The Death of the Gay Bar

[Decatur Guy]

I don't like going to them by myself. Correction: I hate going to them by myself. But I think bars are fun in moderation, particularly the neighborhood sort that you'll find in New Orleans or on P Street in DC.

 

I liked house parties more. I went to some damn fun house parties in the '80s in Atlanta. Much more fun -- and much less expensive -- than bars.

[operalover21]

I don't like going to them by myself. Correction: I hate going to them by myself. But I think bars are fun in moderation, particularly the neighborhood sort that you'll find in New Orleans or on P Street in DC.

 

I've gone to all sorts of bars by myself but NEVER a gay bar. I always felt like a cow at a cattle auction. The way you walk in the door and and everyone immediately looks to see if you are worthy of their attention. I always found that off-putting. I've never experienced that at any other type of bar. So would I never go to one alone. I have enjoyed occasionally going to a gay bar with a very young hot friend(s) of mine and watching as they are oogled and I'm ignored. It's kinda fun ... and a very sad commentary on some in our community.

 

An aside to Chris' quote on Ina Garten ... you had to add "It's Jeffrey's favorite ... first we START with a chicken and then unwrap 37 sticks of butter .... "

 

I started seriously cooking about a year ago and have mostly made Ina's recipes and Anne Burrell's -- she totally rocks -- and I don't think you can make good food without using butter or cream. They are simply essential.

[Electra 225]

I, too, live in Houston. I do not go out to the bars often, but when I do I meet friends at Guava Lamp (off of Waugh), JR's (Pacific Street in Montrose), and Meteor (when it is open). The observations made here are pretty "spot on" and I do think that the change in the bar scene is due to a combination of all of the factors mentioned. The House of Pies ("House of Guys") on Kirby is fun and interesting (been going there since it opened). It gets crowded and most of the tables only seat four people. I did meet Jeff Stryker there years ago when he was touring in a play he had written and produced--I had just seen the play and he was there with others from the production. I've never picked up anyone there, but I suppose it could be done, albeit awkwardly. Perhaps the Houston contingent of this Forum could meet and compare notes one day.

[+ Chris Eisenhower]

I've gone to all sorts of bars by myself but NEVER a gay bar. I always felt like a cow at a cattle auction. The way you walk in the door and and everyone immediately looks to see if you are worthy of their attention. I always found that off-putting. I've never experienced that at any other type of bar. So would I never go to one alone. I have enjoyed occasionally going to a gay bar with a very young hot friend(s) of mine and watching as they are oogled and I'm ignored. It's kinda fun ... and a very sad commentary on some in our community.

 

An aside to Chris' quote on Ina Garten ... you had to add "It's Jeffrey's favorite ... first we START with a chicken and then unwrap 37 sticks of butter .... "

 

I started seriously cooking about a year ago and have mostly made Ina's recipes and Anne Burrell's -- she totally rocks -- and I don't think you can make good food without using butter or cream. They are simply essential.

 

My escort friend used to make her stuff all the time and OH MY GOD it was always delicious. And not always fattening or heavy. The roasted tomatoes recipe is still one of my favorite things of hers.

[operalover21]

My escort friend used to make her stuff all the time and OH MY GOD it was always delicious. And not always fattening or heavy. The roasted tomatoes recipe is still one of my favorite things of hers.

 

As with most things in life -- ha ha -- it's just about eating in moderation which I found I started doing more of once I started cooking myself. I've probably eaten more butter, sugar, bacon, cream, eggs and salt -- all essential to good cooking -- in the past year than the rest of my life combined. But I haven't gained a single ounce. I'm eating less and no longer eat a single thing that is processed or pre-made from a package or can.