¡Feliz Compleaños! Friday

26? I thought the view from up here would be a better, but I can't say I'm disappointed.

Courtesy of a beautifully flexible call schedule, I've managed the near impossible: a gorgeously sunny and warm, call-free weekend. Usually, I can squeeze out warm but not call-free, or oppressively hot and call-free. Gorgeous (read as upper 70s accompanied by a cheek kissing breeze) is hard to come by when I have the time, but alas I digress.

It was my birthday! And what a birthday it was.

Let's start with Friday. Friday, the venerable Colonel and his missus joined the ranks of Houston's restaurant goers to celebrate the anniversary of my birth and newly complete financial freedom at the tastebud bewitching Hugo's. Let me not misguide you; while we've established a pecuniary independence, this was on their dime, their very generous dime. In any case, as has been the case since I've been able to make restaurant recommendations, I attempted to pick a place that would please the most picky of palates (read as the Colonel) or one most suffering from ennuie (read as my more adventurous mother). Several weeks ago at a resident gathering at the posh Bustamante-Barré's, PMB4 and I were discussing his recent experience at Hugo's. You could practically see his pupils dilate with the gastronomic memory, and thus my decision was made. Authentic upscale Mexican it is.

So, my (as usual early) parents arrived, swiftly began taking the first photos of me in a long white coat, danced a bit, joked a bit, and finally we were off for our rather difficult 6:30 reservation. The woman over the phone offered us a patio seat (remember that its a gorgeous weekend), but Texan sensibility overcame us all and we opted for an interior table, by a very busy and jovial hostess.

"You're waitress will be right with you."

Immediately the coolness of the vent began to wear out its welcome. Mom quickly requested that the colonel navigate valet and obtain her scarf, and then just as quickly we then requested another table. And thank goodness too. The second table was near a thoroughfare, but at the very least our eyes could venture through the windowpanes to enjoy the beauty of east Westheimer and the 1970s minimall across the street (who is blissfully camouflaged by trees and lights). My eyes are always a bit hungry for dynamic scenes, so this suited me nicely. My parents are always a bit hungry so this suited them as well.

"Hmm...how about this one. " I chose a nice aperitif before deciding on a course, and as a matter of course, my mom chose to join me in my drink, with a reluctant "I'll have one too" from my dad. Minutes later these words were regretted by their pseudo-retired owners as the drink was not in fact iced tea as my mother originally surmised. Hilarious.

"Oh my goodness. I can feel it burn my chest." The irony of my mom feeling warm did not escape my father and we had a nice laugh as usual. Conversation swirled around their recent 30th anniversary trip to Rome, recent events on the ranch-ito, plans for a family trip, dad's shiny Canon SLR, psychiatry, and of course, like all good Black people, the ridiculousness of "compassionate conservatism" and its loathsome father, Republicanism.


We shared the most delicious ceviche I've had since Panama, cochinita, barbacoa, salmon, mexican hot chocolate, churros, crepes con leche, and some really great togetherness that my residency schedule has made a bit more rare.

Memories of grade school confession flooded me as my tongue was absolutely nonplussed with the most deliciously sinful flavors it has experienced in a while. Roasted cocoa beans, chipotle pork, salmon that melts and entrances. I needn't waste time with what cannot be adequately described, but needless to say, it joins some other pretty notable dining experiences.

Without question on e of the best evenings I've spent with our trio of Websters and certainly one of the more delicious. With half-open eyes, a suitably lazy gait, and beautiful smiles, we made our way to the valet. Hopefully we'll be able to recreate the experience in the near future. I also hope this bodes well for 26. In the meantime...thank goodness for family.

Best Meals...EVER:
Peking Duck - Beijing China
Medallón de Lomo Tenderloin at Cabañas las Lilas in Buenos Aires
Confit de Canard - Paris
Glâce Bertillon (Citron vert) - Paris
Pomegranate Sorbet One Midtown Kitchen - Atlanta
My Uncle Wayne's Barbecue - Brenham, Texas