From Columbus to Philadelphia, Lodge Bar Assistant General Manager Trevor Day advanced his career. General Manager Pat West may headline the venue’s staff. However, Trevor was a singular superstar. He is extraordinarily impressive. He will own Philadelphia.
Concerning his successors (as no one will replace him), Mike Material and Matt Delight are stellar choices. Mike is the calculated and consummate professional. Matt is entertainment exemplified. Both merited promotions. Both will perform superbly.
Showing posts with label Pat West. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pat West. Show all posts
Monday, July 27, 2009
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Excessive Conditions, Excruciating Combinations, & Exemplary Canines
On Friday, temperatures exceeded eight-five degrees. Amidst these excessive conditions, factions sought relief via available means. Humans exploited air conditioning and sipped chilled beverages. Animals rested upon cooler surfaces and slurped water.
Predictably, conversation consumed my initial forty-five minutes at Lodge Bar… General Manager Pat West recounted his career as a mixer… Promotions Superstar Jen Bunny flaunted her Hines Ward jersey ear rings… The variety of chatter resembled the variety of pooches I would encounter…
And Lodge Bar Bouncer Scott Burn, the employee with whom I sparred previously, spit another pair of stingers… Asking whether four legged would outnumber two legged mutts… He also proposed the Lodge Bar Leash, a contrivance which would illuminate and ostracize the two legged mutts…
As I strode toward the patio (when my conversations finally concluded), I encountered Ohio Pug Rescue, a non-profit organization which rescues, rehabilitates, and relocates the short muzzled animals… I never imagined specific breed recoveries existed… I also never imagined the cooperation and cost one recovery entails… Ohio Pug Rescue are exemplary individuals…
As I strode onto the patio, I encountered Lindsey Natural, who proffered an intriguing and relevant question… In excessive conditions, are air conditioners or patios preferable? The canine response was obvious… Whether sprawled upon concrete or wood, the pooches relaxed as their owners conversed and sipped happy hour pitchers…
While Dogs on the Deck One’s attendance was superior, this evening’s variety was equally stellar… A dachshund, a pekingese, and black and golden labrador retrievers offset a crush of pugs… Several canines also appeared large enough to serve as transporters should their owners offset the excessive conditions with excessive consumption…
Two paragraphs previous, I mentioned pooches sprawled as weather relief… It is entirely possible they were cringing concerning the performance of DJ Shawn… The moment when this city must realize that music providers are not mixers and sponsored shills are not spinners was struck when this bleach blonde salesman spun “Mountain Music” and “Never Ever” consecutively…
Nevermind the combination is musically abhorrent… The songs are a decade old… “Lose Your Love” is an aged classic… “Sweet Caroline” is an aged classic… Aged classics are acceptable… Randomly spinning a song simply because one owns the selection is ridiculous… Shawn should not only forfeit this week’s salary… He should forfeit his music collection…
As I exited the pain of Shawn’s performance and the panorama of pooches, my mind considered appropriate variety… Ten breeds were enjoyable… Ten random selections were excessive… It may be a miniscule peculiarity… However, minute details dictate memorable evenings…
Predictably, conversation consumed my initial forty-five minutes at Lodge Bar… General Manager Pat West recounted his career as a mixer… Promotions Superstar Jen Bunny flaunted her Hines Ward jersey ear rings… The variety of chatter resembled the variety of pooches I would encounter…
And Lodge Bar Bouncer Scott Burn, the employee with whom I sparred previously, spit another pair of stingers… Asking whether four legged would outnumber two legged mutts… He also proposed the Lodge Bar Leash, a contrivance which would illuminate and ostracize the two legged mutts…
As I strode toward the patio (when my conversations finally concluded), I encountered Ohio Pug Rescue, a non-profit organization which rescues, rehabilitates, and relocates the short muzzled animals… I never imagined specific breed recoveries existed… I also never imagined the cooperation and cost one recovery entails… Ohio Pug Rescue are exemplary individuals…
As I strode onto the patio, I encountered Lindsey Natural, who proffered an intriguing and relevant question… In excessive conditions, are air conditioners or patios preferable? The canine response was obvious… Whether sprawled upon concrete or wood, the pooches relaxed as their owners conversed and sipped happy hour pitchers…
While Dogs on the Deck One’s attendance was superior, this evening’s variety was equally stellar… A dachshund, a pekingese, and black and golden labrador retrievers offset a crush of pugs… Several canines also appeared large enough to serve as transporters should their owners offset the excessive conditions with excessive consumption…
Two paragraphs previous, I mentioned pooches sprawled as weather relief… It is entirely possible they were cringing concerning the performance of DJ Shawn… The moment when this city must realize that music providers are not mixers and sponsored shills are not spinners was struck when this bleach blonde salesman spun “Mountain Music” and “Never Ever” consecutively…
Nevermind the combination is musically abhorrent… The songs are a decade old… “Lose Your Love” is an aged classic… “Sweet Caroline” is an aged classic… Aged classics are acceptable… Randomly spinning a song simply because one owns the selection is ridiculous… Shawn should not only forfeit this week’s salary… He should forfeit his music collection…
As I exited the pain of Shawn’s performance and the panorama of pooches, my mind considered appropriate variety… Ten breeds were enjoyable… Ten random selections were excessive… It may be a miniscule peculiarity… However, minute details dictate memorable evenings…
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Park Street Festival Recognition
On Saturday, Gossip CBUS racked 193 twitter tweets. Thank you, Joe Boxer, Jonathon Ciancetta, and Gandhi (WNCI); Randy Haffey and Tori Lioness (Park Street Patio); Pat West, Trevor Day, and Mike Material (Lodge Bar); Jeff Lauback (Callahan’s); and every venue manager, slinger, and security employee.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Always Live
Lodge Bar’s next generation of management has been born… Gossip CBUS congratulates General Manager Pat West on the birth of his son.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Crawl For Cancer Recognition
Crawl for Cancer Live would have been impossible without substantial support. Thank you, JP Ratajczak and Beth Keller (Crawl for Cancer); Pat West, Trevor Day, Mike Material, and Kattie Minx (Lodge Bar), Jeff Lauback (Callahan’s), and every venue manager, slinger, and security employee.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
HML: Personalities Punctuate Perfect Evening
Personality is imperative. Interactions can overcome perceived stereotypes. They can overcome physical imperfections. They cannot overcome personality. Personality eases the introduction, instigates the conversation, and secures the relationship.
