TVB

Hey man, this is Chris Criezis, no kidding. They had built up quite an empire allright. My favorite was the Bastille, had plenty of chances to get in trouble there when I was a kid, I remember working the sandwich counter when I was like 14/ 15, and had all the beer, wine, and liquor I could ever want right in the walkin cooler (when my parents werent looking), and I would make enough money selling sandwiches directly to customers and pocketing the proceeds. Funniest thing was, they thought they were getting 'free' labor with me working the sandwich counter, what they didnt know didnt hurt them. And the chicks...ahh yes, man it was great to be a kid around then, I dont know what kid gets to live that kind of nightlife.

That was the life, at least for that time period. Ernie (my dad) passed away in 1996 and Toni Renee, supposedly is a recluse living off an island in France but I doubt she is still alive. They really breathed life into Houston and built up quite an empire while it lasted. I believe the Great Caruso is still standing, last owner was Spero, dont know if he still owns it or if its even still there.

Chris, Hi! I don't know if you will see this or not. I was Googling your Dad's name and La Bastille, b/c I used to work at Fat Ernies in the mid 70s and my boyfriend and I were regulars almost every weekend at La Bastille. We saw some GREAT Jazz players like Stanley Turrentine, Grover Washington, Chuck Mangione, Josef (sp?) Latiff (sp?), Chuck Corea, and on and on and on! MANY and I mean MANY great Jazz players! Those were some of the best times of my life back then and La Bastille holds a special place in my heart! I had some wild times working as a waitress at Fat Ernies too! Sorry to hear of your Dad's passing back in 96. You and your Sis were lucky to have been in such a great family.... I think. ;-) Anyway, it was great to see your post, and I hope that you and your sister are doing well these days. Yes, your Dad did liven up and improve Houston! All my best, Terry

Hey man, this is Chris Criezis, no kidding. They had built up quite an empire allright. My favorite was the Bastille, had plenty of chances to get in trouble there when I was a kid, I remember working the sandwich counter when I was like 14/ 15, and had all the beer, wine, and liquor I could ever want right in the walkin cooler (when my parents werent looking), and I would make enough money selling sandwiches directly to customers and pocketing the proceeds. Funniest thing was, they thought they were getting 'free' labor with me working the sandwich counter, what they didnt know didnt hurt them. And the chicks...ahh yes, man it was great to be a kid around then, I dont know what kid gets to live that kind of nightlife.

That was the life, at least for that time period. Ernie (my dad) passed away in 1996 and Toni Renee, supposedly is a recluse living off an island in France but I doubt she is still alive. They really breathed life into Houston and built up quite an empire while it lasted. I believe the Great Caruso is still standing, last owner was Spero, dont know if he still owns it or if its even still there.