Views From The 4th Estate

I can honestly say I have never met a Midlander against downtown revitalization. Maybe someone once wondered what the fuss is about, but really I can’t remember people marching down Wall Street calling for the end of downtown revitalization.
Still I have long supported any idea that would create a more vibrant downtown and will continue to back those primarily private sector initiatives.
With downtown on the brain, we provide kudos to the Vision 2020 report which had downtown front and center.
We are intrigued with the discussion of a Yucca Theatre upgrade in the next decade. Considering the Yucca’s history and status in the community, we believe there is merit to what people are saying. We agree that government shouldn’t take a lead role here (OK not agreeing as much as indicating a preference), but should be supportive.
We also compliment Jim Nelson for his analysis on a downtown comeback. A downtown movie theater and a central area for eateries, shops and other entertainment also will be key to downtown’s success as an after 5 p.m. venue, Nelson said.
We have been talking about a similar idea for a while now.
Can the Yucca lead the way here? Maybe. Could a big piece in the revitalization puzzle come in the form of Alamo Drafthouse? In November we talked about a company calling for bids for “new construction, site work” for “Restaurant, Theaters / Auditoriums” in the downtown area. We think the announcement of Alamo Drafthouse locating downtown would be as big for revitalization efforts as anything we have seen downtown in the 15 years we have been in Midland.
But, yes, there needs to be a plan B. And the Yucca upgrade would be a good one.

Here is the full post at Newsroom Stew

Aphasia Center of West Texas - Chocolate Decadence fundraiser
When: 6-10 p.m. Feb. 11
Where: Midland Center

Romie’s Mexican Restaurante
701 S. Marienfeld St.
683-5344

Payment accepted: Checks, credit cards, cash
Entree price range: $5.99-$16.99 (fajitas for two)
Hours: Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Meals served: Lunch
Kid’s menu? Yes
Parking? Ample parking lot
Outdoor seating? No
Private dining room for parties? No, but space available in dining room for groups.
Take out?Yes
Catering? Yes

Romie’s, lunch done right near downtown
By Joan Huff
Reporter-Telegram

I have discovered another delicious Mexican dining establishment. As I walked in the door with my lunch group, I laughed because I think I am about the last person in Midland to find it. In business for 11 years, Romie’s Mexican Restaurante, located at 701 S. Marienfeld St., is open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.
With a parking lot quickly filling up and people coming through the door, a very friendly waitress promptly seated us and drink orders were taken.  Mexican music drifted over the speakers and traditional Mexican decor covered the walls.
As we looked at the menu, we saw that Romie’s offers daily specials at a very reasonable price. For example, on Monday the special is a regular dinner consisting of a cheese enchilada and a ground beef taco. Tuesday features the Vallita (two cheese, ground beef or shredded chicken enchiladas) and Wednesday offers fajitas. Each special is only $6.99 a plate.
If you are extra hungry and would like an appetizer, Romie’s offers chile con queso, guacamole, stuffed jalapenos and flautitas, just to name a few. The restaurant also features several versions of nachos, including a choice of chicken or beef fajita. The hot sauce is delicious when combined with the chips that are placed on the table as you order.

See the full story in the Feb. 4 edition of Pulse.

Here is the link.