Upon my arrival at Lodge Bar, the venue was buzzing. I know I’ve discussed what a late city Columbus is, but Lodge Bar’s recent pre-evening crowds have been impressive. This is not a negligible accomplishment. Ours is not a post work city. Ours is not a drink then dine city. However, Lodge Bar’s excellent promotions are producing the previously unthinkable… consistent crowds…
Aside from their promotions, another potential reason for the venue’s success must be this city’s premiere drink slinging staff (yes, I said it)… While I have discussed several, the prime example of the venue’s comfortable conversationalists is Matt Delight, a slinger who I assume has never spent one second not amused with his environment or the thoughts in his own head…
Whether instructing a customer to finish their pitcher, because as he said it, he doesn’t refill half empty containers or subtly mocking someone who praises someone else’s service, Matt’s contented persona, obvious intelligence, and sharp sense of humor are a sight to see… As one observes his interaction, you can only imagine that he might still show up for work, even unpaid, just to make himself and his colleagues giggle…
Contrasting Matt’s humor was the serious subject of handicapped assistance, which was represented by the Canine Companions for Independence, a non-profit organization which enhances disabled lives by providing trained assistance dogs… On this evening, CCI raised $1,000 and while I could spend a half dozen paragraphs discussing the worthiness of their organization, I must spend two sentences praising another philanthropic act by Lodge Bar… They could simply rack sales… That’s most venues aspiration… Yet, they constantly repay their community… I applaud them (and you should also)…
What I cannot applaud is the (once again) random fashion of this city… While most eyes were affixed on the Cleveland Cavaliers-Orlando Magic contest, my eyes (and they are gorgeous) were affixed on the various bunnies, heifers, and randoms that inhabited the main room and the patio…
From the inordinate amount of skin that those who should never showcase skin showcased to the shaved head who walked obliviously with his glasses backward on his head to the most perplexing sighting of the evening, a platinum bunny, whose platinum status I instantly revoked when I witnessed her cradling a Dooney and Bourke purse… Lodge Bar’s panorama was equally intriguing and insipid… As I said at the outset, an early crowd is not a negligible accomplishment… They are simply are a nauseating atmosphere…
Since I’ve mentioned applauding, I must praise Lodge Bar General Manager Pat West, who simply makes me smarter whenever we speak… Inevitably, most conversations with management involve several sentences about competing venues… Most allow the words to center on the competition aspect… Pat never does… His insight and perspective are among the most valuable I encounter… They are among the most rationale and responsive offered within this city…
After three hours of registration, Lodge Bar awarded the first set of Kenny Chesney tickets to a fan, who as soon as she heard her name, bolted screaming toward the stage with both hands held high in the air… I expected excitement, but seriously, why en route to the collection of the reward? Couldn’t she have just screamed amongst her friends?
Approximately ten minutes after the screaming subsided (or the ringing in my ears subsided), I commenced a conversation with WCOL’s Joe Boxer, whom I’ve always considered one of this city’s radio superstars… Thirty seconds into our conversation, I remembered the origin of my opinion…
Granted, we spent most of our conversation discussing this website, but we could have discussed the phonebook and I would have been equally entertained… Joe is an exemplary individual… He is simply one of the most authentic, engaging people that one could encounter…
Within minutes of midnight, the second pair of tickets, as well as two posters and a tailgate package were awarded… As I walked Vine Street en route to my second event of the evening (which you may have read about already), I mused about the personalities of the previous three hours… Their genuineness and sociability are why I heart my life (HML for instant message purposes)…
Upon my arrival at Lodge Bar, the venue was buzzing. I know I’ve discussed what a late city Columbus is, but Lodge Bar’s recent pre-evening crowds have been impressive. This is not a negligible accomplishment. Ours is not a post work city. Ours is not a drink then dine city. However, Lodge Bar’s excellent promotions are producing the previously unthinkable… consistent crowds…
Aside from their promotions, another potential reason for the venue’s success must be this city’s premiere drink slinging staff (yes, I said it)… While I have discussed several, the prime example of the venue’s comfortable conversationalists is Matt Delight, a slinger who I assume has never spent one second not amused with his environment or the thoughts in his own head…
Whether instructing a customer to finish their pitcher, because as he said it, he doesn’t refill half empty containers or subtly mocking someone who praises someone else’s service, Matt’s contented persona, obvious intelligence, and sharp sense of humor are a sight to see… As one observes his interaction, you can only imagine that he might still show up for work, even unpaid, just to make himself and his colleagues giggle…
Contrasting Matt’s humor was the serious subject of handicapped assistance, which was represented by the Canine Companions for Independence, a non-profit organization which enhances disabled lives by providing trained assistance dogs… On this evening, CCI raised $1,000 and while I could spend a half dozen paragraphs discussing the worthiness of their organization, I must spend two sentences praising another philanthropic act by Lodge Bar… They could simply rack sales… That’s most venues aspiration… Yet, they constantly repay their community… I applaud them (and you should also)…
What I cannot applaud is the (once again) random fashion of this city… While most eyes were affixed on the Cleveland Cavaliers-Orlando Magic contest, my eyes (and they are gorgeous) were affixed on the various bunnies, heifers, and randoms that inhabited the main room and the patio…
From the inordinate amount of skin that those who should never showcase skin showcased to the shaved head who walked obliviously with his glasses backward on his head to the most perplexing sighting of the evening, a platinum bunny, whose platinum status I instantly revoked when I witnessed her cradling a Dooney and Bourke purse… Lodge Bar’s panorama was equally intriguing and insipid… As I said at the outset, an early crowd is not a negligible accomplishment… They are simply are a nauseating atmosphere…
Since I’ve mentioned applauding, I must praise Lodge Bar General Manager Pat West, who simply makes me smarter whenever we speak… Inevitably, most conversations with management involve several sentences about competing venues… Most allow the words to center on the competition aspect… Pat never does… His insight and perspective are among the most valuable I encounter… They are among the most rationale and responsive offered within this city…
After three hours of registration, Lodge Bar awarded the first set of Kenny Chesney tickets to a fan, who as soon as she heard her name, bolted screaming toward the stage with both hands held high in the air… I expected excitement, but seriously, why en route to the collection of the reward? Couldn’t she have just screamed amongst her friends?
Approximately ten minutes after the screaming subsided (or the ringing in my ears subsided), I commenced a conversation with WCOL’s Joe Boxer, whom I’ve always considered one of this city’s radio superstars… Thirty seconds into our conversation, I remembered the origin of my opinion…
Granted, we spent most of our conversation discussing this website, but we could have discussed the phonebook and I would have been equally entertained… Joe is an exemplary individual… He is simply one of the most authentic, engaging people that one could encounter…
Within minutes of midnight, the second pair of tickets, as well as two posters and a tailgate package were awarded… As I walked Vine Street en route to my second event of the evening (which you may have read about already), I mused about the personalities of the previous three hours… Their genuineness and sociability are why I heart my life (HML for instant message purposes)…
Friday, May 8, 2009
Miracles, Spectacle Satiate Lodge Bar
It has been said that dogs resemble their owners. While this expression can either be dismissed or derogatory, it is accurate when one compares the personalities of a pooch and their purchaser. Aggressive individuals own aggressive dogs. Energetic individuals own energetic dogs. Introverted individuals own introverted dogs. Outgoing individuals own outgoing dogs.
