Tacos, anyone?

While sending out information regarding our reunion to my 1965 classmates, I was sure to let them know what a great night spot Sandpoint is these days. No longer the one-stoplight town we all knew in the '60s which buttoned up and went to bed after 10 p.m. curfew siren sounded off, notifying all young people that they'd better be home.

No, Sandpoint has it all these days, I told my classmates, especially great restaurants. Well, about 70-plus 1965 SHS graduates and their partners descended upon one of those fine restaurants last night for hors d'oeurves and a no-host bar. We came together for the first time in 10 years at Swan's Landing just off the south end of the Long Bridge. The summer evening was magnificent; the lake, stunningly gorgeous and ready for admiration from the eyes of some folks who hadn't been here in 30 years.

Our reunion turned into a happy gabfest running well into the evening. About 10 p.m. a group of us decided to order dinner. We soon learned that the grill at Swan's Landing had closed five minutes earlier. We knew we needed to eat so we chose the next option: Connie's. Certainly this ol' stand by which used to stay open until 2 a.m. would fill our needs.

I asked my friend Karen to drive the Jimmy, while Bill drove his pickup and her hubby drove their car. Our friend Susan and another couple would be meeting us there. When we pulled into the parking lot, we spotted another classmate with his wife and his parents standing outside the door. They reported to us that Connie's had just been locked up for the night.

So, we moved on to the Fifth Avenue Restaurant, only to discover the lights out and doors locked. Some of our group decided to call it a night by grabbing a bite from Safeway and driving home. Four of us still kept up the quest by heading out HWY 95 to Taco Bell. Once there, we learned that Taco Bell serves only from the Drive Thru after 10 p.m.

So, with one driving the vehicle on the appointed route to collect the goods and three standing in the parking lot, giggling and selecting our late-night cuisine from the colorful outdoor menu, we eventually got something to eat. Our fine dining in Sandpoint (the restaurant town) took place inside our SUV. We gobbled down tacos with plenty of Cheese Whiz and drippy meat sauce---without napkins.

I guess those of us who are usually in bed sleeping by 10 p.m. every evening have learned that a night out in Sandpoint does hold on to a few remnants of the past. No curfew siren last night, but definitely a glut on buttoned-up restaurants.

We may not have enjoyed an elegant eating experience, but we won't soon forget the crazy moments of dining in the parking lot along with the local teens.