Discovering Places and Spaces...

This story began when my S.O. spontaneously suggested night riding one evening. We took off on our bicycles, heading for adventure (and cocktails and pizza). Below is a photo taken at one of our destinations with eclectic decor I enjoyed.

If you missed the beginning of this story, read it here:

Ulog No. 19 "The Eagle and the Hummingbird: Night Riding Part One"

Pizza Pit Stop

After lounging in a speak easy down the alley, we returned to our chosen restaurant for dinner. Now at the top of the waiting list, we were seated quickly. We joined strangers at a large, square table with seats for about 16 people. I'm often glad when places have seating like this, instead of keeping everyone completely separate in our own bubbles of personal space. Sometimes I want a more intimate experience and other times I'm open to mixing it up. The table was adorned with huge vases of fresh flowers and candles, creating a relaxing ambiance.

The pizza was exceptional. As you can see, we were so eager to taste it I didn't get a photo of the whole pizza :) Since we had pre dinner cocktails and are not "big drinkers" our beverage with dinner was water. Staying hydrated while cycling and consuming alcohol is a necessity I've learned through experience.

This quirky restaurant has a photo booth in the hallway leading to the restrooms. Guests can hang one of their photo strip prints on wires with clips lining the walls and take the other print home. Although it was our second or third visit, we haven't participated yet. I'm not sure what the cost is. Perhaps I'll find out next time. Peeking at silly, smiling faces makes waiting for the bathroom more interesting.

The Next Speak Easy

Not wanting the night riding adventures to end, we cruised over to another speak easy style bar. I've been to this one before and it was difficult to locate the first time. The door and building are unmarked. Once you know to look for these lights, the place isn't so secret anymore.

Although a sign states, "Private Property: Reserved Parking" there is plenty of parking when your vehicle is a bicycle. We appreciate the abundant bike racks, including vertical spaces on the wall. I hope more businesses will follow this example! Can any of my regular readers recognize which bicycle is mine?

Inside, we found the space much more crowded than the speak easy we visited before dinner. We started out using this barrel as a table to set our drinks on. Eventually we pounced on a table as its occupants were leaving. This time my drink didn't include tequila and was nice to sip, although somehow less magical than my emerald hummingbird was earlier.

I'm happy to be sharing a version of this story on the blockchain where it may long live as a reminder that the evening was wonderful, magical, and memorable. We pedaled home very satisfied and ready to continue relaxing.