Tom and I were just trying to remember our introduction to Barnaby’s cafe. I doubt either of us ate there before we moved into Montrose, because I don’t remember going there with Steve R/ Jeff/John/Tim R. So our most likely first time there was 1997. I know we were already regulars by the time I met Rhonda online late that year, because it was one of those things we bonded over in our chat room. Just about all the locals love Barnaby’s. I’m betting it was James who took me there first. In those days, there was only one location, the original on Fairview. Next door in the same building is Baby Barnaby’s which absolutely can’t be beat if you wake up early enough to have breakfast there. James, Steve V, and I used to go there frequently.
In time, the River Oaks Barnaby’s opened, then the one on West Gray. There’s another in Houston, but it’s outside the ‘hood, so I’ve never been there. Barnaby’s is our go-to place for takeout for us and visiting family and friends, and it’s also the place I go with my suburban friends and out-of-town guests. Which location we choose depends on how many of us there are, time of day, etc., because the restaurants’ sizes vary. But one thing has always been true. Whether I’ve been there with straight friends or gay, male or female, off-beat or buttoned-down, with or without kids, we’ve always been treated with the same courtesy. I like keeping my dollars local, and I like knowing my friends will be respected not only as patrons but as people.
Jim treated Tom and me to lunch there on Wednesday. Tim wasn’t able to go, because he was battling a virus and allergies off and on during the week–and really, with the amount of intolerant and hurtful comments he had to see online last week, I think chicken was the last thing he wanted. Jim, on the other hand, had a grilled chicken sandwich because he knew it came without sides of indifference or malice (neither of those is as tasty as Barnaby’s fries!).
This should make Puterbaugh feel a little nostalgic.
It does! I was reading along and wondering if y’all had gone to the same Barnaby’s that you took me too when I saw the last shot. Then I was all “They did!”
If forget, is that the original Barnaby’s?
That should be “took me to.” See how excited I am, I can’t tell a two from a to from a too!
Et tu?
It is! Both the one we took you to and the original.
PS – OMG, I want french fries with ketchup so bad right now!!!
Their french fries are AWESOME. But now I want french fries, too. Any french fries. I should go to bed!
PSS – People who spell ketchup “catsup” should get no french fries.
I have spelled it both ways. Why is is spelled two ways? These things demand googling, don’t they?
Tom doesn’t like ketchup. Or catsup, either.
Well, here’s a long and boring explanation. I include it mostly because Jonathan Swift used “catsup” and you know what that means. He thought it was a good sauce for what he suggested in “A Modest Proposal.” 😉
Jonathan Swift can have some fries. But nobody else!
Okay by me. As long as I get fries.