I just saw the movie AVATAR in Uptown theater and decided to write about such an iconic movie theater of ours in DC. I am surprised there are still many people in Washington, DC metro have no knowledge of the place.

Uptown theater boasts an old school Cinema-Scope screen and the splendor and the majesty of a film shown on it aren’t lost on me–ever. I love this theater. The first movie I watched there was “Sea of Love” back in 1989. If you’ve never seen a movie at Uptown, you got to give it a try, and then have dinner at one of the great restaurants in the area – very Metro accessible, so no excuses!

Uptown theater is one of the finest screen in DC area and I would say in the country. It opened by Warner Brothers in 1936. The theater is the last movie palace in Washington, DC still showing first-run films. It is located near the Cleveland Park subway stop on the Red Line of the Metro (map).

The theater opened with a seating capacity of 1,364 (914 seats in the orchestra and 450 in the stadium seated balcony). The Uptown Theater was designed by theater architect John Zink, a top designer of Art Deco and Art Modern style movie houses.

You have to see at least one film in this old school one huge curved screen per theater, velvet tassels on red curtains that open and close for film showings, downstairs + balcony seating, film title and showings out in the front, stand in lines on the side-walk outside, theater. There are a few historic theaters in DC like the Avalon, but only this one consistently shows big blockbusters on a gigantic screen!!

The theater has a nice design scheme so that most people can get a nice unobstructed view of the screen. Factor in that it’s a great facility to begin with, and you’ve got a nice movie experience. If I ever care to see another movie while it’s still in theaters, it should be at the Uptown.

I usually sit in the balcony, but downstairs is as great as the balcony. Only for those movies I chose to fully immerse myself in the experience by sitting down low. But the balcony offers such an amazing view and the screen really shows its stuff off when you are up there. The best part of the balcony is when I can sit in the front row and put my feet on the edge in front of me. The huge curved screen makes it a great place to watch action movies, or scary movies, or Where the Wild Things Are. Even though this is my neighborhood theater, going to the movies here feels like more of an event than going to any megaplex in the area. Watching movies in Uptown theater is truly the way movies ought to be watched. Where else can you sit in the balcony and soak in tons of old-school charm?

Here is a TIP – If you’re a huge fan of a movie, you’ll want to come to this theater opening weekend. Come super early for big blockbusters, like AVATAR films may require coming an hour or slightly more early with tickets in hand to get the best seats. Then enjoy watching a movie with the people that also love watching movies. The community is the one of the theater’s best perks for going here on opening weekends. If you are truly a fan of a certain movie, there will be others like you here and you may have similar tastes in movies. Applause is normal when like-minded audiences enjoy a beautifully cut trailer AND there’s little peanut gallery disturbances.

As a Washingtonian, I believe Uptown theater is what distinguishes Cleveland Park from other commercial strips along Connecticut Ave.
The Uptown Theater in Washington, DC

http://www.spinerazor.com

I went out of town for a few days to the lovely Mississippi delta with a friend, which meant no bike riding for a couple of days. I had such a lovely time out in the middle of nowhere, though. The highlight was definitely the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center; I haven’t learned that much from a museum in a long, long time. I took the train back to New Orleans, thoroughly enjoying the view. Though I was only gone for two days, it felt like longer since I’d been on my bike, so I was happy to hop on and tool down to the CBD for a little comedy with friends. I love riding after a couple days off–you get that rushing reminder that it’s just plain fun to ride a bike. It’s always good to be home. I rode back Uptown on St. Charles and passed this sign at Louisiana. It has been there since I moved to New Orleans, and they recently started construction at the site for a new bank branch. Or so I thought, since that’s what we’ve been promised for years. Today is the first day I’ve noticed this other side: Fortissimo The Food Emporium. Is this a new sign? Will there be an emporium of food rather than an emporium of capital? Please? I would love to ride my bike past more grocery stores in this town. Time will tell. I’ll let you know, since I’m pretty sure I’ll be riding by this spot for a long time.

So coffee is the new buzz in the East Bay… have you seen the cover story in this week’s East Bay Express:  Surfing Coffee’s “Third Wave” by Luke Tsai?  It focuses on the profusion of new coffee connoisseurs setting up shop in the East Bay… Local 123, Sub Rosa, Remedy, and Awaken Café.  To date I’ve been to Sub Rosa (fantastic tiny shop with gorgeous expresso drinks, located next door to Manifesto bike shop and 1234 Go Records on 40th Street) and the Remedy coffee cart serving Ritual Coffee on Telegraph near 44th, run by Todd Spitzer (I went before the cafe was open…it’s open now and is getting rave reviews on Yelp). More on these in future posts…

But today I went to a great spot, sadly not mentioned in the article… Farley’s East.

I’ve been a big fan of the original Farley’s since back in the 90’s when I worked full time on Potrero Hill in San Francisco.  Farley’s had fantastic coffee and espresso drinks, an incredible magazine rack featuring unusual art and culture rags, rotating art exhibits, and wonderful eats including just about the best banana bread I’ve ever had.  It was my daily morning ritual.  Luckily, they’ve maintained the quality and the vibe in their East Bay transplant.

They’ve got the same great magazine selection, rotating art each month, wonderful food and drinks (today I had a brie/pear/cranberry/walnut panini on the most incredible bread… yum!), and a real spirit of community involvement (their motto is “community in a cup“). They feature a different non-profit each month… this month highlighting the good works of Oaklandish, including a fundraiser held for them in early December.

Please check them out… you won’t be sorry.

