Tuesday, February 5, 2008

A Tuscaloosa Tuesday

At around 5 this afternoon Molly called me and ask me if I would go with her to see this documentary she had to go watch for her Arts of Tuscaloosa class. My first thoughts were why would I want to go watch a documentary that I didn't have to see for a class, but I agreed to tag along and keep her company. We decided we wanted to go to dinner first and Molly said she had a place she had found this past weekend and wanted to take me there.  
We went downtown to the Capture Studio Cafe, which I had heard of but never actually been to.  The cafe is a quant little coffee shop, with a great atmosphere.  We both had a panini and left not even a crumb on our plate.  The cafe is owned by a former student of the University of Alabama who actually lives above the cafe. Tonight was open mic night just like every other Tuesday. Although we did not get to stay and hear the musicians, it got Molly and I thinking.  We have fallen under the spell of the this cute shop and now plan to make it a weekly event to go and eat there.  Then hopefully start joining in on open mic night, once we can get a some songs together. I have not heard of too many students mentioning the Capture Studio Cafe, but it is someplace that is worth visiting! 
After dinner we went around the corner to the Bama Theater.  When Molly and I walked in our jaws literally dropped. This theater transports you another time and place.  The interior design makes you feel as though you are living back in the 1940's when you went to see a movie in a beautifully decorated theater. The design resembles the style of a small Italian village, including a ceiling with twinkling lights to makes you feel as though you are looking up at the sky.  We both could not believe that we have lived in Tuscaloosa for five months and were just now discovering this spectacular theater!  
The documentary was about the Webb husband and wife team, who were publishers in the French Quarter in New Orleans.  There story was first made into a book by a professor here at the University and then was made into a documentary which features other faculty members and students here.  After the documentary the audience even got to ask the author and featured colleagues questions.  The whole night was filled with special events and experiences that could not be found anywhere else.  We had a totally Tuscaloosa Tuesday and now wish that other students would be informed and participate in such events like the documentary tonight.