The Rockford rocks
When you’ve lived in a city for going on 8 years (with a one year break living in Brooklyn) and the new has worn off, how do you continue to experience that “oh shit!” factor?
Well, you could do something illegal. Get arrested for trespassing, perhaps. Ya know, something exhilarating but definitely pushing things close to the edge. Or you could go for something on the lighter side of calling someone to pick you up from Snoopy’s on Glenwood because you’re walking home from the jail – and heavier on the side of thrilling and legal. Like checking out a new place, with a new friend and pursuing conversations completely out of your comfort zone.
So, Saturday night I went up to The Rockford at 320 and 1/2 Glenwood Avenue and…
…sat at the bar. With a friend I’ve had for a few years now but only recently got close to for reasons of circumstance and aligned stars. We met the bartender (what up, Hunter!) and asked for food and drink suggestions looking to chart territories unknown or rather lately unknown. We noted that at restaurants where the Chef’s got mad skills the appetizers can be one of the most interesting things on the menu so we shared a few apps instead of ordering separately. And took the time to notice the personality of the bar – quirky trinkets, lucky charms, fellow silhouettes.
…moved around. Without making plans to leave and discussing where to leave to for half an hour. Most places on Glenwood South and downtown have done everything they can to carve out an outdoor seating space if it wasn’t previously planned that way. What used to be “employees only” at The Rockford is now a patron-friendly three tabled balcony looking out over North Street. Perfect for taking in a secluded moment.
…listened and talked. Have all your getting home plans worked out and don’t check your phone every 5 mins to see who’s texting you to meet up. Just be where you are, with the person you’ve chosen to spend some of your precious weekend time with. Create a world in which your soul mission is to explore topics not discussed within the limitations of your normal Mon-Fri/9-5 life.
Weekends are our therapy. So, remember to balance the wild haze with the slow blaze. Soak every ounce of it in. Including the red wine.
One Response to “The Rockford rocks”
So glad that the rockford has reopened! I was really sad that they closed because they are a great place to go for good food for a great price. Part of me likes that they don’t really market themselves but part of me wishes that they would. They are great but it’s another place in Raleigh that I think could take it up a notch be be a true jem. The Tilapia roll is AMAZING, I would recommend that to anyone! Yumm!