The marvelously outlandish Frida Kahlo homage décor might tip you off that Sylvia McPherson was an interior designer before she opened her bistro La Diosa Cellars (901 17th St., Lubbock; 806-744-3600, www.ladiosacellars.com) in 2004. La Diosa is a family affair. Sylvia’s father hailed from Spain, and her food menu features many classic Spanish tapas. Her husband, Kim McPherson, makes her four house wines (including a sangría) at his winery across the street (see previous post), and their daughter, an Advanced Sommelier, chooses the other wines on the list. (Four of Dad’s also make the grade.) It’s one of the few places in Lubbock where I found a broad selection of Texas High Plains wine to enjoy with good food.

There’s live music at La Diosa several nights a week, as well as a jazz brunch on the first Sunday of each month. It’s a convivial spot to gather around one of the low tables, sip Texas High Plains wine, munch some little meatballs, garlic shrimp, or miniature pizzas, and listen to good music. It feels like being invited into the home of a super-accomplished friend for a party. What more could anyone ask?