Rotating Records and Tinned Fish

Not all that’s interesting is good

I love an unexpected revelation.

Somehow, my pursuit of an interesting life is becoming my antidote to perfectionism (…slowly) (very much a work in progress).

Sunday, May 18th - 5:03pm

By definition, this lounge is interesting. My experience, though? A little rough.

The exterior is so subtle that you’d drive right past it if you didn’t know where to look.

When I walk in, I’m met with low ceilings and shades of walnut and moss - like a little slice of earth carved out just for this place (okay maybe not the best simile, but we’re sticking with it).

I grab a seat, leaving an appropriate number of chairs between me and the only other person sitting at the bar.

Behind the bar, hundreds (easily) of records fill the space and I think that I’m going to have the perfect atmosphere for relaxing and writing.

An album cover with childlike artwork (or tbh could be adult artwork if my art skills are any point of reference) takes center stage to indicate that’s the album currently spinning.

…Why is it so LOUD, though?

Oh, the record player is hooked up to a giant speaker that’s mounted on the wall. It’s honestly hard to focus on anything other than the sound coming from that speaker.

When the bartender switches out the record, the silence is aggressive.

I order their twist on an Aperol Spritz. It tastes… like an Aperol Spritz that someone added a few indiscernible ingredients to. I’m all for creative freedom, but sometimes we just need to leave well enough alone.

The bitterness starts to enter my bloodstream as the music resumes.

More people arrive, voices adding to the volume.

The bartenders keep switching out the record after one or two songs, giving my eardrums whiplash

I try to refocus on the positives, but when I take an inhale, I am hit with the smell.

Tinned fish.

Booooooo. Look, I enjoy fish as much as the next gal, but having a tinned fish board on your menu is a bold choice for a small (indoor) space!!

I cannot be here any longer.

I get my check - $17 (pre tip!!)

*Screams internally*

I have to walk off my frustration for a little bit, but I eventually come around to a better mood.

One, I feel better about my learning process because even really cool places still miss the mark sometimes. Not all ideas work for everyone, and that’s okay.

Two, I’m chasing an interesting life, not a perfect one. Interesting isn’t inherently good, it can be anything captivating or frustrating or curiosity-inducing. Pure joy is nice, but that’s unrealistic. Interesting creates challenges and new perspectives, stories that I never would have considered.

I will not be going back there anytime soon, but I will keep exploring 🦋