National Tequila Day?

You got it right. National Tequila Day. Right up there with Boxer Day. Crazy. Might as well send a passel of diabetics out for National Donut Day. Maybe free the sex addicts from thir therapeautic environs for a National Vibrator Day. Think of the parades - fireworks? Floats? What a country.

Of course, despite the jokes, it seemed to TQB Nation that the holiday should not go without appropriate revelry. In honor of the historic day, the TQB founders - together again after a two week hiatus - stretched their legs along "the Avenue" as Atlantic Avenue is called in Del Ray Beach, Florida. The TQB were also celebrating some member birthdays and roamed the streets with Flip, the Princess, the LaVigna's (now there's a holiday name in the making...)and flanked, as always, by their female love interests, Julia and Big Red.

Cocktails kicked off at Bluefin, a trendy sushi and seafood spot. A nice black lacquered and circular bar engulfed a few of your basic south Florida bartenders - cute,blonde and busty but slightly "bartender challenged". The tequila selection was weak - Patron silver and reposado and a couple of well bottles of junk. We made the most of it, had blonde #1 pour us a couple of silver's, chilled and up with a little lime wedge. Nothing extraordinary, but certainly refreshing. Blonde #2 pulled a couple of flat beers, but that didnt dampen things for the fellas.

After an hour or so, we headed over to a "gastro-pub" - just dont like how that sounds, between you and me. I do understand this is the latest in themed restaurants for the "foodie folks", of which, as you know, I am not. The joint, called "Taste" was also a very hip spot - our waiter, Kirk, a decent enough fellow, but unfortunately appeared to be stretching his skills a bit in the food service industry. We had an assortment of appetizers, all really good. Of particular mention was the chip and dip plate - really tasty, but did remind me a bit of my Saturday nights babysitting in the 70's knocking back bowl full of Ruffles and a pint of Dean's french onion dip while watching The Bob Newhart Show - no matter, everyone loved it.

To a man. all enjoyed their food - from some extravagant burgers to crab cake sliders. Fellow TQB founder JB polished off a "skirt steak", which by the way was longer and looser then the skirt Big Red had on for the evening. She was, for a birthday girl of any age, much less one in her mid 40's, just plain smoking hot.

Oh yeah - the tequila - again, nothing special in terms of choices, leaving this non driving TQB to top off with a Milagro Reposado - had them chill it a little longer and toss into a martini glass. Again, no award winner, but a nice crisp and refreshing cocktail. No complaints.

The Key Lime Pie that all shared for dessert was also quite good - creamy with a neat graham cracker and cocunut crust, but maybe not as sharp as Key Lime lovers would prefer.

Finished up with an icy cold Anchor Steam. Very Bohemian, I know. Especially for a true blue Anheuser Busch guy. Was good, I will tell you that.

Great friends. Great night. Great holiday.