My Saturday Night Out

Last night I knew that I was going to the birthday celebration of one of my long-time friends and former clients Cliff Gillock. Cliff was an art director at many of the top agencies in Houston and retired several years ago. Cliff and his wife Suzie live in the Rice Lofts in downtown Houston and that is where the party was held. The Rice Lofts were created from the old Rice Hotel which is rich in history. As the story goes famous oilman and wildcatter Glen McCarthy (also the inspiration for the character Jett Rink in the book and movie Giant) was turned away from the prestigious Rice Hotel for not wearing the proper attire. Because of this snub, Glenn vowed to build his own hotel where he could come and go as he pleased wearing whatever he liked. And he did, building the Shamrock Hotel in 1949. Unfortunately, the Shamrock is no more, having been demolished some years ago to make more room for the Medical Center. But I digress...

My girlfriend Sara Jo had called earlier on Saturday saying she was not feeling well and was going to stay in for the evening. So I knew I was on my own for the night. Around 5:30 PM I set out for the West Alabama Ice House to begin putting my sobriety in remission with a couple of beers and to hear a set from the rockin Snit's Dog and Pony Show. After one set it was time to head down to the party at the Rice. Since I prefer not to drive at night, especially where the consumption of adult beverages is involved, I had planned a bus trip downtown. I walked the four blocks from the Ice House over to Westheimer to catch the 82 bus which would drop me off about four blocks from the Rice. About a half block from the bus stop I saw the 82 whiz by. Having checked the schedule on Metro's web site I knew I had about 20 minutes until the next bus.

I decided to pop in to a new pub that I had not yet visited near the stop, Firkin and Phoenix, for a quick pint while awaiting the bus. I got down about half a pint before I began to feel a bit nervous about missing the next bus and bugged out to wait for the bus. Once the bus came I was downtown in about 20 minutes strolling along Main Street towards the Rice Lofts. At the party I enjoyed a couple of hours of mingling and chatting with old friends, clients and colleagues. Cliff had just turned 70 but does not show his age. Although retired, he still maintains a studio where he paints almost every day.

I left the party a little before 10:00 PM and being a bit hungry (it was just a "wine and cheese" affair) I headed down Main Street a few blocks to an Italian restaurant Mia Bella for a late dinner. Arriving just as the kitchen was closing I was able to get a nice chicken Caesar salad and a glass of Chianti. This little nosh re-energized me and put me in the mood for some more music.

Across from Mia Bella is the Preston Street stop on Metro's new light rail line. I knew that if I jumped on there I would be at the Continental Club in midtown in just a few minutes. And I love riding the light rail, makes me feel a bit like I am in Paris again riding their fabulous Metro. At the Continental Club I checked with the doorman as to who was playing. I did not recognize the band (duh, I don't know most bands today) and did not like wagering a $10 cover charge to find out. Then someone volunteered that blues belter Allison Fisher was playing just two doors down at the Big Top. No cover charge at the Big Top and I love the music so this decision was a no-brainer.

After a couple of sets of Allison and a few beers I began to fade. I stepped outside and dialed up trusty United Cab on my cell phone for the last trip of the night for me. Cab got me home in no time and the fare was only $7 (including tip). So my total transportation budget for the evening was $9 (Metro bus/train is $1 each). And I did not have to deal with any late-night drunk drivers or road rage. I managed to hit 3 bars, hear 2 bands, have a nice late dinner and attend a fun party in an historic venue. Not bad for a Saturday night...