Last Wednedsay, A was kind enough to invite me to see a band called Grizzly Bear. Although I am now ashamed to say I had not conciously heard of them, I knew there could be worse things to do on a Wednesday evening. Considering this same friend is the one to introduce me to most of my new music via burned CDs... whom also invited me to an intimate, under-the-radar show in 2006, to which I kindly declined and then found out it was the same band I was singing along with on the radio a few months later (The Fray), I trusted her instincts and quickly accepted the kind invitation. And with a dinner promised as a prelude, I knew the night would be close to perfect regardless of how the show would turn out. It was also a good sign that I was familar with the song that first pulled up when I googled the band.
Another chaotic day at the office started to approach the 5 o'clock hour and so my deadline was approaching. We decided to meet at Swift's Attic, a restaurant I've been meaning to visit since it opened a bit ago. After braving the abnormal chilly wind this time of year while crossing Congress Ave, I took refuge and headed up the stairs just above The Elephant Room. It already felt right.
A was sitting at the bar on one of the old, antique style tall classroom chairs with a curved wood back and skinny metal legs. The murals, the fixtures, even the font on the damn menu made you feel like you were back in the 1930's... in a good way. Kind of like another popular spot, but on the East side of 35, affectionaly known as "The Strong Side": Eastside Showroom. I've tried their food, tested their service and had their famous cocktail "The Bees Knees". Although the cocktail is indeed one of the best I've had, I'll be the first to say that place is overrated. The drinks are good, however the food and service are just terrible. The same cannot be said abotu Swift's Attic.
My first shout out should go to the hostess. Having to deal with obnoxious customers JUST LIKE ME in the past is what makes me comfortable being one still today: I know it's not that big of a deal to ask for another table in an empty restaurant. (She can deal with a pissy server and she can get over it.) We asked for a booth away from the sunlight and she allowed us to move... so we cozied up with our cocktails. After the recommendation from a friend, I tried the "1984", a commemorative gin and citrus martini I knew couldn't be wrong. I just didn't expect it to be so damn delicous. Starting off tart, turning sweet and then finishing sour... it was very complex and even I was impressed. It even came in a vintage style champagne saucer, but new in the sense that it was a full 4 ounces larger than those tiny glasses. I should start making them at home...
We started with some Snack'ums, including the Shishito Peppers (blistered to perfection) and Salt & Pepper Gulf Shrimp (don't let the pretty micro cilantro trick you: it still tastes just like cilantro!). Next came shaved cheese with dried pineapple and other lovely accoutrements. The Sake steamed Mussels were decadent and came with steamed dumplings - but not the Asian dumplings your'e thinking of: these were lovely, light, soft and yummy rolls that I could have every.single.day. They would have been perfect with a poached egg and some cracked pepper, or just some basic butter and honey. In fact, they might have those on the brunch menu, something they seem to be advertisting quite strongly. I saw it while in the restroom and the server also mentioned it before we left. And yet, they achieved their goal of planting the seed: guess who's going to brunch at Swift's Attic soon?
After another cocktail... we ordered the Pork Cheeks. I know, I know: judge if you must. I don't typically like pork, and to eat a part of an animal's body that is usually on it's face is not what I tend to do. But when it's in a pretty ceramic pot with a cleverly designed spoon to hang on the side without falling in and paired with a fabulous fig compote and grilled sourdough toast... who can resist? Especially on a Wednesday night. Just kidding...we were just being piggy. Ha.
In true dinner date fashion, we continued with another course: Seared Redfish with homemade green curry and Forbidden Black Japanese Rice. Just one word: YUM. It was a good enough size to be an entree, however was a delightful plate to share amongst all the other snacks. As if that wasn't enough, we ordered dessert. We went with the original item that caught our attention as cheese lovers: Fried Brie with Toasted Pine Nut Ice Cream and Crisp Diced Green Apples. WOW. It was sweet, savory, crunchy, soft... satisfied almost every sweet craving one might have. Needless to say we devoured it. Our server was attentive, professional and yet personal, and sensitive to our timeline of making our show. All in all, he was just peachy. I should have gotten his name...
Now comes the part for which you probably starting reading this entry in the first place: The Grizzly Bear show. We rushed over to ACL and found our front row balcony seats just in time for the house lights to go down. The music started and I listened with an open heart and an open mind... but also waiting for the one song I knew to be sung. It eventually began and I felt priviledged to be able to sing along, but it was over before I knew it. Not to my surprise, I'd like to state for the record: I was enjoying it all.
The stage lights, the cheers, the backdrop... the photographers, the cameras, the stage... I'll admit it "got me". Not in the same way it might "get " certain people I know, but I suddently realized how much I should appreciate this moment and even better, this concept: All those people were there for a reason. They know about the magic that takes place during those shows, here and all over the city. And that's why they come. That's why ACL and SXSW are such crazy and crowded events... all those people are just wanting a piece of the magic. Can you blame them? I was thinking to myself, as the music washed over me, that it's similar to the way I feel in the car on a perfect summer evening. When the windows are rolled down but the music is turned up so loud it's all you can hear... it consumes you and it's all that exists in that moment. It's fabulous, awesome, freeing. I venture to say that's probably what a lot of those people feel while at concerts, even of bands they've never heard of before.
So to you big concert goers, you local live music junkies, you people that are in a band on the weekends: I finally get it. Kudos to you for doing what you love and following your passion. There's something to be said for that and I wish you the best of luck in the ACL ticket lottery! Just keep your eyes out for a bear in the Attic...
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