THE HIDEOUT'S BLOODY MARIA

Where else but the rodeo can you find deep-fried Oreos, gals in cut-offs and boots, pig races, a fire-eating dwarf, cowboys in tight jeans, $10 hot dogs, cotton candy in seven different colors and a bar set up in our beloved Astrodome? I had to traverse four steep ramps and a long hallway before I entered The Hideout (located in the Astrodome, during the rodeo), wondering the whole time how the hell I was going to make it back up to terra firma after a few drinks. The transformation of this once great playing field into a big-ass dance hall was impressive. Like the carnival, The Hideout requires tickets before you can have fun, but five bucks will get you any drink you want. The place was packed, but with more than 50 bartenders, getting a drink was no problem, and hardworking Roy mixed me a Bloody Maria that was mighty tasty. The Zydeco band had my toes tapping, and I was ready to dance the night away when I spied a tall drink of water in oh-so-tight jeans walk by. That's when I decided to see if I could find true love at the rodeo — well, for one night at least. Yeehaw, y'all.

1 1/2 ounces Jose Cuervo Gold tequila

Tomato juice

Tabasco sauce

Lime juice

Mix all ingredients to taste in your favorite plastic cup.