Harry must be happy

first of all, I want to say, whoever the first Harry of Harry's Bar was, he must've been very happy and proud. Because there are several well known bars in the world named under the same title - Harry's Bar. The interesting thing is, none of which tried to copy one another. Each Harry's Bar carried off his own characters quite well, and famous for different personalities.

I happened to have lived right next to one of the most famous Harry's in the world - Harry's Bar on Fillmore St., San Francisco. I lived on Fillmore, so Harry's was a matter of easy 10 minute walk for me. I remember strolling down the blocks on Saturday afternoon to meet with Hilary and Danny for a drink there, usually after regular crepes and champagne brunch. 3pm was our cocktail time, so we'd each pick our own preferred venue, and get a round of drinks for the other two. By 7, we were perfectly buzzed. with 3 rounds of martinis or vodka tonic.

Or I'd wrap myself up on thick winter coat, old jeans, hat and ear muffs on a cold winter night. Pushing open that heavy door of Harry's in the 9pm wind. Find myself a comfortable spot with just enough light, and accompany Oscar Wilde with hot cider and fried calamaries (with lots and lots of tartare)

I kind of think it's one of those nights tonight. Hmm. Not a single place like that here.