I travel to Columbia, SC quite regularly and whenever I can I grab a bite to eat at Tazza Kitchen. So yesterday I left a little early with full intentions of going to Trader Joe's. Although I made it with plenty of time, I forgot a cooler so getting darling daughter any orange chicken was not going to be wise, especially when appointment was delayed.
So, off to Tazza I went. Now I usually venture there with my significant other but as this was an unexpected trip, I didn't hesitate to spoil myself. I started with a Redwood cocktail, which is a delightful bourbon concoction, and had a pulled chicken taco, that I scarfed down so fast I forgot to get a picture.
Anyway, there is more to this story then just my choice of cocktail.
When I sit at a bar by myself I usually just people watch or put my face in my phone so no one creepy takes the opportunity to strike up a conversation but tonight was different. As I was finishing my taco a woman came in and asked if the seats to my right were taken. I said no and she sat down. She looked for the hook under the bar to place her purse just like I did and finding none, remarked that she would just hold it. As I had mine in my lap, I said if she was alone our purses could share the seat between us. She laughed and said her bag was friendly and played well with others. I smiled and turned back to my drink and answering a text message.
A little while later she asked what I was drinking, and I happily told her. She was having a glass of white and noted that she should try what I was having the next time she came in. From there we had a lovely conversation about travel and bands and family and a little politics. It was so nice to meet someone in public and have a nice chat about whatever. I hated to leave but as Robert Frost said, "I had promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep."
The sunset on the ride back to Hilton Head was lovely.
Michele
