ESSAY

It’s Pati-O’clock Somewhere

By Angie Martinez Illustrations by Adrienne Martinez

Awindchime dances its tune as it is tickled by the wind. Aromatic seasonings wake in the sizzling hot oil, their smell diffused through the air. The warmth of sun on the skin and crisp carbonation from an icecold beer racing down one’s throat. It’s patio weather. It’s desired, it’s inviting, it’s welcomed.

As warmer weather approaches, the search for an oasis with comfortable lounging and the chatter of life circling around is heavily sought after.

A patio can be reminiscent of life itself. A shared experience between owner and patron of success, hard work and relaxation. A place of sanctuary to celebrate, motivate and alleviate. The gathering place or watering hole where all walks of life can come together to share thoughts, beliefs and convictions.

But what makes for a perfect patio?

Is it the colorful Talavera planters surrounding a patio garden, full of oddly sharp plants? Is it the birds singing in the loosely

light-wrapped trees that block the blazing sun on a hot summer day? That local Mexican restaurant patio is most likely a snapshot recreation of someone’s childhood at their grandmother’s garden in Mexico. A patio that housed cages of parakeets and a constant trickle of water coming from an old hose that was used to water the tins of herbs that you couldn’t quite tell were alive or purposely being dried. The patio where all-night drinking and singing, as well as late goodnight kisses, were shared.

Perhaps, it’s the deafening loudness of this year’s up-and-coming DJ, set up in a small corner booth on synthetic turf, where senior and barelyof-age goers alike are transported into a fountain of youth and potential ear damage. A loud and lively crowd escaping the real world to enter an entrancement of yard games that don’t quite make sense but allow the booze to keep flowing. No concern over the sustenance required to maintain the longevity of the night. It’s an evening outdoors, and the music is bumping.

Outdoor Comfort

Imagine an otherwise dark patio greatly lit by the growl of fire in a central pit. The smell of burning mesquite, oak, cherry, maybe pine. A gravel-filled floor that welcomes all souls and soles — boots, sneakers, a loafer, a slide, even maybe a wedge. Those above 3 inches must walk with caution. There’s ironclad furniture with miniature fire-filled cups at the center of the tables to mimic the more warming growl at the center of the space. Then you see it, all around you, the view. The view of a historic Fort Worth skyline lit and decorated. The sound of honky-tonk music luring you across the way. Do you dare cross the creek that divides this business from the next? Or do you stay to enjoy the exotic fare of kangaroo carpaccio nachos and a cucumber jalapeño margarita? It’s enchanting. It’s romantic. It’s a higher-end patio.

Sometimes a patio is whatever you need it to be. A hangout for girlfriends who haven’t seen each other in months, but from the first clink of a mimo (mimosa — apparently, it’s the new thing), it’s like no time has passed. Switzerland, a neutral territory to help break the ice on a first date, or neutral territory to help heal a broken icecap between two people. In times of celebration and mourning, there’s always a warm meal or a cold stiff one inviting you to the patio. Regardless of the necessity, the desire is always met to comfort whichever sentiment needs healing.

And sometimes … food and drink just taste better outside.

Charcuterie Boards for Every Occasion

BIRTHDAYS | ANNIVERSARIES | WEDDINGS | GENDER REVEALS | BABY SHOWERS | RETIREMENT PARTIES

Hello everyone! I am Racheal, the charcuterie artist behind Always_Overboard! I love to create for any & all occasions. From a personalized gift, charcuterie how to works shops, grazing tables, boards, cupcuterie to individual boxes. Small, medium, large, I can do it all! Feel free to reach out to inquire for your customized charcuterie to impress your guests or to simply enjoy yourself!