La actriz estadounidense Brittany Murphy falleció este domingo a consecuencia de un ataque cardiaco, según reporta la prensa de Estados Unidos. Murphy, de 32 años, sufrió del ataque este domingo por la mañana y no pudo ser revivida, informó la página nydailynews.com, que hace eco de TMZ.com.

Fue llevada al Centro Médico Cedars-Sinai, donde fue declarada muerta. Entre sus trabajos más sobresalientes se encuentran las cintas 8 Mile, Clueless y Sin City.

Murphy nació 10 de noviembre de 1977 en Atlanta, Georgia. Desde pequeña hizo audiciones para el cine y obtuvo algunos papeles menores. En 1995 protagonizó junto a Alicia Silverstone la cinta juvenil Clueless, adaptación de la obra Ema, de Jane Austen.

Descansa en paz Brittany siempre te vamos a extrañar y a querer mucho.

A mi siempre me gustaste mucho.

If you follow me on Twitter, you probably got wind that I graduated from an 18th century Nokia cell phone to an iPhone because I tweeted about it every 5 minutes. As I got familiar with all its features and starting downloading the cool apps, I started to put together a blog post in my head about all the ways an iPhone was going to make my life better.

And then, exactly 14 days later, I was mugged in Uptown walking down Lyndale Ave. Two guys snatched my purse and ran off into the dark with just about all my identification, keys, credit cards…and my iPhone. Thank goodness neither my friend or I were hurt and she was able to call the cops right away.

But as soon as I started to comprehend what all had been stolen, I freaked out about just how much information I had on my iPhone. All my contacts, e-mail, home address, and other personal information could pretty much be found on there with enough digging. Certainly not what I want a couple of thieves to have in their possession.

If it wasn’t for the Passcode lock I had set up on my phone, all that information could have been there for the taking. Thank you to Desarae for encouraging me to set that up just a few days prior to this whole incident. Seriously, what a relief.

So the moral of the story? Protect your phone. Set up the necessary locks, codes, ect. to access all of your information. Sure, it might be annoying to punch it in every time, but in the event it gets lost or stolen you’ll appreciate knowing that all your information is safe.

Also, this was a good reminder for me to be more aware of my surroundings when I’m out and about. Don’t walk alone (we’ve all done it, but just don’t). Don’t keep all your valuables in one spot. DO continue to live your life, but just be smart.

I was lucky enough to be able to get another iPhone thanks to my Dad’s awesome plan and his 20+ years of business with AT&T.

Here is a picture of me with iPhone #2:

Me with iPhone #2

Dear MTA,

Your assistance is needed to combat the biggest problems in New York City public transportation besides lack of funds, inefficient systems and inadequate employees: tourists.

Obviously, tourists are fascinated with the entire New York City experience. Manhattan’s probably pretty overwhelming with the lights, the honking, the street vendors, the impressive comedy scene, the unforgiving eroded sidewalks, the tall shiny buildings, the sales tax, and the non-chain restaurants.

Unfortunately, this causes lingering standing derived from confusion, distraction and lack of understanding.

I try to help when I can, especially on the subway. I often provide clarification that uptown is where the street numbers are higher and downtown is where the street numbers are lower. I also assist in explaining the difference between local and express services. All to help the public transportation impaired get on their way and out of mine.

Now I ask you, MTA, to contribute to the flow of traffic on your buses, subways and trains. Please ensure that all escalators have signs which indicate proper escalator etiquette. “Walk on left, stand on right”, should cover it. Sadly, lots of lazy people and tourists do not understand that escalators were not created to carry us up and down stairs, but were designed to double the speed of such task.

Even though it is likely that the half of escalator standers that are not carrying heavy bags, elderly or suffering from a bad hangover have gym memberships, they do not walk. I have yet to figure out a half-decent way to request they move their asses. I truly feel a sign would help, so I could simply draw attention to the official MTA direction.

In return, I will continue to inform groups of tourists standing at the top of subway stairs that it’s “maybe not the best place to stand” as I wiggle through their unnecessary obstacle.

Together we can train tourists with signs and passing verbal reminders.

Sincerely,
Rachel L. Arbeit

Only 1 week left (phew)… For those of you who didn’t make it out last weekend due to lousy weather, overindulgence, or more pressing engagements, there are a few more artisan oriented shopping events this weekend, if you still need to pick up some last minute unique and special gifts.  And if you’re not interested in shopping, scroll down (after photo) for other noteworthy events…

Friday, December 18th

• Oakland Artisan Marketplace (10am – 4pm)

  Shop Oakland Artisan Marketplace, featuring fine and craft artwork by local and regional artists
  http://www.oaklandculturalarts.org/main/oaklandartisanmarketplace.htm
  

• Smokey’s Tangle Shopping Mall and Holiday Something to do (6pm – 9pm)

  Smokey’s Tangle Art Gallery has turned itself into a mall this December. Get your photo taken with Santa, make a holiday card, test out the chair massager, and listen to demented christmas music all in our heartwarming mall-like atmosphere.
  http://www.smokeystangle.com/
  

Saturday, December 19th

• Lil Tuffy @ Kuhl Frames + Art (11am – 4pm)

  The 2nd Annual Exhibition of works by SF designer Lil Tuffy continues with over 225 limited edition screenprinted rock posters for Bay Area, National and European shows. As always, ready-made frames will be available…remember your music and art loving friends this holiday season!  http://KuhlFrames.com/

• Stocking Stuffers Craft Fair @ We Art Space (11am – 4pm)

  Original ready-t0-hang art, and hand-crafted items such as jewelry, clothing, housewares, and more… http://WeArtSpace.com/

• Swarm Gallery Shop/Show (12pm – 6pm)

