The masses were out in full force yesterday. This made it difficult to get a reservation at a decent restaurant downtown last night without waiting an hour plus. My friend and I ended up at Houston's after trying two other places (Grand Cafe Lux & Bandera). Houston's was great as they had a bar in the lobby and a jazz band to make the wait tolerable. Plus we ended up only having to wait about 20 minutes. I had the BBQ Ribs with squash and my friend had the Hawaiian Ribeye with spinach. All in all, not bad food for a chain restaurant. I've been there about half a dozen times in the past, and have never been disappointed.
After dinner we headed to the movies to see Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World. While a bit slow at times, I totally loved the movie. I found it to be a throwback to the way films were made long ago. No unnecessary love story and a keen attention to the details. Plus it tells an incredible naval battle story and has a strong cast with Russell Crowe leading as British Captain Jack Aubrey. A sure bet to get a best picture nomination!
When I first left college, I loved Houston's. My friend and I tried to eat there at least once a week. I haven't been back in some time, but I loved the martinis and spinach dip.
I saw master and Commander at the weekend as well. What Hadn't crossed my mind until the end of the film was the complete lack of women in the film and yet it didn't lose anything because of it.
In fact any "love interest" would have undermined the film rather than added to it. I loved the action sequences. Fab Film all 'round.