after three weeks here we have finally unpacked and settled in enough to actually start exploring our new neighborhood. one thing we loved the most about living in DC was that we were able to walk to so many places. when we were looking around at neighborhoods in houston, ww's first criteria was that he wanted his house to be "walkable to lots of things". i cringed a bit when he said this, thinking it would be a tough awakening when he sees that people in houston don't walk anywhere. truly, i can't remember going anywhere growing up in houston that did not involve a large SUV. we like our energy & gas down here, and we like to use it. plus it's generally hot year-round.
however, since moving in, we have been pleasantly surprised that the new house is within a few block radius of lots of good bars, restaurants, shops, coffee houses, and grocery stores. (including a brand-spanking-new trader joe's!) it is pretty awesome, and makes exploring a new area so much more fun.
last night, after a long day for the both of us and taking advantage of a rare cool evening in september, we walked three blocks to la tapatia for some margaritas & tex mex. la tapatia has happy hour every day until 7 pm, but on wednesdays it has happy hour all night long. i realized we were not in dc anymore when i walked in & immediately asked the host if happy hour was only at the bar. he looked at me like i was nuts & shook his head - "nope, the whole restaurant, all night." "even out on the patio?!" "even out on the patio." bless you, houston.
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| amzing patio |
and so we enjoyed $4 margaritas and $2 beers on the patio with a beautiful breeze, and some delicious shrimp quesadillas and queso with chorizo. we sat there for hours, talking about how awesome this all was. and our bill was less than $40.
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| and how cute is my date?? |
and then, we walked back home. i think we have a new wednesday night tradition developing. and i feel good about it.
(this is us walking home, to prove it can be done.)