  A curated pop-up shop exhibition including small work installations, limited edition prints, art books, art t’s by Oaklandish, jewelry and much more.
  http://www.swarmgallery.com/gallery/exhibitions/Shop_Show.htm

Sunday, December 20th

• Stocking Stuffers Craft Fair @ We Art Space (11am – 4pm)

  Original ready-t0-hang art, and hand-crafted items such as jewelry, clothing, housewares, and more… http://WeArtSpace.com/

• Swarm Gallery Shop/Show (12pm – 6pm)

  A curated pop-up shop exhibition including small work installations, limited edition prints, art books, art t’s by Oaklandish, jewelry and much more.
  http://www.swarmgallery.com/gallery/exhibitions/Shop_Show.htm

Mountain View Cemetery Holiday Circle of Lights

For those of you ahead of the game and actually ready to kick back and enjoy that vacation you’ve been waiting for for months, here are some interesting local oaktown holiday and non-holiday events to check out…  have fun!

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (friday, 12/18)

Mentioned in yesterday’s post too… part of the Paramount’s classic movie series.  Tickets are $5 and include pre-film entertainment. Doors at 7pm… movie starts at 8pm.  paramounttheatre.com

Reality Playings: Experiments In Experience/participation Performance (friday, 12/18)

CRITIC’S Choice: East Bay Express… Frank Moore, world-known shaman performance artist, will conduct improvised passions of musicians, actors, dancers, and audience members in a laboratory setting to create altered realities of fusion beyond taboos… Temescal Art Center at 8pm.  http://www.eroplay.com/events.html

Holidays at Dunsmuir Estate (sat/sun, 12/19 – 12/20)

Experience the wonders and classic beauty of the holidays at Dunsmuir Hellman Historic Estate. Walk back in time through our beautifully decorated mansion, enjoy live holiday music, have breakfast with Father Christmas, find the perfect gift in our Holiday Shops, activities for the kids, and much more!  (11am – 5pm)  http://www.dunsmuir.org/calendar_holiday09.html

Ghost Town Farm Tour (sunday, 12/20)

Due to popular demand, Novella Carpenter is having another farm tour!
When: Sunday, December 20, 11am-2pm
What: Signed copies of Farm City, Goat Town t-shirts, fried green tomatoes, and hot chocolate made with goat milk for sale. Goat snuggling and tours free.
Where: Ghosttown Farm, 665 28th Street, at Martin Luther King
http://novellacarpenter.com/

Charlie Hunter at Yoshi’s, Oakland (sunday, 12/20)

Celebrating 10 years of Home for the Holidays CHARLIE HUNTER With Very Special Guest Doug Wamble… saw this show Saturday night… Awesome.
When: Sunday, December 20, 2pm matinee and 7pm shows
http://www.yoshis.com/oakland/jazzclub/artist/show/954

“A Christmas Carol, the Musical” at Lisser Theater, Mills College (12/19 – 12/23)

Charles Dickens’ classic gets the full Broadway treatment by the Broadway team of Alan Menken (“Beauty and the Beast,” “Little Mermaid,”), Lynn Ahrens (“Ragtime,” “Seussical”) and Mike Okrent (“Crazy For You,” “Me and My Girl.”)  This spectacular musical retains its emotional power and pure joy, thanks to the marvelously-told story, and the score with beautiful melodies and emotional lyrics.
http://curtaincallperformingarts.net/tickets_-_a_christmas_carol

The Oakland Ballet Performs the Nutcracker (12/24 – 12/27)

The Oakland Ballet Company presents Carlos Carvajal’s Nutcracker accompanied by the Oakland East Bay Symphony, performing the beautiful Tchaikovsky score.

This beloved holiday tradition has a spectacular growing tree, a spirited party, battle scenes, and a trip through the snow forest and the land of the sweets. The San Francisco Chronicle describes Carvajal’s Nutcracker as a “time-tested production, featuring glittering costumes and a live orchestra.”

TICKETS: $15-$50 with student and senior discounts through www.ticketmaster.com  or 1-800-745-3000.  Or better yet, avoid the butt-load of convenience charges that Ticketmaster applies by going directly down to Paramount Theatre (Box Office on 21st street – if you bring a non-perishable food item for the Alameda County Food bank, you get at additional 20% off your tickets – not a bad deal!), 2025 Broadway 510-465-6400, paramounttheatre.com http://www.oaklandballet.org/

Happy New Year!

Here is an ongoing list of events, parties, dinner specials, & activities to do in Dallas for New Years Eve! If you have anything you would like to add or need more details about any event, please e-mail me at DallasSocialites@gmail.com. Enjoy

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Craft Dallas New Year’s Eve Menu

$125.00 per person including a glass of champagne

Craft will be offering Perrier-Jouët Fleur de Champagne at a discounted price, around $225 a bottle.

Reservations available at:
6:00, 6:30 & 7:00 & 9:00, 9:30 & 10:00

First Course (For the Table)
*Mache Salad, Black Truffle and Hazelnut * Foie Gras Torchon, Apple Butter and Walnut Brittle * Bigeye Tuna, Blood Orange, Crème Fraiche and American Caviar
Main Course (Choice of One)
*Venison Saddle, Parsnip and Cranberries * Rack of Lamb, Roasted Peppers and Oregano * Guinea Hen, Applewood Bacon, Savoy Cabbage and Foie Gras * Roasted Sirloin, Braised Short Rib and Bernaise Sauce * Halibut, Littleneck Clams and Leeks * Monkfish, Pancetta and Porcini * Nantucket Bay Scallops, Butternut Squash and Pomegranate * Chestnut Ravioli, Celery Root and Black Truffle

