Espumas: a cozy pub;
the chancla ordinance is in the works

Excellent coffee, Rubens (the sandwich), live music, poetry readings, a relaxed, comfy ambience, late hours, and art on the wall -- you'll find it at Espumas Café and Pub on Guadalupe just before it crosses Zacate Creek. What a cozy place to have lunch or to wind down the day in a dignified atmosphere that is neither rowdy nor shabby. Hats off to Gloria Lugo (and a number of her sisters who lend a hand) for creating this place reminiscent of a favorite corner coffee house in another city.
The MC found great service at TKO's new family style restaurant at the corner of Del Court and the IH-35 northbound access road. Upbeat, professional waitpersons kept everyone happy and tea glasses filled.
Speaking of keeping things moving, teller staff members at Commerce Bank on Mann Road do a great job.
Pretty good service at the little HEB on Del Mar (formerly Albertson's.) The lines keep moving and the store is small enough to find someone to give a hand when you can't find something. The MC is unable to say the same thing about any of the chain's other stores which we rank in this fashion -- South Laredo: dismal service, chaotic atmosphere, lines too long for just a handful of checkers who try really hard; Guadalupe: go only if you have nothing else to do that day but stand in a check-out line from Hell and only if you are under the influence of mood relaxers; Del Mar & McPherson: slow boat to China, diminished customer service, bread smashers; IH-35 and Calton Road: lines that move surprisingly quickly, no pretense of affected customer service; Saunders: a store surprisingly easy to shop in. Dirtiest, most oil-slicked parking lots: South and IH-35 and Calton.
The MC reports a quiet, pleasant late evening dinner at Emperor Garden. Great service and a made-to-order meal.
Ever notice that the upstairs sales staff at Foley's is nice to customers only if they can perceive that a sale is imminent. Otherwise they are not easy to find and always on their way elsewhere.
Comet Cleaners' computerized service has made claiming an order immeasurably easier, making the already good service on Guadalupe only better.
The MC found friendly, pleasant service at Hollywood Video on Calton, which offers a more quiet atmosphere that the hollering, shrieking pinched huerco atmosphere provided by afternoon patrons of Blockbuster on Guadalupe.
The MC is working on a City ordinance that requires everyone in chanclas to lift their feet and not do that disgusting chanclera shuffle in public places like the grocery store. Another ordinance is in the works for popping your gum in public. It's a felony if you do both at once.