Friday, July 22, 2005

yet ANOTHER INTERESTING NIGHT....

Last night I took the opportunity to take a brief respite from work (when I say respite, I'm talking BRIEF- say like an hour or so), by attending a birthday party for one of our regulars, NAPOLEON DYNAMITE. The party was taking place at the BANC CAFE (which used to be the BANK CAFE, a cool laid back pub turned into a wannabe trendy chic lounge), and since it was only five blocks away, I could afford to break away from our bar for a bit to pay my wishes to one of more colorful characters.

On my way to the BANC, I stopped by ANGEL's apartment to see if she was going to go to the soiree. I've never been to her apartment despite living only two blocks from her, so I was excited to see it when she extended the invite to come up. I have to say, it's a cute place. A nice two-bedroom in one of Murray Hill's hi-rise apt. buildings. She was alone, packing for a cruise to the Caribbean. Her roommate, SEXY TREAT (remember her?) was nowhere to be found- apparently she met a boy and fell in love and you know what happens then: they fall off the face of the earth. ANGEL and I caught up on things and she tried to get me drunk on Grey Goose and sodas (naughty girl). It was good to spend time with her, but alas, she wasn't going to be able to make the soiree. So I had to make the red-carpet arrival alone.

I get to the BANC CAFE and I was met by NAPOLEON's dad. He's a rather gregarious man with a hearty laugh and a hell of a handshake. He sat outside at a table, holding court with a number of young ladies, just chillin out and taking in the scene. Now I know where NAPOLEON gets his lothario streak from. After greeting and chatting him up a bit, I stroll inside and the place is pretty crowded. There were quite a number of hot chicks there- I was rather impressed. I was more impressed at the number of ex-girlfriends that actually attended. I don't think i've ever met a guy who's remained friends with so many ex-girlfriends. Of course, his current squeeze was there as well. I couldn't help but to wonder how she was handling the scene. She seemed to hold up well. I have to say, she's a really cool girl. While I was doing the schmooze thing, I was waiting for my surprise to show up..... And a few minutes later, there she was: MADAME X!

I happened to run into the MADAME earlier in the day and a light bulb went off in my head. What would be better than to have NAPOLEON's number one fan show up at his party? Now I would never do this to anyone else, but in this case, I know that he would totally do it to me, so I "extended" an invitation to her to stop by the party...and she graciously accepted! So to see her stroll into the party with a bouquet of flowers.....priceless!

By this time, NAPOLEON was six sheets to the wind; he's swaying back and forth and it was just a matter of time before he'd be off his feet. His dad predicted that this would take place at around 10:30pm; it actually happened at 9:30pm.

As the featured guest strolled to the back of the bar, all eyes were on the stranger with the nice bouquet of flowers...and when he finally looked up to see who she was, the reaction was again....priceless...





I didn't stay too long after that; I had a bar to run and well, NAPOLEON was minutes away from passing out, so I don't think he would have noticed anyway. I was hoping to see some of the other Third and Long regulars at the soriee, but I guess I may have missed them. But I have to say, he does know how to throw a party...

Back at the ranch, the bar was hoppin' and everything seemed to be going smoothly. I had AQUAMAN working the door while I was gone so I knew that we were in good hands. It was a bit warm in the bar, but that was due to the number of people in the bar, which in retrospect, is a good thing. I always worry about the AC situation b/c I am always worried about customers feeling comfortable. Maybe I am too much of a worry-wart; but that's what the Don pays me for. To worry about the little things. At the end of the night we had an impromptu wedding party gathering; a group who just had their rehersal dinner were out to have some last minute drinks before turning in for the night. The groom to be was there as well as both the bridal and groom's party; however, I don't think the bride was with them. If the bridal party is any indication of what the bride looks like, then the groom's a very lucky man.

Tonite is WEEKEND KICK-OFF HAPPY HOUR: $3 Domestic Drafts/ $5 Cosmos/Appletinis/Margaritas from 5pm-9pm. Hope to see you there! Oh, and enjoy the pics.....*snicker*

FOOTNOTE:If you are looking for a Sunday Night fix to replace re-runs of DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES, then I highly suggest you catch FOOTBALLERS' WIVES on BBC America (Ch. 106/Time Warner Digital Cable); think Desperate Housewives meets Playmakers (ESPN's football series), with a lot of T & A to boot.... good stuff.


NUFF SAID