Upon my arrival for Dogs on the Deck, Lodge Bar was buzzing. The crowd wasn’t the obligatorily late collection of most charity endeavors. This was an assortment determined to enjoy every moment of a charming event and it’s picturesque weather. What had been an afternoon of precipitation predictions turned into a sun soaked and stellar early evening.
If only my focus were as stellar… Instead of focusing on instantaneous coverage (which was already made difficult by a temperamental phone), I enjoyed a half dozen scattered conversations within twenty minutes of entering the venue. Assistant General Manager Trevor Day may be an exemplary exchange. He may be one of the most articulate and relatable people this website covers… However, twittering was the objective… I have to learn to shut up and concentrate…
Since I’m not shutting up now… I know I’ve discussed various venue employees and their personalities… It is appropriate that I extend similar courtesy to the Columbus Young Professionals, an ensemble with triple the eclectic characters… From post graduate geniuses to ordinary workers… From city pillars to consultants, the Columbus Young Professionals (CYP) possesses enough personality for a three-volume set…
Melanie, an engaging and insightful accountant, is the organization’s Social Chair (appropriate enough as this was Greek week). She may not champion the organization, that responsibility is President Derek Grosso and Vice-President Kristin Mele’s… However, Melanie solidifies the entire organization…
An organization can possess the greatest management and promotions, but if they don’t have sustained inspiration, they will not succeed. Melanie, who spent twenty minutes talking with me, before returning to the table to continue and greet new members, is this organization’s person… Derek and Kristin are important… However, Melanie is imperative…
Whereas Melanie is an unheralded force, Erica is simply forceful. She is engaging. She is insightful. She is a grand conversation. However, Erica prefers certainty over pensive reflection and her actions exhibit this… As I stand talking with another CYP member Nick, Erica and Amy (her friend) walk past. Erica stops for a moment and engages Nick in conversation, where upon she discovers that Nick is single. Her friend Amy is also single.
Instantly, Erica pronounces the pair a match and says they should go out. The fact that either might object for any number of reasons is irrelevant. Erica has made a decision. She has reinforced her decision. She has stated her decision emphatically. Amy and Nick should go out because Erica knows them both. (I don’t think this is how dating is supposed to work, but I think argument would be useless).
Since I’ve mentioned two female members of the organization, I should mention a pair of male members CYP Athletics Chair Dan Brown and Garrick, one of the first people I ever met at a CYP sponsored event… Neither strikes one as persons who would feel comfortable addressing two thousand people on a weekly basis… Instead, they epitomize the inclusion of this organization… Consultants, White Collar workers, Blue Collar workers, teachers… Anyone, not withstanding their personality or social standing can join…
While Crown Princess Kadi is not a CYP member, I couldn’t conclude this section about characters without mentioning her… Wearing a chaotic multi-colored silk top and scrumptious jeans, Kadi arrived with a friend and Bristol, her ferocious Yorkshire terrier… Now, Kadi is unique and normally a pooch only adds to one’s individuality… However, Bristol was the perfect personality compliment… He enhanced Kadi.
As adorable as Bristol was, the unrivaled superstar of the evening was Derby, an eight-week-old spotted miniature dachshund. Lying across her owner’s arms, eyes half closed, Derby seemed intimidated by the crush of people and pooches around her. It was this innocence, this shyness of her features that set her apart. Other dogs seemingly wanted the spotlight. Derby simply wanted a pat on the head…
From mammoth and miniature to playful and relaxed to sassy and silent, there were dozens of dogs who merited attention this evening. CYP President Derek Grosso’s dog barked as others passed, several owners carried their dogs on their shoulders, and others sat with theirs, as they sipped happy hour pitchers… The panorama was expressive and exemplary… Man and woman’s finest friend with their premiere pastime…
Every table and chair of the pit and the railing was occupied… For every four people at a table, two dogs were present… I would estimate that upon the evening’s conclusion, almost four hundred people and two hundred pooches had enjoyed the unique event…
As Dogs on the Deck started elapsing, I encountered DJ Legend and DJ Steve Chase, both of whom were arriving for the evening… Standing inside the patio entranceway, our conversation included the Gossip Awards, Callahan’s, Lodge Bar, several other venues, this website and our personal lives (like any of the three of us have time for one of those)…
As one can imagine, I have met fifty or sixty nightlife and venue notables since this website commenced… What separates those who consistently make the coverage from those who do not is their professionalism… Legend and Chase are both magnificent mixers… However, this alone didn’t earn my respect… It is their professionalism… Their absolute professionalism that make them worth covering…
When Chase, Legend, and I’s conversation concluded, I stared toward the deck where a dozen owners and dogs remained, still drinking and talking under the darkening sky. Obviously, this evening was a success. The Capital Humane Society received money. Dogs and their owners were fortunate enough to enjoy an unpredictably enjoyable day.
However, the success exceeds this. The success was a tribute to a pair of superb entities, Lodge Bar and the Columbus Young Professionals. On Thursday, they presented every facet I assumed they would. Yet, the visual was still incomprehensible. There may be better-managed organizations in this city than those captained by Pat West, Day, and Jen Bunny (Lodge Bar) and Gross, Mele, and Melanie (CYP), but one must strain to locate them.
As I stood on the patio, observing the final owner and dog’s departure, I reflected upon the visual of the proceeding three hours. Within the scenery, one could have viewed reasonable justification for that quote about dogs and owners. They could have also viewed obvious justification for another canine axiom… Dogs are miracles with paws.
Upon my arrival for Dogs on the Deck, Lodge Bar was buzzing. The crowd wasn’t the obligatorily late collection of most charity endeavors. This was an assortment determined to enjoy every moment of a charming event and it’s picturesque weather. What had been an afternoon of precipitation predictions turned into a sun soaked and stellar early evening.