Side Dishes (For the Table)
* Assortment of Winter Vegetables * Assortment of Mushrooms * Potato Puree * Swiss Chard Gratin

Dessert (For the Table)
* Chocolate Terrine and Biscotti * Sweet Potato Fritters and Marshmallow * Ice Cream and Sorbet

W Dallas – Victory
2440 Victory Park Lane
Dallas, TX 75219
Phone: 214.397.4111

For more information (dress code, parking, map, etc.) or to make reservations at Craft Dallas:
http://www.opentable.com/restaurant_profile.asp?ID=5235&restref=5235

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Skillman Street Bar

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Gaia Flow Yoga Family invites you to join us as we bring in the New Year with our traditional candle light Midnight Meditation and Hot Yoga Practice. Come sweat out the old and peacefully welcome in the new with your hands at your heart in Namaste!New Years Eve Schedule:

Hot Yoga Practice : 9:45PM – 11:15PM

Candlelit Meditation: 11:30PM – Midnight!!!!

Midnight – ? : Big hugs and lots of GFY love!!!

Cost: This is a complimentary practice and meditation. It is our honor and pleasure to gift it to you, your friends and family. Everyone is invited!!!

You may choose to come to either practice and/or attend both.
I look forward to giving you a big new years hug!!!

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“LET IT RIDE” NEW YEARS EVE PARTY 2009 at THE BANK

Sponsored by Ciroc, Jose Cuervo Platino, & Veuve Clicquot

This New Year’s Eve, The Bank will be bringing the New Year’s in Vegas Style!!! Come out and celebrate this New Year’s in downtown Dallas with us at one of the hottest nightclubs in the metroplex. The Bank will be adorned with casino tables available to play all night, plus 1 lucky guest will be winning a trip for 2 to Las Vegas at the end of the event.

Make your reservations now as this is the best priced New Year’s celebration in Dallas, this event will sell out, so get your tickets now!! Call 901-634-1920 or 702-235-2933 to book for this event!

Admission:
$20 General Admission
$100 VIP Admission with includes entry plus 12 drinks/shots of your choice (gratuity not included)

Table Packages:
$1,000 – “High Roller Package” 3 bottles premium liquor, 2 bottles of Vueve Clicquot Champagne, and 8 admission tickets

$1,500 – “All In Package” 4 bottles premium liquor, 3 bottles of Vueve Clicquot Champagne, and 20 admission tickets

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NEW YEARS 2010 | JOYCE – Hosted By Terrible 21 & Elite
SOUNDS BY  ♫ DJ Masai  ♫ DJ ShahZAD  ♫ and a Special Guest DJ Set by DJ PRIMO

LIVE COUNTDOWN with COMPLIMENTARY CHAMPAGNE TOAST AT MIDNIGHT!!
★$1000 in Cash & Prize Balloon Drop! ★ Party Favors and Noisemakers!

Tickets must be purchased for entry • $35 General Admission • $45 VIP Tickets
Includes VIP Admission, Access to VIP Room and Deluxe Party Favors

Pre-sale tickets on sale now – www.CLUBJOYCE.com

★Dress Code: Strictly Enforced
★Parking: Valet or Street Side
★ 21+ with a Valid ID

• p:    214.922.9911   214.922.9911
• e: Samsameni@aol.com
• w: www.CLUBJOYCE.com

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This party will be located outside on the AT&T Plaza, AND inside the House of Blues, Dallas Stars Hockey, the largest fireworks display in the city, and parties all over the park.

Plus, all the festivities will be covered with an exciting live broadcast on WFAA-TV Channel 8 – showcasing the entire celebration for the viewers at home.

High over the plaza, the biggest fireworks display in town will light up the North Texas sky at the stroke of midnight!

Dr Pepper counts down to 2010 and its 125th anniversary with the Dr Pepper countdown clock – in the Plaza and on the Victory Tower screens AND via WFAA’s live broadcast!

You must obtain a Free wristband – Click Here for more details

For more information, please click here to go to The Office Big D NYE Website

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 5th Annual NYE Dallas Live event, the Only NYE Sleepover in Dallas!

On the biggest night of celebrations, the stage is set for the highly anticipated annual NYE event, Odyssey 2010.  

 

 Crowne Plaza (Downtown) 1015 Elm Street I Dallas,TX 75202

Breaking The World Record 1000 Shots Taken in UNISON at MIDNIGHT to Make HISTORY

MUSIC BY: BIGREDROOSTER

Must be 21 to Attend This New Year Event

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“The revamped Pyramid in downtown’s Fairmont Dallas is a natural wonder,” says The Dallas-Morning News.

We invite you to celebrate in the glamorous Pyramid Restaurant with a gourmet prix fixe dinner created especially for the occasion by Executive Chef jW Foster.

6:00pm Dinner Only
Three-course prix fixe dinner $55 per person (with wine pairings $75)
(Prices are non-inclusive of tax and gratuities.)

8:30pm Overnight Package

For that OOH LA LA extra-special night…
Enjoy a Four-course prix fixe Dinner, Festive Live Entertainment and Dancing, Party Favors, a Midnight Champagne Toast, and the Luxury Overnight Accommodations of your choice.

$299 per couple – Fairmont Room
$359 per couple – Fairmont Gold King
$379 per couple – One Bedroom Suite

(Fairmont Gold accommodations include exclusive access to the Gold Lounge featuring
complimentary Daily Breakfast and Evening Canapés)
* Rates are inclusive of service and tax for the Dinner Package, but do not include tax on room accommodate.
** Please note that dinner seating may be at a private 2-top or a 4-top based upon availability.

