Just wanted to post a few thank-yous and shout-outs to people who made my New Year’s Eve a fun one.
Rather than venture out to Amateur Night at the bars, I had a fantastic house party to go to. Every year in February, my friends Robin and the Bartons invite everyone to their condos in Barton Flats for a Super Bowl party. When no good option for New Year’s had emerged a couple of weeks prior, they said, “Why don’t we have another party? Like our Super Bowl parties, but with dancing instead of football.” They did and it was a wonderful evening with good friends, good food, and champagne at midnight. And good beer – they had a keg of PBR! Thanks to our hosts for providing us with the best kind of environment for ringing in the New Year.
On New Year’s Eve, I had several people approach me (both at the party, and earlier when I was day drinking at the Saucer) to say they wanted to meet me, because they read my blog. Shout-out to my readers who I met this weekend. It makes me very happy to hear that people have a better experience Downtown because of things they read here. If you’ll keep reading, I’ll keep writing.
Usually I take a lot of pictures at these parties, but for some reason I just plain forgot to do it on New Year’s Eve. The only photo I took was of the Mad Hatter and me, which we texted to a friend who spent the New Year in Dallas.
Obviously this was taken well after we tapped into the PBR keg, and after I’d discovered the Jello shots in the freezer. I think there might have been some Fireball consumed prior to this pic too. Anyway, I wish I’d taken a few more photos. This is first time in at least 3 years that I’ve been at a party with Uncle Ray and failed to get at least one bad photo of him to post on the blog.
After midnight a few of us decided to venture out to a couple of clubs. We went to Paula & Raiford’s, which was packed to the gills. After one 40 we’d decided we’d had enough. Good to see the club doing so well though, not that I had any doubt it would. Our next stop was Rehab Disco. J.J. was so excited to see us and treated us like royalty, which is what happens pretty much every time. I regret that I haven’t spent more time there. J.J. and Mo and the staff there have created such a wonderful, positive vibe in that place. Looking for reasons to go back – if anyone feels like going hit me up on text or Facebook or whatever your communication method of choice happens to be.
Also wanted to give a shout-out to my next door neighbors, who had a house party of their own and were gracious enough to invite me. I didn’t make it – by the time I left Rehab I was just completely spent physically and mentally – but I really appreciate the invitation. Hope to see you guys soon.
As for yesterday, my day went Blind Bear, Saucer, Johnny G’s Creole Kitchen, Saucer, Blind Bear. A palindrome of Downtown bars and restaurants. The Bear didn’t yet have their brunch menu – that will start next Sunday. Nevertheless, they opened at 3:00, and by 3:20 every bar stool was taken and there were people at both poker tables. It was so busy that Jamie, who’d just made a brief stop in, had to get behind the bar and help Jeannette pour drinks. Later in the evening I was back and Colin had one of the TVs on Adult Swim, which brought back memories of watching cartoons with Maurice and Niles at the Tap Room.
Last day of a 3-day weekend. My tentative plan is to hit the Saucer 2:30 to drink some $3 drafts for Pint Nite. When the Blind Bear opens at 6, I’ll make a stop there. Then at 7:30 I’ll be Goosin’ it for poker night. Time to hit Publish and go drink some beer!