If only my focus were as stellar… Instead of focusing on instantaneous coverage (which was already made difficult by a temperamental phone), I enjoyed a half dozen scattered conversations within twenty minutes of entering the venue. Assistant General Manager Trevor Day may be an exemplary exchange. He may be one of the most articulate and relatable people this website covers… However, twittering was the objective… I have to learn to shut up and concentrate…
Since I’m not shutting up now… I know I’ve discussed various venue employees and their personalities… It is appropriate that I extend similar courtesy to the Columbus Young Professionals, an ensemble with triple the eclectic characters… From post graduate geniuses to ordinary workers… From city pillars to consultants, the Columbus Young Professionals (CYP) possesses enough personality for a three-volume set…
Melanie, an engaging and insightful accountant, is the organization’s Social Chair (appropriate enough as this was Greek week). She may not champion the organization, that responsibility is President Derek Grosso and Vice-President Kristin Mele’s… However, Melanie solidifies the entire organization…
An organization can possess the greatest management and promotions, but if they don’t have sustained inspiration, they will not succeed. Melanie, who spent twenty minutes talking with me, before returning to the table to continue and greet new members, is this organization’s person… Derek and Kristin are important… However, Melanie is imperative…
Whereas Melanie is an unheralded force, Erica is simply forceful. She is engaging. She is insightful. She is a grand conversation. However, Erica prefers certainty over pensive reflection and her actions exhibit this… As I stand talking with another CYP member Nick, Erica and Amy (her friend) walk past. Erica stops for a moment and engages Nick in conversation, where upon she discovers that Nick is single. Her friend Amy is also single.
Instantly, Erica pronounces the pair a match and says they should go out. The fact that either might object for any number of reasons is irrelevant. Erica has made a decision. She has reinforced her decision. She has stated her decision emphatically. Amy and Nick should go out because Erica knows them both. (I don’t think this is how dating is supposed to work, but I think argument would be useless).
Since I’ve mentioned two female members of the organization, I should mention a pair of male members CYP Athletics Chair Dan Brown and Garrick, one of the first people I ever met at a CYP sponsored event… Neither strikes one as persons who would feel comfortable addressing two thousand people on a weekly basis… Instead, they epitomize the inclusion of this organization… Consultants, White Collar workers, Blue Collar workers, teachers… Anyone, not withstanding their personality or social standing can join…
While Crown Princess Kadi is not a CYP member, I couldn’t conclude this section about characters without mentioning her… Wearing a chaotic multi-colored silk top and scrumptious jeans, Kadi arrived with a friend and Bristol, her ferocious Yorkshire terrier… Now, Kadi is unique and normally a pooch only adds to one’s individuality… However, Bristol was the perfect personality compliment… He enhanced Kadi.
As adorable as Bristol was, the unrivaled superstar of the evening was Derby, an eight-week-old spotted miniature dachshund. Lying across her owner’s arms, eyes half closed, Derby seemed intimidated by the crush of people and pooches around her. It was this innocence, this shyness of her features that set her apart. Other dogs seemingly wanted the spotlight. Derby simply wanted a pat on the head…
From mammoth and miniature to playful and relaxed to sassy and silent, there were dozens of dogs who merited attention this evening. CYP President Derek Grosso’s dog barked as others passed, several owners carried their dogs on their shoulders, and others sat with theirs, as they sipped happy hour pitchers… The panorama was expressive and exemplary… Man and woman’s finest friend with their premiere pastime…
Every table and chair of the pit and the railing was occupied… For every four people at a table, two dogs were present… I would estimate that upon the evening’s conclusion, almost four hundred people and two hundred pooches had enjoyed the unique event…
As Dogs on the Deck started elapsing, I encountered DJ Legend and DJ Steve Chase, both of whom were arriving for the evening… Standing inside the patio entranceway, our conversation included the Gossip Awards, Callahan’s, Lodge Bar, several other venues, this website and our personal lives (like any of the three of us have time for one of those)…
As one can imagine, I have met fifty or sixty nightlife and venue notables since this website commenced… What separates those who consistently make the coverage from those who do not is their professionalism… Legend and Chase are both magnificent mixers… However, this alone didn’t earn my respect… It is their professionalism… Their absolute professionalism that make them worth covering…
When Chase, Legend, and I’s conversation concluded, I stared toward the deck where a dozen owners and dogs remained, still drinking and talking under the darkening sky. Obviously, this evening was a success. The Capital Humane Society received money. Dogs and their owners were fortunate enough to enjoy an unpredictably enjoyable day.
However, the success exceeds this. The success was a tribute to a pair of superb entities, Lodge Bar and the Columbus Young Professionals. On Thursday, they presented every facet I assumed they would. Yet, the visual was still incomprehensible. There may be better-managed organizations in this city than those captained by Pat West, Day, and Jen Bunny (Lodge Bar) and Gross, Mele, and Melanie (CYP), but one must strain to locate them.
As I stood on the patio, observing the final owner and dog’s departure, I reflected upon the visual of the proceeding three hours. Within the scenery, one could have viewed reasonable justification for that quote about dogs and owners. They could have also viewed obvious justification for another canine axiom… Dogs are miracles with paws.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
They Made the Evening
Concepts attract crowds… Details make the crowd’s evening… It isn’t enough to advertise a theme and request the audience’s participation… There are hundreds of venues in this city where an audience can spend their money… The audience expects reciprocation… They expect a genuine effort in exchange for their money…
Upon my arrival for the Lodge Bar Derby, the weather was apocryphal… (I will simply say this, if the actual Kentucky Derby is run in weather resembling this, it will be about as enjoyable to watch as the Donnie Wahlberg-Sugar Bar crowd)… Fortunately, a robust crowd, intrigued I’m assuming, by the horse racing theme, defied the weather and layered the venue… They would not be disappointed…
From the streamers to the tables, the décor should have inspired a rendition of “My Old Kentucky Home…” As impressive as the aesthetics were, the minutia was even more superb… I registered to bet and received a racing form, which included odds, jockeys, stables, and sires… The odds were a given, how else would they calculate winning without them? But, the effort of concocting a third and fourth level of information, a level only diehard horse enthusiasts might understand, was exemplary…
What makes this even more remarkable is the fact that the races were via a videotaped presentation… I know what you’re thinking; they weren’t going to show live races… Of course they weren’t, which I why they could have stopped with horses names, post positions, and odds… The fact that emphasis was placed on details, not only on the racing form, but on the tables, where cards could be found explaining the various positions… The wagering procedure itself… The entire concept matched anything attempted by any venue…
My one critique is the money… Whereas Sugar Bar’s Casino Night currency was more inventive, Lodge Bar’s currency was borrowed from monopoly (I felt like I should have been handed a thimble or race car upon entrance)… With that said, the event’s overall detail exceeded even my exacting standards… The experience was worth challenging the ghastly weather, which finally subsided two hours after I arrived…
General Manager Pat West and Promotions Superstar Jen Bunny, as well as their staffs (which I will mention later), merit applause… I knew Lodge Bar would present an interesting evening… They always excel… However, and I cant say this enough, their attention to detail was precise… It is efforts such as these that place them amongst the elite venues in this city…
While the Lodge Bar Derby was perfectly scripted, spontaneous moments always, always provide the preeminent column material… One such moment and the highlight of the evening, commenced with Alexa, simply acting like her precocious self…
Approximately, forty minutes after the derby concluded, Lodge Bar Friday Night DJ Shawn played the Cupid Shuffle… Standing behind the bar (appearing as always gorgeous and I assume waiting for an order) was Alexa, who naturally started imitating the popular dance… Two other servers started mimicking her and three minutes later, they were commencing their own version of the dance in the entrance way…
