A V11 Lemans and V11 Scura walk into a bar...(it's dark in here!)

[PJPR01]

Had a chance for a nice short Sunday visit with Ted (Ritratto) at Bar La Carafe last weekend - an old building in downtown Houston with some very interesting history, a former Pony Express stagecoach stop, bakery, the oldest bar in Houston, it has a bit of a speakeasy feel to it and lots of other unique items including a funky old cash register and great jukebox.  Cool spot to hang out either inside, outside or on the upstairs veranda.

Nice to chat with you Ted and see the V11's side by side - damn, those red pork chops do look good!!

[LowRyter]

I wonder where the Norge will be in a few months? 

[ritratto]

Thanks Paul..... It was great you came by. Hope to see you again soon! Bring the Mrs. by some Friday for that great view upstairs.

Salute,
Ted

[PJPR01]

I wonder where the Norge will be in a few months? 

Ha ha...good one,, but it will still be in the stable for many years to come, no plans to give it up...too good of a Tourer to be replaced by the Scura!  I'm not sure I can do a 5000 mile trip on the Scura!

Ritratto...definite ly we'll see you again down there...with perfect riding season in effect, should be out most weekends.

[LowRyter]

I've done a 2500 mile trip on my Greenie (OKC to the Spineframe Raid and back).  I need more leg room.  On the interstate coming home I was stopping every 60 miles to stretch.  Otherwise it's a good tourer especially off the interstate and into the twisties.   But the last two days from Nashville to home were a little fatiguing. 

[PJPR01]

Totally agree...fun to ride in the cramped position for shorter periods, but that extra leg room on the Norge is critical for all day riding.

Congrats on a 2500 miler...that's quite a stretch on the Greenie!

[Two Checks]

Uh...the Pony Express didn't go through Houston nor did it use stagecoaches.

[webmost]

Uh...the Pony Express didn't go through Houston nor did it use stagecoaches.

More apt to be the Butterfield line.

[PJPR01]

Uh...the Pony Express didn't go through Houston nor did it use stagecoaches.

http://www.owlnet.rice.edu/~hans320/projects/lacarafe/building.html

5th paragraph, opening line...unless they are mistaken on the write up - not my building so who knows!!.   

[ritratto]

La Carafe was originally built in 1845 and was called the Kennedy Bakery. It was a stagecoach stop, a trading post and primarily, a steam bakery. So, maybe the stage yes. It is what is written in the history of the place. It is on the state and national historic register.

[ritratto]

An old article. The things not mentioned are that a sprinkler system was added which allowed the reopening of the second floor, pus the addition of a portico/ terrace that had been removed sometime in the early 20th century. The terrace provides a great outdoor aspect to the second floor and a milliom dollar view of downtown Houston.