TACO BELL

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A new Taco Bell recently opened in Key West. On North Roosevelt Boulevard. In the same building where one was closed down several years ago due to lack of business.

I am not a Taco Bell expert. Have only been in one my whole life.

The building has been updated. The windows are enlarged. They go from floor to ceiling.

Why the big deal about a new Taco Bell?

I drove by last night at 9:30 on my way home. The parking lot was full. The restaurant was full. I could see in through the large windows. Very few people standing. Most sitting. They appeared to be having a good time.

A couple of days ago at lunch time, I drove past the new Taco Bell. The cars lined up on the Boulevard waiting to get in the driveway were longer than any I have ever seen for McDonald’s.

I suspect the newness of the Taco Bell attracts customers. I believe there may be another reason. Cost!

Eating out is extremely expensive these days in Key West. Add in a few drinks and the bill shots up wildly. A new Taco Bell may be getting a big play because it is a cheap evening out. I could be wrong. It may only be the newness. Time will tell.

I worked on my blog talk radio show yesterday which is scheduled to air this evening at 9. Interesting topics. Join me. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Topics include unwanted immigration a world wide problem, cucumber salmonella outbreak in the United States, only so much money available in Europe to help immigrants, an update on Yemen where violence is escalating, 1.5 million U.S. households living on $2 a day per person, Illinois not having the money to pay a $250,000 lottery winner, and more.

Turned out to be a Key West evening.

My destination last night was the Little Room Jazz Club on Duval to watch Larry Smith perform at 8. Wanted to make a dinner stop first. Tried Roostica. Closed, I assume because of the holiday. Several other restaurants also closed. I ended up at Tavern ‘n Town. Always a good place for dinner.

Tavern ‘n Town was like old home week.

Ran into Michael Schwartz first. Michael is a former owner of Square One. The flavor of his restaurant I doubt will ever return. Even though subsequent owners continue to use the name.

Then Jean Zimmerman. A woman I have loved for years. I rarely see Jean. She was having dinner with Michael. Jean was Michael’s hostess for years.

The bar was crowded. Found a seat. Next to me were friends from my Yacht Club days. The Toppino brothers and others. Good to see them.

Eventually, Lou and Rose sat next to me. Turns out they are members of the Yacht Club, also. I had not met them before. They must have become members after my time.

Chatted quite a while with Lou and Rose. They live in Key Haven as I do. Soon to be married 52 years. Good for them! Lou an occasional pilot in his other life. He may still be flying a bit.

Nice people. I would like to see them again.

I have known Larry Smith more than 15 years. He is one of Key West’s premier performers. A musician, he composes and sings.

I met Larry through Aaron. Fifteen years ago, he took me to La Te Da to meet his friend Larry. Aaron and his lady Karen were at the Little Room to enjoy Larry last night. Friendships last.

Writer Michael Dennis in attendance. He has authored a number of novels. We spoke briefly about writing. Michael in his other life was a professional gambler. He would travel to Vegas and other places to work. Today, a successful author.

Larry’s wife Christine Cordone present. She sang with Larry. An outstanding vocalist, she has become an artist of some prominence in her later years. Alec and his horn stopped by to say hello and then to play with Larry. Mary Deasy sang.

Last night brought me back to the days of the Wine Galley. It was Larry’s room for years. We all attended. It was good to see some of the Wine Galley group come together last night.

I did not get to watch the Ohio State/Virginia Tech game. Ohio State won. The school is anticipated to be #1 in the country this year. Ohio State beat Virginia Tech admirably 42-24.

What impressed me was that Ohio State averaged 10.2 yards per carry. Powerful football!

Friend David an Ohio State fan, booster, fanatic. Looks good for your team, David!

Enjoy your day!

 

TIM AND MAUREEN HARVEY

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A good evening at the Chart Room! Interesting people, fun people.

Met Tim and Maureen Harvey from Clarksville, Tennessee. Both 50ish. Tim an attorney. Maureen manages his firm. She has done so from day one. They have two married daughters.

Tim and Maureen read this blog daily. Love them!

They have visited Key West several times over the years. Qualify for snowbird status. They are presently here for one month. June Hudson an acquaintance.

Tim mentioned he was a Democrat. One of three remaining in Tennessee. I am proud of him!

Nice people! Hope we can get together again before they leave. They have been Chart Room fans for a number of years. Know Captain Peter.

I was also lucky to chat with Amy last night. She is a bartender/hostess at the Yacht Club. My former club. She started working there about the time I left. Lovely and interesting. Another person I would like to meet again.

Before hitting the Chart Room, attended the Friends of the Key West Library program at St. Paul’s Church. Novelist Les Standiford guest speaker. He has written some best sellers. Among them, Last Train in 2003. The story of Henry Flagler and the Overseas Railroad. The book is now in its 20th edition.

Standiford’s most recent book is Desperate Sons. A story of the American Revolution. The book identifies the radicals who fomented the American Revolution. Men like John Hancock, Samuel Adams, and Patrick Henry.

I found most interesting his telling us that the colonists who pushed for the Revolution were not those who led the country thereafter government wise. Two separate talents. Each effective however at the time needed.

Tonight, my blog talk radio show. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Nine my time. Join me. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Interesting and exciting topics. Eye openers. Topics this evening include my thoughts re Senator Tom Cotton who penned the letter signed by 46 Republican Senators to Iran, Venezuela being rabble roused by Maduro who tells his people the United States is on the verge of invading Venezuela, the bad guys have found another place to launder dirty money, and police quotas being for real.

I have considered Senator Ted Cruz a radical, bit of a nut. No longer.

I watched Cruz on Morning Joe today. Was I impressed! He is articulate and thoughtful. An excellent speaker. Expresses himself well. Able to respond to questions without bullshit.

Cruz seeks the Republican nomination for President. Whether he can get it, another story. Whatever, he set forth his conservative thoughts well. My problem is I do not trust these guys. As far as I am concerned, they are under the thumb of the one percent and corporate America.

Enjoy your day!