EastGirlsWest

Angela and I go to Vagabond in South Park for the basil martinis. The sweet, green, citrus cocktail comes with floating flakes of it’s namesake herb, and is unexpectedly delicious. Additionally, I am addicted to the frites, supremely skinny and seasoned perfectly, served with some kind of tasty aoili that might have crack in it. Once I’ve chased the frites with a second basil martini, I’ve reached a near nirvana. Other menu highlights include the Thai calamari, salad nicoise, and mussels that come with…frites.

We try to arrive early enough for seats at the bar, where we can order food and immerse ourselves in the warm, social buzz of the room. It’s loud enough to feel happy and comfortable, and to have a private conversation even while seated right next other customers. Quiet enough to hear each other spill our stories and secrets and not have to shout. The space is electic and welcoming, and we almost always end up chatting with a friendly stranger while we’re there.

At the end of our last visit we locked ourselves in the ladies room together to take turns draining our bladders and reapplying lipstick. While standing in front of the mirror, side by side, we quickly realized there was a problem.

“Is it the lighting? Or maybe my hair looks bad?”
“No, your hair is good. It’s not the hair.”
“Oh no. It’s a fat mirror.”
“Yes! Michelle has told me this. Definitely a fat mirror!”
“Fat like fat.”
“Let’s get out of here.”

We fled the scene, dashing out past the poor pregnant woman who had been patiently waiting her turn outside the ladies room door.

In summary: Vagabond, we love you. We’d love you even more if your bathroom mirror did us a few more favors than the dreaded dressing room at The Gap.