It was at this moment that Pat West seized an opportunity… He approached Alexa and friends and pointed them toward the stage… What started as peppiness, concluded with three employees on the stage, joining the crowd in an outstanding version of the shuffle…
Following an hour and a half away (it’s called Always Live), I returned to Lodge Bar… Despite the weather (have I mentioned it was putrid), Lodge Bar had improved their crowd… The venue wasn’t crushed and there were only some choice bunnies… However, Lodge Bar wasn’t sitting virtually empty as some other venues were… Which on this night was an accomplishment…
What made the crowd even more enjoyable was the Lodge Bar staff (both on the clock and off)… On one of my first nights in the venue, Joe (whom I’ve mentioned previously), joked that there was one night which was labeled “drink with a Lodge Bar employee night”… This wasn’t that night, but that objective was entirely possible… Crown Princess Kadi, in a dazzling white coat… Jessie, in a scrumptious black and white dress… And Trevor, in what he normally wears… were all enjoying the view from the patron’s side of the bar…
Serving them their drinks (and occasionally speaking with me) were the remainder of the venue’s equally talented ensemble cast, Jen Bunny, Mike and half dozen others whose names (I apologize for this) escape me at this early hour… I know I’ve said this previously, but it’s not only the superstar drink slingers, it’s the servers and security… Every level of Lodge Bar makes every visit truly enjoyable…
And therein lies the success of this website… Without Princess Kadi and Jen Bunny, Genius Rick and the intoxicating tart, Superstars Pat and Trevor, the writing would be simply words… I dedicate this column and all previous and subsequent columns to them… They are the rock stars… They are who everyone wants… They made us…
Upon my arrival for the Lodge Bar Derby, the weather was apocryphal… (I will simply say this, if the actual Kentucky Derby is run in weather resembling this, it will be about as enjoyable to watch as the Donnie Wahlberg-Sugar Bar crowd)… Fortunately, a robust crowd, intrigued I’m assuming, by the horse racing theme, defied the weather and layered the venue… They would not be disappointed…
From the streamers to the tables, the décor should have inspired a rendition of “My Old Kentucky Home…” As impressive as the aesthetics were, the minutia was even more superb… I registered to bet and received a racing form, which included odds, jockeys, stables, and sires… The odds were a given, how else would they calculate winning without them? But, the effort of concocting a third and fourth level of information, a level only diehard horse enthusiasts might understand, was exemplary…
What makes this even more remarkable is the fact that the races were via a videotaped presentation… I know what you’re thinking; they weren’t going to show live races… Of course they weren’t, which I why they could have stopped with horses names, post positions, and odds… The fact that emphasis was placed on details, not only on the racing form, but on the tables, where cards could be found explaining the various positions… The wagering procedure itself… The entire concept matched anything attempted by any venue…
My one critique is the money… Whereas Sugar Bar’s Casino Night currency was more inventive, Lodge Bar’s currency was borrowed from monopoly (I felt like I should have been handed a thimble or race car upon entrance)… With that said, the event’s overall detail exceeded even my exacting standards… The experience was worth challenging the ghastly weather, which finally subsided two hours after I arrived…
General Manager Pat West and Promotions Superstar Jen Bunny, as well as their staffs (which I will mention later), merit applause… I knew Lodge Bar would present an interesting evening… They always excel… However, and I cant say this enough, their attention to detail was precise… It is efforts such as these that place them amongst the elite venues in this city…
While the Lodge Bar Derby was perfectly scripted, spontaneous moments always, always provide the preeminent column material… One such moment and the highlight of the evening, commenced with Alexa, simply acting like her precocious self…
Approximately, forty minutes after the derby concluded, Lodge Bar Friday Night DJ Shawn played the Cupid Shuffle… Standing behind the bar (appearing as always gorgeous and I assume waiting for an order) was Alexa, who naturally started imitating the popular dance… Two other servers started mimicking her and three minutes later, they were commencing their own version of the dance in the entrance way…
It was at this moment that Pat West seized an opportunity… He approached Alexa and friends and pointed them toward the stage… What started as peppiness, concluded with three employees on the stage, joining the crowd in an outstanding version of the shuffle…
Following an hour and a half away (it’s called Always Live), I returned to Lodge Bar… Despite the weather (have I mentioned it was putrid), Lodge Bar had improved their crowd… The venue wasn’t crushed and there were only some choice bunnies… However, Lodge Bar wasn’t sitting virtually empty as some other venues were… Which on this night was an accomplishment…
What made the crowd even more enjoyable was the Lodge Bar staff (both on the clock and off)… On one of my first nights in the venue, Joe (whom I’ve mentioned previously), joked that there was one night which was labeled “drink with a Lodge Bar employee night”… This wasn’t that night, but that objective was entirely possible… Crown Princess Kadi, in a dazzling white coat… Jessie, in a scrumptious black and white dress… And Trevor, in what he normally wears… were all enjoying the view from the patron’s side of the bar…
Serving them their drinks (and occasionally speaking with me) were the remainder of the venue’s equally talented ensemble cast, Jen Bunny, Mike and half dozen others whose names (I apologize for this) escape me at this early hour… I know I’ve said this previously, but it’s not only the superstar drink slingers, it’s the servers and security… Every level of Lodge Bar makes every visit truly enjoyable…
And therein lies the success of this website… Without Princess Kadi and Jen Bunny, Genius Rick and the intoxicating tart, Superstars Pat and Trevor, the writing would be simply words… I dedicate this column and all previous and subsequent columns to them… They are the rock stars… They are who everyone wants… They made us…
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Their Summer, Our Storyline
Whereas winter is simply endured, summer is enjoyed with storylines. Summer may appear as bunnies and bunny chasers consuming outdoor drinks… The storyline is the venue competition… Summer may appear as a crush of people relishing one spectacular event after another… The storyline is the power which is gained and lost as the events commence and conclude…
Ostensibly, Martini and a Makeover was this evening’s subject… The event was respectable… Yes, the heifers outweighed (pun intended) the bunnies and the atmosphere was subdued… However, Lodge Bar once again showcased their promotional genius… No venue in this city concocts more unique events and no venue is better at emphasizing the spirit of those events via decor… Tonight’s balloons and pink martini glasses and tablecloths were simply exquisite…
Tonight’s crowd was excrement… It wasn’t simply the sparse bunny population; it was the complete randomness of those occupying conversations and tables… The movie moron, who actually wore a Ray Finkel t-shirt (yes, that would be from the Ace Ventura movie)… The blitzed bunny, who ultimately performed lewd acts with a piece of furniture… And the plus size, no plus is kind, the gargantuan heifer who was wearing a dress that made me ask one question… Who shot the curtains? The crowd was among the worst I have seen in this city (not in numbers, simply in texture)…
Among the very best of anything I have seen in this city was Lodge Bar Promotions Superstar and bartender Jen Bunny, who stole the evening with her scrumptious curled hair and pink and white striped candy cane clothing ensemble… I know I discuss Crown Princess Kadi frequently and I wouldn’t if she didn’t deserve it… But, Jen Bunny is the category of candy who is worth one’s moments… She is more intricately wrapped… Yet, infinitely sweeter…
While Jen was the preeminent evening visual, the preeminent conversation was Lodge Bar General Manager Pat West… Our chat covered upcoming events, reality stars, why venues act as they act, why venue executives act as they… I’ve said this before, but it absolutely cannot be said enough… Pat is one of the most intelligent people I deal with…
As I walked Vine Street at the conclusion of my evening, I observed the clutches of bunnies and bunny chasers scattered across the sidewalks… What drinks did they consume and what venue profited the most? What events did they hear about and mentally mark on their calendar and who will accrue power as a result?