Or build your own package…Room-only rates starting at $159.00

To book your overnight package reservations, please call    214-720-5290   214-720-5290 or visit us online at https://www.fairmont.com/dallas/HotelPackages/Celebration/NYE2009.htm

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“Blue Moon Blues” New Year’s Eve at Pearl with Smokin’ Joe Kubek and Bnois King

Houserockin’ and soulful blues, their latest CD “Blood Brothers” was nominated for 2009 Best Contemporary Blues Album by the Blues Music Foundation.  Always a great show when these guys are in the house!

This year’s New Year’s Eve sky will be sporting a “Blue Moon”! (a second full moon in one calendar month).  This is a rare event indeed, and will no doubt inspire much revelry and debauchery! Admission includes party favors, hors d’oeuvres and champagne toast.

$30 admission or $27 if purchased online in advance, New Year’s Eve with Smokin’ Joe Kubek and Bnois King is a tradition at Pearl! We are offering reserved seating this year for groups of 4 or more – tickets must be purchased together, in advance.  Reserved tables will be held until 10pm only!

For more info, please visit our Site

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Come Celebrate New Years Eve at The YO Ranch Steakhouse!!!

Three or Four Course Dinner $49.00 – $59.00 Per Person
Great Decorations! Party Favors & Champagne at Midnight! Bring in The New Year in Style Downtown in The West End!!

Four course choose one of each course from below $59.00

• APPETIZERS
  SHRIMP DYNAMITE (Black Tiger Shrimp topped with a spicy Aioli, crumbled goat cheese and broiled.
  Served over a bed of fresh spinach)
•  PHEASANT RAVIOLI (With a roasted walnut Gorgonzola cream)
• BUFFALO CARPACCIO (Lightly seared buffalo filet mignon garnished with heirloom tomatoes and an arugula salad tossed with molasses vinaigrette)
• MARYLAND CRAB CAKES (Served with a Dijon / horseradish Remoulade)

Three course choose one of each course from below $49.00

• SOUP &.SALAD
• HOUSE SALAD (A spring mix w/ caramelized pecans, Granny Smith apples, goat cheese, w/ a garlic cilantro vinaigrette)
• WEDGE SALAD (Chilled wedge of Iceberg served w/ bleu cheese, bacon bits tomato & red onion.)
• SPICY BLACK EYED PEA WITH BUFFALO
• SEAFOOD BISQUE SOUP
• DESSERTS

• FILET MIGNON or RIBEYE
• MESQUITE SMOKED BUFFALO FILET MIGNON (Seasoned with our special blend of spices.)
• COLORODO ELK CHOP (Served w/ wild blueberry cognac sauce.)
• GRILLED SALMON (W/ coconut milk & red curry chili broth)
• GRILLED SEA BASS (W/ a sauce made of fresh lobster pieces and champagne saffron cream)
• GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST (Portobello mushroom sauce over wild rice)

• Lemon Crème Cake (Two layers of buttery vanilla cake layered with classic lemon curd and topped with a velvety lemon crème icing)
•  Carmel Toffee Fudge Cake (Layers of devils food cake with caramel & chocolate butter cream fillings, rolled in crushed toffee)

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BLISS 415

Come out and celebrate bringing the 2010 New Year in,at a The Real Grown & Sexy event. Longer is better till 4:30am.Enjoy the Roof Top view for those who would like to count down the new year watching a Down Town Dallas view.(ROOF TOP HEATERS) so don’t worry about the cold.

ADMISSION-$10 before 10pm, after 10pm $15, after 1am $20(special price for couples) more info 214-994-3968 Larfell

BLISS 415 Beckley is Located behind (TEJANO’s on DAVIS St) in the BISHOP ARTS DISTRICT. (LIVE DJ in tha Mixx)
“GROWN & SEXY” ONLY!!!

FREE PARKING( TEJANO RESTAURANT on DAVIS)

* Dress Attire: Nice and Sexy (CASUAL)
Rooftop view of Downtown, plasma screen T.V’s,cash bar,free food and more.

SPADES,DOMINOES,UNO TABLES will be set up!!! so get your partner ready!!! * AND GUYS WE WILL HAVE THE “MADDEN” PS-3 up to!!!

DIRECTION: Going North I-35 exit Beckley/Zang, take Beckley striaght go thru 2 lights 1/4mile pass the Bank of America building, look for the Red building on the left.(look for the Flashing light)
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Granada Theater on Greenville Avenue

Doors open at 8pm
RTB2, Air Review, and Jonathan Tyler & the Northern Lights
$15 General Admission, $20 Balcony Seating

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Serenity: NYE 2010 inside of Dallas’ newest Upscale Trece Lounge in uptown Dallas.

With a dramatic six-foot backdrop of color-shifting LED panels, the Tequila Lounge is a study in ambient style. Design features include wenge wood finishes, stainless steel liquor cabinets, frosted glass, comfortable seating and the best beverages in Dallas.

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Americas #1 female DJ – DJ Irene
Along with Johnny Funk and Raydar & Shaolin

Inside Video Bar

• Dj Titan – DJ Issyss  – DJ Ignite

Hosted by MC Mnemonic w/Andy Szontagh After hours

• Balloon Drop at Midnight
• Complimentary Champagne & Party Favors
• VIP & Bottle service Available

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Astounding 2010 is an all-inclusive New Years Eve celebration right on Main Street in downtown Dallas (next to Macy’s and Hotel Joule). This is an upscale, exclusive event in a magical club-like setting. Dallas’ top DJs will be pumping a perfect mix of top-40 and dance music all evening for your entertainment.

Very limited tickets will be sold for this event…so get your closest group of friends together and make Astounding 2010 your destination to bring in the new decade!

