7/6/2011

5/5 stars

And how do I begin this tale of joy
so far away from all that lifts me up
but with the simplest of mental toys
that breaths its liquid measure into cup?

The wonders who did open up a tour
for one plain person showing up to gawk,
Alaska's best they with each breath conjure
and warmly welcome every growing stalk.

So brusque with Spring and caring for us all,
unfurling fern leaves grasping open spring,
they open up the depths of heart's pure hall,
and show the world equality's upswing.

On this review I sat and do no justice still.
I found myself at home here begging quill.

Imagine a place where you walk in and you sit in the smallest living room you've never had with the best friends you haven't yet met. This is Darwin's. Passers-by are not dismissed. Regulars are well-loved. There is discussion of love, life, engines, Cancun, and snowmobiles in the same few sensible minutes before you're even served your first drink. GIS? Yes, with a side of smothering and happiness.

Words fail this place, but not lowly me. I could ramble on and speak of so many stories even after so few nights. But no words can encompass Darwin's. Utter welcoming is on display every night. It's as beautiful as its people.

I fought writing this review because I don't want to let go. Then I realized I never should, and it's up to me.

Yelp tags:

Our older pup, Dexter, just curled up next to me and released a long, long, smelly reminder of how relaxed he is. That’s nothing like he first was when he met us. He was all anger, terror, and confusion. Now he’s happy, content, and stinky. He’s whoever we need at the moment, so long as we’re ok with stinky.

(See also Dana Guthrie Martin’s being right there with their Hayden.)

Images, not words,
course upwards and break the page
leaving their rubble.

Words appear formless
basking in imaged beauty
‘till trapped in laid ink.

Not doing so well on the creative writing front lately. Working on it by reading more. On paper.

7/18/2011

3/5 stars

Guess what? This place is in a strip mall. That's not surprising, because strip malls and cloned subdivisions seem to be the only things that exist here. This whole area makes me feel like a podling enslaved in the castle, drained of life's essence. Pub Dog is a nice little distraction. I admit I was here too late for the happy hour and left before the late night crowd, so I probably didn't encounter the most characteristic vibe.

Overall, it's ok. The beers are fun. I wouldn't call them astounding, but the mixes are interesting. The two for $4 trick is pretty slick. Ends up being a pint, but do you tip for one drink or two? That conundrum is solved once a barkeep has to stretch for something. The food seems to be the kind you put in your mouth, chew, and swallow. I don't recall much more reaction.

Yelp tags: Pubs Pizza