The Last Concert

There's a little road just under I-10, right where it meets 59. And on that road is an old house with a red door. It's so close to the street there's barely a sidewalk. There's no sign,  just "Knock To Enter" written in Sharpie on the red. This is The Last Concert Cafe.
I've been there a few times. I have friends who's kids used to sneak out there when they were in High School and College. And I just recently met someone (my age) who's mom confessed to having gone there in her younger days..
There's a small bar area that is always full of  the regulars who check you out when you come in. Are you worthy? Then there's a small dining room which is really out back. Every time I've had dinner here there's been live music in the dining area. I always feel like they're guys from the neighborhood  who've wandered in to play their guitars and sing a little. It's never disappointing.
The food is good, nothing exciting. If your Mom was from Mexico and you came home from college, this is the kind of cooking you'd be craving.Not gourmet. Home made with love. I recommend the Enchiladas. There are so many choices!! Four kinds of cheese enchiladas, all named after someone. Then you really have to squint to read the descriptions. After the sun sets, it's pretty much mood lighting. But the margaritas are cold, and sour, and satisfying.
But now the real reason to go to The Last Concert (Besides atmosphere!). What used to be the back yard of the house is now filled with sand- like a beach volleyball court- and picnic tables, and tonight: gas heaters. There's a stage to the back and here's where the magic happens. Almost every night.

 TR3 Warming Up

 If you don't know Tim Reynolds, you MUST have heard of The Dave Mathews Band. Tim is Dave Mathews' guitarist. www.timreynolds.com  Dare I say, his talent far exceeds the talent of Dave? He tours as TR3 when not touring with Dave. His guitar skills are the best I've ever seen in a live venue- this includes my many go-rounds at Madison Square Garden. And to see him at a little place with less than 100 people! I wonder if he prefers the intimate places once in a while to the huge concerts he usually plays?
The audience was very casual. One guy came in on his bicycle. There was the dancer with the lighted hula hoop. And plenty of beer. It's outside, so the smokers (of all types) are happy. I can see us coming back for a little Jazz with a cigar and cognac at our side. I really could go on and on about this place- but I won't. It's hard to describe the feeling you get there. It's like a secret part of Austin has come to Houston. Or maybe it was here longer. And it's not "in your face". Just a little oasis- if you can find it.                                                  

Martini and Pizza                            

 Friday night we headed out to celebrate the gorgeous weather. First stop was The Wine Bar  on Lake Houston in Kingwood ....or Kings Harbor to the locals.
We didn't sit at the bar because we wanted to sit on the patio overlooking the water. The lake was quiet and the sun was setting. There were a lot of people just relaxing with a glass. The waitstaff are very sociable.   They have a really nice happy hour with $4 limited appetizers and $2 off glasses of wine. It's fun to mix and match wines from the glass menu, especially when you can chat wine-speak with the staff. They also sell wine by the bottle unopened to take home. Interestingly the waiters are also "retailers" and I think get a little commission on the sale.  The manager is charming and adorable- in spite of the fact that last time we were there he promised to create wine "score cards" so we could keep track of what we tried and liked, a la Crue.

Next stop we went into Humble to Zio's. The bar area there is kind of nice and we usually have a good time. There's actually two bar areas to choose from. There's the Pizza Bar with a view looking straight into the pizza oven (fun for the foodies).. And there's the bar, itself.
The bar tonight was completely empty and the bartender, Jordan, was kind of lonely. Zio's isn"t a big cocktail business. Their loss! Jordan makes the most incredible, olive-flavorful dirty martinis you could imagine! He tends bar almost every Friday and Saturday nights so pay him a visit. There we met Brad, who said he taught Bartender-Jordan how to make those ever so dirty martinis. Brad is a chemical engineer who at one time was a dancer at La Bare. Yes, he had pictures to prove it! Brad was with a group of his in-laws (5th marriage) so he was glad to hang with us for a while. he also introduced us to Cody Pogue, who is running for Texas House HD127, Humble/Huffman/Kingwood. Cody seemed pretty normal, actually. Not political or salesman-like. You can check him out at www.codypogue.com to see what he's all about.

Finally, to answer your question: Pizza With A Martini? Yes, YES, YES!. It's like wearing high heels with jeans or cowboy boots with your best suit. I don't have to explain. If you know what I mean then give it a try!

For The Faint Of Heart

You may never have thought about eating at the bar! Yes you can! The first time I realized that eating at the bar was great was at Babin's in Kemah, on the gulf outside Houston. It was crowded and we sat at the bar for a drink until our table was ready. Other people were eating, so we ordered a few appetizers. Then we struck up a conversation with the couple next to us. They also had run away from their kids for an afternoon out. We had a great time talking to them! Can't remember their names. "Two Ships That Pass In The Night" as they say.
Some places actually have "Bar Menus" with just appetizers. Some will serve the full menu. Sometimes they even have special pricing for diners at the bar. Happy Hour is a great thing!
You still don't believe me? Well, I have spoken to two professionals that are reliable sources who can convince you. I'll randomly call them "Amy" and "Jenn".
As a bartender, "Amy" preferred bar customers to eat at the bar- it's great for tips. "Jenn" compared waitressing and bartending. The people who eat at the bar are way more friendly and fun and also tip better! There you have it! Bartenders love you to eat at the bar! Go forth and enjoy!