Ostensibly, Martini and a Makeover was this evening’s subject… The event was respectable… Yes, the heifers outweighed (pun intended) the bunnies and the atmosphere was subdued… However, Lodge Bar once again showcased their promotional genius… No venue in this city concocts more unique events and no venue is better at emphasizing the spirit of those events via decor… Tonight’s balloons and pink martini glasses and tablecloths were simply exquisite…
Tonight’s crowd was excrement… It wasn’t simply the sparse bunny population; it was the complete randomness of those occupying conversations and tables… The movie moron, who actually wore a Ray Finkel t-shirt (yes, that would be from the Ace Ventura movie)… The blitzed bunny, who ultimately performed lewd acts with a piece of furniture… And the plus size, no plus is kind, the gargantuan heifer who was wearing a dress that made me ask one question… Who shot the curtains? The crowd was among the worst I have seen in this city (not in numbers, simply in texture)…
Among the very best of anything I have seen in this city was Lodge Bar Promotions Superstar and bartender Jen Bunny, who stole the evening with her scrumptious curled hair and pink and white striped candy cane clothing ensemble… I know I discuss Crown Princess Kadi frequently and I wouldn’t if she didn’t deserve it… But, Jen Bunny is the category of candy who is worth one’s moments… She is more intricately wrapped… Yet, infinitely sweeter…
While Jen was the preeminent evening visual, the preeminent conversation was Lodge Bar General Manager Pat West… Our chat covered upcoming events, reality stars, why venues act as they act, why venue executives act as they… I’ve said this before, but it absolutely cannot be said enough… Pat is one of the most intelligent people I deal with…
As I walked Vine Street at the conclusion of my evening, I observed the clutches of bunnies and bunny chasers scattered across the sidewalks… What drinks did they consume and what venue profited the most? What events did they hear about and mentally mark on their calendar and who will accrue power as a result?
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Always Live
As I walked Vine Street, I encounter Lodge Bar General Manager Pat West. Our conversation is short. However, the exchange epitomizes this afternoon. Everyone, who is anyone, is public today.
Always Live Postponed
Always Live should have started tonight. Unfortunately, this gossip needs their sleep. Always Live will commence tomorrow with Park Street Patio and Sugar Bar Co-Owners Chris Corso and Brian Swanson, Lodge Bar General Manager Pat West, Crown Princess Kadi, DJ Legend, and Arena District drama…
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Enjoy & Report
As you can imagine, I am frequently asked what is the greatest part of this website… What do I love about working clubs for this website… Most people assume it’s the free drinks or the access or the interaction with various staff (whom I write about)… But, what I love about this website is the silent obvious… I get to report what you don’t see…
Typically, Lodge Bar Happy Hours are repressed… Do not misunderstand… their promotions superstars are amazing and the drink and food specials are outstanding… Yet, the calm of happy hour always sharply contrasts the frenetic crush of midnight… Maybe its showing up between the hours of five and nine p.m. that repress people… Maybe its people don’t want to drink right after work… Whatever the reason… Happy hours are never impressive…
Until Friday… Maybe it was the free gas card giveaways… Maybe it was the weather… Whatever the reason… The Free Gas Happy Hour was impressive… From the moment I arrived, every table and both bars rattled with the energy which is Lodge Bar’s signature… From the three people discussing the New Kids on the Block concert to the bunny, clad in a lace black blouse and jeans, dancing to the amazement of her friends, Free Gas Friday featured a myriad of moments which captured my attention…
Also (and always) capturing my attention was the Lodge Bar employees, which on this night, included most of the favorites… I will talk about them in a moment… However, I must mention General Manager Pat (who I’ve never mentioned before and I apologize for that)… Simply stated, he is one of the best management people in this industry… While I know I’ve discussed several venue executives and their excellence, Pat is unique… He is one of the most deliberative, intelligent, and reasonable people I deal with…
Among the most gorgeous I deal with are Alexa and Crown Princess Kadi, both of whom were present this evening… I never type this… but the greatest part of adoring Alexa and Kadi is watching them work… There is a simple elegance when Alexa smiles at customers… There is a precise perfection as Kadi turns a requested cocktail into a cocktail… I never discuss the work, because everyone comprehends the work… Still, the vision is magnificent…
The scattered randomness of Free Gas Friday was also marvelous… From the table Alexa kept carrying cocktails toward (and I’m not talking one or two, with the other half dozen people drinking beer, I am talking trays of cocktails) to the random dancing in places nowhere near the dance floor, the two hours I spent were a reinforcement of my answer…
It’s not the free alcohol or covers… It’s not the interaction with staff or the e-mail from fans who love the work… It’s the collections of small moments… How Kadi mixes a drink… How Pat smiles when he talks about his impending fatherhood… How a random bunny puckers her lips as she dances with her friends… And how those friends cheer, when they realize they finally got one of the ten trivia questions correct…
Typically, Lodge Bar Happy Hours are repressed… Do not misunderstand… their promotions superstars are amazing and the drink and food specials are outstanding… Yet, the calm of happy hour always sharply contrasts the frenetic crush of midnight… Maybe its showing up between the hours of five and nine p.m. that repress people… Maybe its people don’t want to drink right after work… Whatever the reason… Happy hours are never impressive…
Until Friday… Maybe it was the free gas card giveaways… Maybe it was the weather… Whatever the reason… The Free Gas Happy Hour was impressive… From the moment I arrived, every table and both bars rattled with the energy which is Lodge Bar’s signature… From the three people discussing the New Kids on the Block concert to the bunny, clad in a lace black blouse and jeans, dancing to the amazement of her friends, Free Gas Friday featured a myriad of moments which captured my attention…
Also (and always) capturing my attention was the Lodge Bar employees, which on this night, included most of the favorites… I will talk about them in a moment… However, I must mention General Manager Pat (who I’ve never mentioned before and I apologize for that)… Simply stated, he is one of the best management people in this industry… While I know I’ve discussed several venue executives and their excellence, Pat is unique… He is one of the most deliberative, intelligent, and reasonable people I deal with…