Ticket price includes

• Open bar all night (beer, wine, champagne & all major spirits…the works!)
• Valet parking and/or overnight parking
• Heavy hors d’oeuvres from 9-11
• Champagne toast at midnite
• Complimentary coat check
• Close proximity to all the finest hotels
• Party favors
• DJ Entertainment & Lighting decor by Astounding Sounds

Get Tickets here

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Keith & Margo’s Murder Mystery Midnight Madness-Nifty 50’s!

* Hors d’ oeuvres reception
* Gourmet Dinner
* One Drink Ticket
* Champagne Toast at Midnight
* Cash Bar (no outside liquor is allowed by the hotel)
* Professional Comedic Actors surrounding you as “suspects”
* Light-hearted Satirical Mystery Stage Play with a 1950’s Theme
* Hilarious “Homicide Detective” to guide you through the process
* DJ Playing Music for dancing
* Team Prizes
* Balloon Drop
* Party Favors with Noise-Makers
* All Taxes
* All Gratuity

 One drink ticket + Champagne toast at midnight Cash bar (no outside liquor is allowed by the hotel)

• Suit and Tie/Cocktail Hour Dress up to Tuxedos and Evening Gowns • OPTIONAL: Add to your fun and dress in 50’s costume (PRIZES TO BEST MALE AND FEMALE) — bouffant hairdos, duck tails, bowling shirts, leather jackets, poodle skirts

 

• Till 11:30 PM Dance to the Golden Oldies of the 1950’s! • 11:30 PM to 1:00 AM Top 40, pop standards, swing, and slow dances

 

Fore More Info – info@newyears.com

Tickets by Phone:     212.843.2400   212.843.2400

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Aloft Hotel

9 PM – 2 AM (Doors open at 8:30)

The Aloft Hotel opened its doors four months ago and became an instant icon in downtown Dallas.   Sleek design, modern luxury, and exceptional service have made Aloft a magnet for Dallas’ A-list crowd.

New Year’s Nation is pulling out all the stops to celebrate Aloft’s inaugural New Year’s Eve.   Guests will enjoy a premium bar, an exquisite New Year’s Eve menu created by owner and Executive Chef, Doug Brown, a champagne toast, and music that will keep the party going all night long.

Celebrate across four time zones and find someone to kiss at midnight as New Year’s Nation and Colgate break the world record for the most people kissing simultaneously.

VIP tables can be reserved for up to six guests.  Lock down your real estate for the night, enjoy the comfort of Aloft’s seating, and uncork two bottles of champagne and a bottle of premium vodka, served right to your table.

Official Site: http://www.newyearsnation.com

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GhostBar Dallas
9:00 PM – 2:00 AM

Your celebrity Host

• JESSE METCALFE of Desperate Housewives and John Tucker Must Die
• The legend DJ DRE
• The prankster DJ WISHFM

Every bottle of CIROC Vodka purchased at your table gets you another raffle ticket and the chance to win one of two Sony flatscreen TV’s. Do the raffle math and believe it – the odds are pretty damn good once your drinking this vodka.

A complimentary bottle of champagne on every table. Bells, whistles and Dallas original non-stop hotel party.
ABOVE IT ALL.

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Rio Carnival is a Bonamour hosted New Year’s Eve party

Ignite the New Year with the sites and sounds of Rio Carnival. From the red carpet entrance to the featured entertainment, Rio Carnival will provide guests with an evening full of surprises and indulgence. This private event will provide complimentary valet, bottomless premium cocktails and champagne, Brazilian cuisine, live entertainment, full casino, private gaming rooms, ball drop, and more…..

For reservations, please email events@bonamour.com.

Historic West End

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Admiral Nimitz Circle, Fair Park

http://www.dallasnye2010.com

We’re celebrating 10 years of throwing NYE parties and as a thank you to all of the guests that have supported us through the years, we are giving back…. Same atmosphere, same drinks, same pretty people…. Cheaper tickets

Tickets this year start at just $40 for ladies and $50 for guys for basic tickets and $60/ladies and $70/guys for premium tickets. Get your tickets early!

As always, tickets include ALL the drinks you can handle ALL night long, including liquor and shots. Tickets also include free self-parking and valet, hourdourves while they last from 9-11, incredible DJ, upscale atmosphere, and New Year’s eve festivities including a giant balloon drop and champagne toast at midnight.

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ULTRA SKYE BAR NYE 2010 BASH
1217 Main St.
Downtown Dallas

Doors open at 8pm

The Most Exciting New Years Eve Celebration in DFW history. Special Celebrity Guest. Midnight Toast. Diverse Mixed Audience. 5 Different Vibes. 3 Levels featuring Rooftop patio spinning the best Hip-Hop, RnB & Old School.

Also Featuring the new Underground Lounge featuring Top 40/Techno/House with Play N Skillz and friends.

Interested in becoming a sponsor for this years NYE Celebration feel free to contact us at    (214) 573-8787  (214) 573-8787          (214) 573-8787. Promoter Opportunities available.

1217 Main Street, Dallas, TX

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Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy and Wish Ultralounge Present Be Fabulous 2010
Wish will be adorned in breathtaking decorations, sparkles and snow!
Welcome in 2010 while enjoying the Fabulous Life!

► SOUNDS BY NEW YORK’s DJ KRAVE◄
♫ Official DJ of 2-Time GRAMMY Award Winners Play-N-Skillz

LIVE COUNTDOWN with COMPLIMENTARY CHAMPAGNE TOAST AT MIDNIGHT!!
★$1000 in Cash & Prize Balloon Drop!
★ Party Favors and Noisemakers!

