirmed my resolve to start tapping out these mixed-drinks columns. I got to talking to Gary Nunn, a trained sommelier, and he invited me to a wine tasting class that AGC offers to groups of individuals, and even wine clubs. They have several shotgun style bars on location, with one on each floor. And they are cozy too.

I was in the upstairs bar, I enjoyed the little sitting areas where small groups could converse and sip. I sat with several ladies who were interested in widening the scope of their vinoian prospects, as was I.

Gary showed us the first bottle, a sparkling wine, Bodega Putruele Finca Natalina Brut, bottled near Mendoza, Argentina. I enjoyed the citric aromas with soft tropical notes. It was refreshing with flavors of grapefruit, lemon and lime. Tropical notes of peach and pineapple make it ideal as an aperitif or for dessert. I wasn’t that big a fan of sparkling anything, boiling it down to aftertaste; but this selection, and the conversation, convinced me I should be more open to the bubbles from now on.

Continuing on the progression of lighter to bolder, Gary followed with a red wine, Willamette Ridge Pinot Noir, an Oregon product, with a black cherry and raspberry blend of fruit wrapped with fine, satiny tannins. If I would have had some Gruyere cheese, it would have been a nice pairing. An Argentinian product, Bandini Dos Cauces Malbec, from Mendoza, was next. It is produced at the base of the Andes mountains. I appreciated its attractive red color with deep bluish and black tones. Its bouquet had a pleasing scent of red plums. My palate found it fresh and fruity, and it left me wanting more. I next tried two white wines. A Fantinel Borgo Tesis Pinot Grigio, which again made me beg internally for some cheese. It’s a product of Friuli, Italy, with a radiant dry white, with ingredients we Texans don’t normally see in a wine. The subtle aromas of bell pepper, banana and apple that left my palate velvety for the lack of a better word.

Two California products concluded the tasting. A red from the Northern California Coast, Buena Vista Cabernet Sauvignon. The bouquet revealed the dark fruit aromas of blackberry, black cherry and cinnamon on the nose, which put me on no-tice. Black currant flavors are accented by plum and black pepper with a hint of dark chocolate. Its medium bodied, with rich tannins matched by sweet fruit creating a long finish, and it almost made me call for a piece of chocolate cake. Lastly, I tried a white, Sierra del Mar Chardonnay, hailing Clarksburg California, near Sacramento. And since I appreciate tart, this made a nice ending to the experience. I discovered a lemon, clove and honeycomb bouquet, along with green apples, tangerine, kiwi and passionfruit. This is perfect wine to end a meal with a sweet aftertaste.

AGC, for you beef lovers out there, does offer a Steak Night. Chef James Cole, who made his name with Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse, does wonders with his steak with garlic mashed potatoes and asparagus. I dared not ask for any steak sauce. Not with the excellent product that Cole puts out.

The place even has a speakeasy ‘A Bank Job,’ for the more discerning individuals who wish to escape to the past. And on occasion, AGC even throws a burlesque show, with ladies who entertain mostly couples, wishing to spice up their love lives. I’ve been to the show, and found it … interesting. Actually, my lips are sealed.

A GameChanger has a little bit of everything for the family, and individuals. You can meet friends on occasions throughout the week. AGC has $2 Buck Beer Tuesday’s, Wednesday’s Wine Class (Call ahead to book), and Thursday’s Golden Steak Night. It's a place to let your hair down, play some games, and relax.

A GameChanger’s website is: agamechangerconroe.com

Alcohol Disclaimer: This column is intended for entertainment purposes only. Please drink responsibly, not just for yourself, but for others around you.

Ruben can be reached at: ruben@montgomerycountynews.net