Day Seven: Mah Friend!

I made the ill-fated mistake of styling my hair before we went to the Downtown Aquarium in Houston.
They had a huge waterfall out front, which generously showered the patrons in lines to the entrance.

Taking photos was challenging in a lot of the exhibits, as the aquarium is set up to appear "underground," to protect from the Texas heat, and to see into the tanks directly.

There were some very beautiful habitats set up for the salt water fish, including Dory.

I assume that giant thing is a lobster?

They had other exhibits beyond just aquariums, including a swamp and tropical area.
Being jaded by Houma, we didn't spend too much time in the swamp area.
I can't believe that this color blue occurs in nature!

I also found out how piranhas fare so well. Their shiny scales are just sparse enough to catch your peripheral attention. If it weren't for their bulldog teeth, I would have not suspected these were piranhas. They're kind of pretty.

We found the Picard fish!

This tank was more like a tube in the middle of a room. It provided one of the best views for a populated tank, and great lighting for photos.

I just thought this little guy was pretty.

Another beautiful environment, filled with interesting but skittish fishies.

This seahorse all but winked at me, he posed so purposefully for my phone.

I think this might actually be my favorite fish tank. The environment was beautifully colorful, and the fish were equally aesthetic to me. I love wispy fins.

And then, randomly at the end of the exhibit, there's a kitty.

He had lots of toys and treats, but seemed pretty dissatisfied with life. I think he needed a friend.

After a day filled with awe and minor confusion, we found ourselves at a bona fide cajun restaurant - in Texas! They boasted having a Bloody Mary with a cajun kick, so of course we had to try it.

It hurt.
Husband liked it, but warned that it is definitely a sipping cocktail.
I had a new experience at this place, called Woodrow Heights. I had my first crawfish etouffee. After Checo's nostalgic Mexican and Longhorn's tear-inducing meal, I didn't think I could be wowed anymore.

Where have you been all my life??

I made entirely too many happy sounds when I ate this. The waitress was tickled by my utter enjoyment of the dish, as well as my usual charismatic approach toward the service industry. She was the second waitress on this trip to declare us friends, and made me promise to come through again to see them personally.

Husband had pretty much tried anything they might have offered, and since he wasn't too hungry just ordered a couple appetizers to vet their rendition of some classics- boudin balls, and fried alligator. The boudin was boudin, and the alligator wasn't bad. It was like chewy chicken bites, but went fantastic with the garlic butter sauce they had with it.

After massacringthe deliciousness laid before us, I of course had to ask about their desserts. My friend recommended their bread pudding, which I blanched at (too rich for me). She checked the kitchen, only to find out their other special had run out. I settled for their key lime pie, which turned out to be the best set of circumstances ever.
It was just the right balance of textures and flavors, with enough cream to compliment the incredibly tangy key lime flavor. I loved it!

Also, ball jokes.