Tickets must be purchased for entry.
• $35 General Admission
• $45 VIP Tickets
Includes VIP Admission, Access to VIP Room and Deluxe Party Favors
• $65 Life of Luxury Tickets
Includes VIP Tickets, Hosted Moet Champagne & Belvedere Vodka Bar, Caviar & Garnish Station and Chocolate Fountain from 8-10pm

BUY YOUR PRE-SALE TICKET NOW!
www.WishUltralounge.com
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The Singles Retro-New Year’s Eve Bash!

ChromeCity Events invite all Metro Singles to attend:
With free drawings, door prizes for best retro looking outfits. Balloon drop, photo opps, Party favors, Champagne toast at Midnight. Two 1/2Hour Dinner Buffett (9-11:30), D.J. w/hot dance music & large dance floor, and plenty of eligible singles!

MCM Elegante Hotel & Suites
Phone  214/351-4477  214/351-4477
2320 W.Northwest Hwy. Dallas, Tx. 75220

Cost: $33.00 in Advance. $40 at the door
When: 8:30pm until 1:00am Dec. 31, 2009
The Look: Cocktail Black & White requested.
“Ladies with an attitude Fella’s in the mood. Don’t just stand there, let’s get to it.” Vogue

For more info Or Special Room packages call  214/746-0011  214/746-0011 Or 214/246-0053.email:chromecityevents@yahoo.com

www.chromecityevents.com
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★ AccessDallas, KissFM & Quick Magazine Presents:

The Palladium ballroom is one of Dallas’ largest venues known for showcasing some of the nation’s hottest bands and music acts.

Last year with over 8000 guest at this event, it was rated the top NYE event in DFW. This year, the entire venue will be transformed into 3 different themes in its three rooms, each with a touch of class, elegance and glamour.

- 60,000 Square Feet
- 3 Rooms w/ 3 Different Themes
- A Red Carpet Event with tons of paparazzi
- Fashion Show by Guess by Marciano
- 10,000 Glow Sticks | Fire Dancers & Body Paint | Go-Go Dancers
- Surprise Celebrity guests and hosts
- Huge Dance Floor w/ Over 20 Bars fully staffed
- 2 Additional VIP areas | Live broadcast by 106.1 KISS FM
- 10 of the Nation’s Hottest DJs
- Champagne Toast at Midnight | Party Favors
- 5,000 Balloon & Money drop at Midnight
- Countdown from Time Square, NYC
- Hundreds of Giveaways from our Sponsors and Partners

► Time Square | Main Room Hosts

- Shift / Crazy Town – Performing “Butterfly” & “Starred Eyed Surprise”
- Black Eye Pea’s Dj – Dj Rickone
- Guess Fashion Show & Models By Marciano - 106.1 Kiss Fm’s Billy The Kidd – Playboy Host – Bryleigh Rayne
- VH1 Reality Host (Tough Love)- Jacklyn Watkin
- Actor & Model – DD Johnson
- Vegas Resident – Dj Nameless
- Video Dj & Drum Set – Ivan G

► Dubai | Bollywood Room

- Hosts, Model & Upcoming Actress – Deepika Thakur
- Radio Dj – Dj Riz
- Glopz Resident – Dj Sandhu
- Glopz Resident – Dj Fm
- Exotic Belly Dancers
- International Dhol Players
- Hookah Lounge

► Manchester | UK Lounge Room

- Infamous Producer / Full Access – Jeremy Word
- 12 Inch Pimps – Johnny 5
- Dj’s Omair Mirza & Raj Naraine
- Dj Salmon
- After-hours Dj – Loren

► General Admission
Price: $30 ($30 until December 22nd, 2009 after $35)
Entrance to the venue. ** Access to all 3 rooms excluding VIP lounges. **Champagne toast at midnight ** Party Favor & glow sticks **Live NYE 2010 Countdown from Time Square

THE WESTIN CITY CENTER – DOWNTOWN DALLAS
Special Room Rate: $119 (Limited rooms available)
Promotional Code: ACCESSDALLAS

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NEW YEARS EVE LIVE PERFORMANCE by Mickey Avalon @ AMPM Restaurant & Lounge.

SOUNDS PROVIDED BY: DJ BACKLINE of Hollywood , CA & SKIBBLEZ of Access Dj

TICKET INFORMATION
Pre-Sale Tickets Start at $50.00
(Limited 400 Tickets only)
Bottle Service Recommended
Tickets are available at: www.wantickets.com

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New Year’s Eve will we ROCKING as Funkanova and Zubar present an exclusive evening of some of the best Underground House Music.

This is the ONLY New Year’s Eve event in Dallas featuring deep, underground House, Disco, Techno…everything from new sh*t to the classics so be prepared to DANCE.

Sound engineers for the evening will be Remy J, Woody Rosen and MR. DAISHIKI JONES.

There is no dress code but it is New Year’s Eve so PLEASE…make the effort…and to top it off…there is absolutely NO COVER…this event is 21+.

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3rd Annual Lotus “Eve” 2010
Dallas’ Most Intimate, Upscale New Year’s Eve Event!

$100 VIP tickets gets you:
–Premium OPEN BAR all night
–Hors d’oeuvres
–Chocolate Dessert Fountain
–Party Favors
–Champagne Toast

New Year’s Attire Requested, Intimate event Limited 250 Guests. Tickets will be sold out by quick! Reserve your spot today.

Table Reservations:   214-298-3836  214-298-3836 (only a few left)

Purchase online from GrooveTickets: http://www.lotusbar.com

*****ADVANCED SALES ONLY****** (NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AT THE DOOR)

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Sunset Lounge is Kissing 2009 Goodbye with a Smokin’ NYE Party!!

