More Year-End Observations
1.) This past year witnessed the first indications of SoDo’s transition from Cowtown to … Northern Mexico? Sí, cabrón. Eavesdropping on the long weekend lines waiting to get into the ultra-stylish nightclub Embargo, you’d be forgiven for thinking that English is a second language here. You should have heard the cheers – and seen the rumbaing – that erupted every time DJ Danny West mixed into his playlist a Vicente Fernández tune. And after enough mojitos, a gal was able to collect the numbers of every Tomas, Ricardo, and Javier in town.
2.) Out by Texas Christian University, lining up your quarters didn’t guarantee you’d get even a single game of pool in at Tiff & Andi’s Place on many nights. After Andi refinished the lone table by covering it in royal red felt, every blue-collar person within walking distance scooped up his or her chance to rule the royal-red-felt roost. Bartender Dave played “Sex on Fire” by Kings of Leon ad nauseum, establishing an appropriate soundtrack to the less-than-professional ranks around the eight ball. Winning never amounted to much, but cheap drinks and the ability to walk home afterward were both priceless.
3.) Jukebox? Unplug that thing! Contrary to popular opinion, not every liquor aficionado is qualified to select songs for an entire bar’s consumption. Cody Admire, one of the best bartenders in town, took over the Blue Grotto in late 2008, and when he wasn’t too busy mixing martinis, he was mixing songs via his handy laptop. Like the ingredients of a tasty cocktail, music needs to be chosen carefully yet courageously, and Admire, an excellent musician in his own right, performed valiantly.
4.) Despite trying its best to be hip, Halo Lounge suffered from its proximity to TCU. The narrow room was often overrun by khaki pants, polo shirts, and testosterone. But no one can blame Halo for trying. Kenny and Scott remain two of the hippest, friendliest bartenders in town, and on the nights when DJ Echo kicked up the party atmosphere with his Soul Train mix, he perhaps even encouraged many of the way-too-old minglers to take their chances with the youngsters. And lechery, dear future alcoholics of America, is Bar Behavior 101. – Caroline Collier
Contact Last Call at lastcall@fwweekly.com.
