We’ve visited the San Antonio Zoo pretty frequently over the past 10 years. It was one of the first places Orlando took me on my initial visit to San Antonio as his girlfriend, and we’ve taken the girls when they were infants, toddlers, and now Cora as a Kindergartener. But this past week for Zoo-La-La, the annual food and wine tasting that draws hundreds of visitors, was our first time getting dropped off in a police car.
Mind you, this wasn’t by choice. Orlando and I were happily driving along, looking forward to a date night. We stopped at a red light, waiting to turn left. Just then we heard the squealing of tires as a truck swerved to avoid a car turning right on red opposite of us, and we both saw it coming. The driver of the truck fishtailed, veered our direction, and ohhhhhhhhhhh BOOM. We were both physically fine, albeit a bit shaken, and immediately called the police. They recommended we pull into a parking lot, which we told the driver of the truck to do as well.
The man was clearly disoriented, but whether that was from drinking or the impact we’ll never know, because as we pulled into the parking lot we simply saw him drive off into the evening traffic. No license plate, nothing to identify him by except a basic description of his appearance and vehicle. My poor car’s front driver side was crunched, including the tire, and we called a tow truck while the police took down our report.
Despite all the drama, though, Orlando and I were both feeling fine all things considred, and really wanted a drink at that point ha! We told the sweet SAPD officer we were going to walk to the Zoo since it was only a block or so away, but he offered to just drop us off instead. So this happened:
And then we ate and drank to our hearts’ content. The Zoo staff was incredibly friendly and accommodating, despite our late arrival, and I have to say the restaurants participating this year really knocked it out of the park. There was Brisket Mac And Cheese from Sangria on the Burg, edible cookie dough from Viva La Dough, scallops and risotto from Market on Houston, and so much more! You can’t go wrong with some libations in one hand and local bites in the other.
It’s also very strange/relaxing to peruse the zoo with an entirely 21 and up crowd. There are no strollers, and very few temper tantrums, ha! As a mom I love the zoo with my kids, but I ALSO love it with just my husband and an adult vibe. Thank you to the Zoo for turning a horrible evening into a happy memory, and if YOU want to attend Zoo La La next year, just remember to take an UBER!
XO,
A
P.S. I am a member of the Zoo Troop, which means I receive perks and benefits in exchange for blog and social media coverage. Don’t worry though, all opinions are my own!
