Hi folks,
I ran across this site today after a mexecono google search. I’m the Bob referred to in this thread: [URL="Click to follow link..."]Click to follow link...[/URL]. I’m also the cat-in-the-hat referred to in this photo: [URL="Click to follow link..."]Click to follow link...[/URL]. Ugh...I shave my head now, but looking at that photo STILL makes me want to go out and buy a lice comb.
Thanks for the kind words about mexi’s. I should point out a couple of errors in the thread first though. Perfectly understandable. Time has passed, and those days weren’t all that clear to some of us even then.
I wasn’t one of the original owners. That distinction goes to Chris, who was there throughout and was really the heart and soul of the place, and a fellow named Wayne. They came up with the idea for the place while traveling in Australia. As a side note, that’s also where they met Dermot, whom .they picked up hitch-hiking in the Outback. Dermot became a fixture at mex-econo and is still a close friend.
I bought Wayne’s half at the beginning of the second season and was there for the next couple of seasons before selling my share to Mike and going traveling. Upon returning, I cheffed for a while at Tortuga’s (then Quagmire’s), before helping Will T. open Rundown Cafe at the old Journey’s End... Journey’s End!... I was never an owner there. I did however design the new Rundown and helped Will open his current place High Cotton BBQ. I now banquet-chef part time at the Currituck Club and occasionally help a close friend, Fish Dave aka Smiling Dave, if that rings any bells, care for his mom who has Alsheimer’s disease.
I also cater sometimes, but have yet to sell anyone an international canned food buffet. Or a beer and condom jello mold with festive cigarette and toothpick garnishment. Or a color-themed meal like the skinless chicken breast with milk gravy, white shoe peg corn, and mashed potatoes. Or a dead cheese guy. Or even a hotdog chimichanga, which really was good. Swear!
Some things that come to mind when I reflect:
Barry White Night
The pickle jar full of fish eyes in formaldehyde by the register.
The prize drawings. For a gallon of mayonnaise and twenty straws. For a 50 pound sack of potatoes and a potato masher.
“The bigger the hair, the nearer to God” poster.
The time we booked the guy from Ohio who played musical saw and vacuum cleaner. Thanks Chris. I think we had 8 people.
My all time favorite description the place, offered by a fellow drinking a beer at the bar, “This place is so hip it makes me wanna puke.”
GWAR, of course.
The bus.
The people.
So much more.....
I believe that I’m old enough now to have license to the term “good old days” and I use it for that period of my life. Of course not all of them were good. And there have certainly been some casualties since. Still, I wouldn’t trade ‘em for anything.
Finally, (and thanks for listening to this ramble if you’ve made it this far), a couple of months ago I brought up the mexecono website and the photos there with a friend who worked with us back then. Her immediate response: “Oh-my-God-did-I-have-my-cloths-on?!!!”
Peace, B.S.
PS: I think I figured out who Hoi Toid is. I’m sure I couldn’t remember all of my room mates, but I could never forget you. Thanks for your kindness. B.
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