a very happy hour indeed.

last night was happy hour at redstone with the girls, and i must say– this city girl fell head over heels for the little suburban oasis.

though we had to wait upwards of 25 minutes just to get a table on the patio, it was well worth it. (and the wait was expected on a nice may day in minnesota.... urbanites, suburbanites, and everyone in between flock to the patios like the proverbial moths to a flame.)

for a patio whose neighbor is one of those godforsaken shopping malls, the atmosphere was one unlike any i've experienced before. with tables pushed closely together and nestled among trees sheltering patrons from a view of the sears parking lot, the intimate setting was perfect for happy conversation and cocktails.

over a blue moon and jerk chicken fondue with smoked gouda cheese (the most flavorful dish i've ordered in a long time from any restaurant– and for a mere $12, you better believe i'll be back again soon to partake!), my girlfriends and i caught up on our daily lives, our careers, and the next party i'm busy planning. i was so busy conversing and enjoying my surroundings and delicious food, i nearly forgot i had ventured outside city limits and was in fact in the– gasp!– suburbs.

perhaps i need to venture outside the city a bit more often.....