Among the most gorgeous I deal with are Alexa and Crown Princess Kadi, both of whom were present this evening… I never type this… but the greatest part of adoring Alexa and Kadi is watching them work… There is a simple elegance when Alexa smiles at customers… There is a precise perfection as Kadi turns a requested cocktail into a cocktail… I never discuss the work, because everyone comprehends the work… Still, the vision is magnificent…
The scattered randomness of Free Gas Friday was also marvelous… From the table Alexa kept carrying cocktails toward (and I’m not talking one or two, with the other half dozen people drinking beer, I am talking trays of cocktails) to the random dancing in places nowhere near the dance floor, the two hours I spent were a reinforcement of my answer…
It’s not the free alcohol or covers… It’s not the interaction with staff or the e-mail from fans who love the work… It’s the collections of small moments… How Kadi mixes a drink… How Pat smiles when he talks about his impending fatherhood… How a random bunny puckers her lips as she dances with her friends… And how those friends cheer, when they realize they finally got one of the ten trivia questions correct…
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Revenge of the Scourge
Mardi Gras is an exquisite contradiction. The event itself is magnificent… The celebration, culture, and concept are rich and unequaled. The event’s crowd is at best mixed and at worst putrid… For every bunny that attends, there are five societal lepers, who I swear, show up on this day thinking that they are something superior to what they have ever been…
Upon my arrival for their Mardi Gras spectacular, Lodge Bar’s crowd was outstanding… The composition of their crowd fit my above description… Now, before I go any farther, I must defend Lodge Bar (and this has nothing to do with the fact that Snowed Inn occurs Friday)… Their typical crowd is normally two-thirds bunny and one-third respectable looking bunny chasers… They are not a haven for skeeze (that’s another bar, who shall remain nameless)… But, this was Mardi Gras…
And never have I seen so many societal pariahs… A large, refrigerator shaped person in a shirt that read “I heart sluts…” A bald guy, whose head was tattooed, saying a girl was built like a mule… An Axl Rose wannabe, complete with the stovepipe hat… Every time I saw one of these people, I wanted to grab them, and remind them of the obvious… No matter how many future baby feeders they see and how many beads they give away, they had no chance of sex… None whatsoever…
Again, I like Lodge Bar, but these scrubs, clearly weren’t paying attention that day in high school when popularity was established…
Also not paying attention, was another faction of bunny chasers, who obviously didn’t read my column last week… I hate repeating myself… but, for the good of these wardrobe challenged chasers, I will this once… Layers… Collared shirts (polos or button downs, it doesn’t matter)… and color coordination… None of this is hard… But, you make it seem hard and you make this speech necessary when you show up wearing hoodies with decade old Cincinnati Reds or Cleveland Cavaliers logos on them … Lodge Bar is a class establishment… Pretend you know what class is…
As an hour and a half passed, the energy increased, the dance floor continued to flood, the bunnies kept arriving and unfortunately, so did the cast of Freaks and Geeks… I didn’t know Columbus had so many castoffs from Tales From the Crypt… It was horrid, often near vomit inducing to watch these bunnies (and there were a few worth writing paragraphs about), being accosted by these letches…
I’m certain I don’t have to explain the concept of Mardi Gras to anyone (and I’m not going to, so if you don’t know it, google now)… And there were a few bunnies that were just handed beads because they were that angelic… But, the vast majority, I am certain are having nightmares tonight because of the people who approached them… Every time I walked past the Axl Rose wannabe, who was always carrying a few strands, in addition to the dozen he had around his neck, I wanted to grab the nearest bunny and stick her in a closet… I understand that this day, is one of the few days where the objective is supposed to be the same and every male is supposed to be equal, but the more I looked at these guys, the more it was obvious that there is a reason that we’re not all equal…
I know it sounds like I am hammering Lodge Bar… I’m not…. The energy that rippled throughout the crowd was amazing… Every bar and available space on the dance floor was jammed, the stage, at times, overflowed with bunnies, and the night itself was memorable… Lodge Bar, although I wish they could, cant help the morons, who think for this one-day a year, beads make them popular… (Losing a hundred pounds, changing their wardrobe or doing something with their appearance might make them popular)…
Intermixed amongst the societal scourge (who I am mentioning for either the last time or the next to last time, I promise) were several of this city’s venue icons… Notably, Brian, a co-owner and lead promoter of Sugar Bar and Park Street Patio… We spoke for a minute, consumed a shot, and as I walked away, I marveled at how, even though Sugar and Lodge are competitors, there is no spirit of competition between the employees… They all value each other…
Speaking of valuable, I can’t type this column without a paragraph on Gonzo, who, in tandem with DJ Legend owned this evening… This wasn’t the first time I had heard either one of them, this wasn’t even the first time, in the last week at Lodge Bar, that I had heard either one of them… Still, both elevated their art for this evening… They manner in which Gonzo can skirt from “Poker Face” to “Live Your Life” to “Show Me Love” (yes, he played Robin) is unbelievable… Combine the talent with Legend and Gonzo’s personable microphone work and they were almost enough to make you stop noticing Axl Rose, still seeking a bunny, even though, none would have him…
Since, I am mentioning bunnies, this is a perfect opportunity to mention the reason (besides the alcohol and great events), that anyone in this city should visit Lodge Bar… The staff… On this night, the two Lodge bunnies, most worth writing about were Haley and Jen, both of whom were (and I cant use this word strongly enough), enjoying their night off… Jen, consuming shots, reading our twitter, and interacting with everyone like the beautiful social butterfly that she is… Haley, showcasing her gorgeous smile and dancing on the speakers…
As gorgeous as Haley, but not as smiley this evening was (my personal favorite) Crown Princess Kadi… As I watched her work behind the bar (and work is the operative word, I don’t think the bunny ever stopped moving), I couldn’t help but notice the gorgeous eyes were present, the jeweler’s crafted looks were present, but the sparkle was missing… Then again, a diamond is a diamond, sparkle or not…
