Misjudgment. What an understatement. When my goddaughter asked about my weekend plans at lunch today, I mentioned, among other calendar items, that we had a surprise party to drop by this evening for a friend. Friend’s wife was hosting a birthday gathering for him at the Hard Rock which I was still picturing at its old casual location on Kirby. So later, as I’m changing for the party, I’m thinking, “drop by the party……probable reserved section in back area of restaurant……instructions were casual……wonder who all will be in jeans….” Well, thank goodness, I decided to wear something a little nicer because when we got in the car, Bill reminded me that the Hard Rock we were headed to was the one in the very vibrant downtown theatre district, alive and hoppin’ on a Saturday night. Imagine our surprise when we arrived and saw the sign, “The Hard Rock Café is closed this evening for a private event.” Whoa. Patsy rented the whole darn café downtown on Saturday night! She even had complimentary valet parkers ready to take our cars. When we entered the café, a huge ice sculpture in the shape of a guitar with Happy Birthday carved across it greeted us. Beside it was a fabulous collector guitar that each guest was asked to sign (presented to the guest of honor later) before proceeding further. Thirty more minutes ‘till birthday boy was expected.

Patsy had hired a band they’d heard in Austin to make the trip and they were already bringing the house down….Rotel and the Hot Tomatoes (recently named as one of the top ten party bands in the United States by Harper’s Bazaar Magazine). Trays of shrimp, waiters walking through with crab cakes and stuffed mushrooms, champagne, and four waitstaff at the bar to serve anything your heart desired. Margaritas, wine, soft drinks and Perrier began flowing. Endless groups of friends continued to file in until finally the magic couple were spotted heading toward the restaurant which signaled all 150 of us to quiet down and get ready to give the poor guy a coronary as he walked in. And we darn near did. He was totally surprised which, considering the law section grapevine, was a miracle on its own. And about the time we were all well fed, watered, sung and danced out, Patsy announced “dinner is now served.” Everyone looked at each other and said, “DINNER?” Yes, a scrumptious buffet dinner followed by desserts consisting of 3 triple layer birthday cakes and ice cream with hot melted chocolate, candies, crushed cookies, and banana split makin’s. Throughout the party, every monitor in the restaurant displayed changing photos of our friends over the years, each shot carefully selected and ordered by their young adult daughter who many in the room have known since she was born. Fabulous party, the best music (!) and dance floor, great food, wonderful friends, and one very happy birthday boy. And boy was I glad I hadn’t pulled on that pair of jeans.