My nerdy heart was very happy on a recent Saturday night.
There I was at The Bend Liquor Lounge with my husband, Sebastian, meeting someone connected to a galaxy I have loved for years, getting a book and artwork signed, and taking photos that would become part of our own little collection of adventures together.
Add the chill atmosphere and the amazing friends we made, and this was much more than a quick stop for a night out.
On September 26, The Bend welcomed actress Femi Taylor, known to Star Wars fans as Oola, the Twi’lek dancer in Return of the Jedi. The appearance included autograph opportunities and copies of her memoir, From Mud Hut to Star Wars and Beyond. For a neighborhood lounge already filled with pop culture personality, it was a fitting occasion to bring fans together. For me, it was an opportunity to let my fangirl side enjoy itself.
Meeting Taylor with Seb beside me was the highlight of our visit. She signed our book and artwork and took photos with us, giving us several keepsakes from an evening we were already enjoying. I love having something tangible to bring home from an experience like this. A signature gives a book or a piece of art a personal connection, and a photograph brings you right back to the moment. Those are the things I know I’ll look at later and remember: we were there together, we met her, and we had such a good time.
As a writer, educator and lifelong lover of pop culture, I’m fascinated by the way stories stay with us. We carry favorite characters and fictional worlds into adulthood, finding new ways to enjoy them as our lives change. Sometimes that means reading a book, attending a convention or introducing someone to a favorite film. On this particular Saturday, it meant meeting an actress from Star Wars at a local lounge with my husband. A pretty wonderful combination, if you ask me.
The event also made room for local creativity. Its announced lineup included vintage collectibles from Retroitis and hand-painted artwork from Meek Coley in The Bottle Shop. A themed cocktail, The Chain Breaker, was created for the occasion with Midori, Don Q coconut rum, pineapple juice and a Goslings dark rum float. Together, those elements gave fans several ways to enjoy the evening beyond the signing itself.
That mix of art, fandom and a relaxed night out suits The Bend’s personality. The lounge’s retro setting includes a life-size Yoda, Star Wars pinball and classic games, with Pac-Man, Galaga and Nintendo 64 favorites adding to its nostalgic appeal. It’s easy to understand why an event like this would feel at home here.
And yes, I appreciate a place where my love of Star Wars fits right in. But even with the excitement of meeting Taylor, the people we met throughout the night were just as much a part of what made our visit special. Seb and I made some amazing new friends, and that gave the evening a warmth that stayed with us after we left.
There’s something lovely about meeting people in a setting where everyone has a reason to connect. You already have a shared interest, something to get excited about or a story you want to tell. The conversation has somewhere to begin, and sometimes it grows into a friendship you weren’t expecting when you made your Saturday plans.
The Bend’s chill vibe gave us room to enjoy that.
After a week of teaching, writing and keeping up with deadlines, I treasure opportunities to spend time with Seb and simply enjoy where we are. I love our bigger adventures, but evenings close to home can be just as meaningful. Especially when they include a little fandom, a memorable meeting and people who make you happy you came. That’s part of the appeal of a good neighborhood gathering place. You might arrive for a particular event, but the atmosphere and company give you reasons to return.
The Bend has been building that kind of community for more than a decade. Opened in 2015 by longtime friends Mo Lacayo and Landy Lamas, the lounge takes its name from the nearby bend in the Palmetto Expressway. Its history is rooted in the idea of creating a welcoming local spot where people can relax and spend time together.
Our visit gave that idea a personal meaning. We came home with a signed book, signed artwork and photographs with Taylor. We also came home talking about the people we had met and the fun we’d had together. The keepsakes will help us remember the evening, but those connections are what gave it its heart.
For this Star Wars-loving girl, sharing it all with Seb made it even sweeter. A Saturday night, a little galactic magic and new friends to celebrate. That’s a story I’m happy to keep.
If You Go:
The Bend Liquor Lounge is located at 6844 NW 169th Street, Hialeah, near Miami Lakes. Bring your friends, and your nerdy side, for a relaxed evening. Check @thebendmiami Instagram for upcoming events, themed nights and special appearances. For a visit like ours, look for signing details in advance; admission, autograph and photo fees may vary by event.
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