And since we’re talking diamonds, I have to mention a treat, who I had seen working Lodge Bar previously, but I didn’t learn her name until this evening… Alexa, potentially the shortest employee Lodge has, but you know what they say about good things and small packages… She is worth eighteen carats… Chocolate brown eyes, a gorgeous complexion, and a personality that is captivating from the first second of conversation…
It’s employees like Alexa, Kadi, Jen, and Haley, and beyond… It extends to Trevor, Rick, and Pat, and all of the bouncers, who names (and I apologize for this), escape my mind at the moment… I walk into Lodge, I spend five hours talking and twittering and it doesn’t feel, for one moment, like work… I’m in, I’m out… It’s routine, normal, and even enjoyable… Hello, good-bye… Just another of the typically not societal pariahs that inhabits Lodge Bar on a nightly basis…
Upon my arrival for their Mardi Gras spectacular, Lodge Bar’s crowd was outstanding… The composition of their crowd fit my above description… Now, before I go any farther, I must defend Lodge Bar (and this has nothing to do with the fact that Snowed Inn occurs Friday)… Their typical crowd is normally two-thirds bunny and one-third respectable looking bunny chasers… They are not a haven for skeeze (that’s another bar, who shall remain nameless)… But, this was Mardi Gras…
And never have I seen so many societal pariahs… A large, refrigerator shaped person in a shirt that read “I heart sluts…” A bald guy, whose head was tattooed, saying a girl was built like a mule… An Axl Rose wannabe, complete with the stovepipe hat… Every time I saw one of these people, I wanted to grab them, and remind them of the obvious… No matter how many future baby feeders they see and how many beads they give away, they had no chance of sex… None whatsoever…
Again, I like Lodge Bar, but these scrubs, clearly weren’t paying attention that day in high school when popularity was established…
Also not paying attention, was another faction of bunny chasers, who obviously didn’t read my column last week… I hate repeating myself… but, for the good of these wardrobe challenged chasers, I will this once… Layers… Collared shirts (polos or button downs, it doesn’t matter)… and color coordination… None of this is hard… But, you make it seem hard and you make this speech necessary when you show up wearing hoodies with decade old Cincinnati Reds or Cleveland Cavaliers logos on them … Lodge Bar is a class establishment… Pretend you know what class is…
As an hour and a half passed, the energy increased, the dance floor continued to flood, the bunnies kept arriving and unfortunately, so did the cast of Freaks and Geeks… I didn’t know Columbus had so many castoffs from Tales From the Crypt… It was horrid, often near vomit inducing to watch these bunnies (and there were a few worth writing paragraphs about), being accosted by these letches…
I’m certain I don’t have to explain the concept of Mardi Gras to anyone (and I’m not going to, so if you don’t know it, google now)… And there were a few bunnies that were just handed beads because they were that angelic… But, the vast majority, I am certain are having nightmares tonight because of the people who approached them… Every time I walked past the Axl Rose wannabe, who was always carrying a few strands, in addition to the dozen he had around his neck, I wanted to grab the nearest bunny and stick her in a closet… I understand that this day, is one of the few days where the objective is supposed to be the same and every male is supposed to be equal, but the more I looked at these guys, the more it was obvious that there is a reason that we’re not all equal…
I know it sounds like I am hammering Lodge Bar… I’m not…. The energy that rippled throughout the crowd was amazing… Every bar and available space on the dance floor was jammed, the stage, at times, overflowed with bunnies, and the night itself was memorable… Lodge Bar, although I wish they could, cant help the morons, who think for this one-day a year, beads make them popular… (Losing a hundred pounds, changing their wardrobe or doing something with their appearance might make them popular)…
Intermixed amongst the societal scourge (who I am mentioning for either the last time or the next to last time, I promise) were several of this city’s venue icons… Notably, Brian, a co-owner and lead promoter of Sugar Bar and Park Street Patio… We spoke for a minute, consumed a shot, and as I walked away, I marveled at how, even though Sugar and Lodge are competitors, there is no spirit of competition between the employees… They all value each other…
Speaking of valuable, I can’t type this column without a paragraph on Gonzo, who, in tandem with DJ Legend owned this evening… This wasn’t the first time I had heard either one of them, this wasn’t even the first time, in the last week at Lodge Bar, that I had heard either one of them… Still, both elevated their art for this evening… They manner in which Gonzo can skirt from “Poker Face” to “Live Your Life” to “Show Me Love” (yes, he played Robin) is unbelievable… Combine the talent with Legend and Gonzo’s personable microphone work and they were almost enough to make you stop noticing Axl Rose, still seeking a bunny, even though, none would have him…
Since, I am mentioning bunnies, this is a perfect opportunity to mention the reason (besides the alcohol and great events), that anyone in this city should visit Lodge Bar… The staff… On this night, the two Lodge bunnies, most worth writing about were Haley and Jen, both of whom were (and I cant use this word strongly enough), enjoying their night off… Jen, consuming shots, reading our twitter, and interacting with everyone like the beautiful social butterfly that she is… Haley, showcasing her gorgeous smile and dancing on the speakers…
As gorgeous as Haley, but not as smiley this evening was (my personal favorite) Crown Princess Kadi… As I watched her work behind the bar (and work is the operative word, I don’t think the bunny ever stopped moving), I couldn’t help but notice the gorgeous eyes were present, the jeweler’s crafted looks were present, but the sparkle was missing… Then again, a diamond is a diamond, sparkle or not…
And since we’re talking diamonds, I have to mention a treat, who I had seen working Lodge Bar previously, but I didn’t learn her name until this evening… Alexa, potentially the shortest employee Lodge has, but you know what they say about good things and small packages… She is worth eighteen carats… Chocolate brown eyes, a gorgeous complexion, and a personality that is captivating from the first second of conversation…
It’s employees like Alexa, Kadi, Jen, and Haley, and beyond… It extends to Trevor, Rick, and Pat, and all of the bouncers, who names (and I apologize for this), escape my mind at the moment… I walk into Lodge, I spend five hours talking and twittering and it doesn’t feel, for one moment, like work… I’m in, I’m out… It’s routine, normal, and even enjoyable… Hello, good-bye… Just another of the typically not societal pariahs that inhabits Lodge Bar on a nightly basis…
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
