So growing up in NO one develops a 6th sense about finding good/great food in ramshackle locations
This was a skill that I found very useful on tour - I could usually spot a good, homey place off the beaten path
When I moved to Texas I had to recalibrate- I had to learn how to find hidden gems in strip malls bc seemingly that’s the only architectural style allowed
But those gems were there - the human spirit is indomitable - it will create beauty even in the most drab locations
Of course not every discovery is going to reveal winsomeness, but it’s a gamble worth taking
If someone doesn’t want to discover beauty, there’s always Olive Garden and I suppose that’s fine; but I’ll always take that chance for the sublime bc that’s how I know I’m alive