SINGLE ENTRY $50 (PRESELL)
Complimentary Champagne Toast, Party Favors & Appetizers

>>>ON SALE NOW AT<<<
http://www.wantickets.com/?e_id=88402

SINGLE ENTRY $75 (AT DOOR BEFORE 12:00) $50 AFTER 12:00
Complimentary Champagne Toast, Party Favors & Appetizers

PACKAGES ON SALES NOW!!
Call Kevin Stein at  214-823-8193  214-823-8193 ASAP or email >>>info@sunset-lounge.com<<<

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8:00PM-3:00AM
Radisson Hotel Love Field
1241 W. Mockingbird Lane
 214.630.7000  214.630.7000

“3 Parties in 1”

with DJ Steve Nice

( R&B & OLD SCHOOL & Sexy Hip Hop )

THE TASTE OF VEGAS LOUNGE (Second Floor) with DJ Bubba Yea ( R&B & OLD SCHOOL & Swing Out ) CASINO GAMING featuring Blackjack , Texas Hold’em and Craps

Kettle One Music Lounge (Basement) Live Music by Natural Change

Urban Hang-Suite (main floor)

YOUR CELEBRATION AT THE RADISSON HOTEL LOVE FIELD INCLUDES:

• COMPLIMENTARY GIFT PACK W/ ADVANCE ROOM PURCHASE
• EARLY CHECK-IN/ LATE CHECK-OUT
• LIVE RADIO BROADCAST W/ SMOOTH R&B 105.7
• 2 LIVE D.J.’s PLAYING THE BEST IN OLD SCHOOL & ADULT R&B
• CASINO GAMING: BLACKJACK, POKER & CRAPS
• LIVE MUSIC LOUNGE
• SOUVENIR PARTY FAVORS
• CHAMPAGNE TOAST
• BALLOON DROP AT MIDNIGHT
• BUFFET-STYLE BREAKFAST (ALL YOU CAN EAT FROM 1a.m.-3a.m.)
• ON-SITE DAYCARE FOR KIDS (MUST MAKE RESERVATIONS BY DEC.29th)
• TAKE HOME SERVICE, IF UNABLE TO DRIVE AFTER PARTY
• DOOR PRIZES AND MUCH, MUCH MORE

For Ticket information call  (214) 630-7000  (214) 630-7000

**MEMBER EXCLUSIVE**
PARTY TICKET ONLY $30

Password Protected
Password: CountDown
limited availability

Buy Tickets HERE
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HOSTED BY: * SHADE * GREYGOOSE * PARTY SOCIAL*

***** THE NEW LOOK OF SHADE *****
A place like no other bringing you elegance and glamour at your feet.

2114 GREENVILLE AVE DALLAS TX 75206
DJ HOOLIGAN & NICK LE SHADE
PLAYING THE BEST MUSIC
:: HIP HOP / POP / ELECTRO / TOP40 / GLOBAL LATIN MUSIC ::

**SPECIAL DEALS**
* BUY 1 BOTTLE OF GREYGOOSE AND GET ONE FREE
* COMPLIMENTARY CHAMPAGNE TOAST AT MITNIGHT
* 1$ CHAMPAGNE & MARGARITAS 10PM TO 11PM
* DRESS CODE: LADIES: GORGEOUS-SEXY// GUYS: DRESS TO IMPRESS

TABLE RESERVATIONS STRONGLY ENCOURAGED
FOR INFO CONTACT :

SHADE #:    214-289-9889  214-289-9889               WILLIAMS # :  214-584-8712          TOTO # :  214-607-8715

http://www.shadenightclub.com/ http://www.vipdallasentertainment.com

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$50.00 VIP ADMISSION
8:00 pm- 10:00 pm:
Your VIP NYE 2010 ticket gets you into Kinki Lounge from 8pm-2am

GET YOUR VIP NYE 2010 GOURMET BANQUET TICKETS TODAY!!

PRESALE TICKETS
$30.00
Purchase at Kinki Lounge or National Sports Lounge ONLY!!
You can also call the club line:   214-874-0400  214-874-0400

GENERAL ADMISSION:
$40.00 DOOR ADMISSION
10:00 pm- 2:00 am
PURCHASE YOUR NYE 2010 GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS NOW!!!

For the fourth straight year, Kinki Lounge has had the HOTTEST NYE Party every year.
MORE TICKET INFORMATION & NYE 2010 DETAILS ARE TO FOLLOW…
www.kinkilounge.com
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★ AccessDallas, iSOCIAL, ACCESSVIDA, & STYLE LABB:

DESTINATION 20-10 WITH SPECIAL GUEST HOST & PERFORMANCE BY MICKEY AVALON

PRE-SALE TICKETS START AT $30 BEFORE DEC 22ND AND $35 AFTER

 682.551.3631  682.551.3631 OR 214-295-4644 OR 817-703-5065

TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE HERE

► MUSIC PROVIDED BY:: -DJ SKIBBLEZ -DJ ATG -DJ DTRAIN

► CONTACT INFORMATION::

SCOTTIE NGUYEN
Phone:  682-551-3631  682-551-3631
Email: Scottie@AccessDallas.com
Web: AccessDallas.com

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New Year’s Eve All Black & White Formal Affair

Arrival 7:45 pm Bon Voyage@ 8:00 pm to 1:00 am
Princess I: VIP Area, Saxophonist Edward Baker Jr. & Houston Singing Artist Kerrington,
Food & Drinks Included. Silent Auction on Upper Deck, Raffles, Premier Gift Bags
Champagne Toast @ Midnight.
Princess II: DJ POW (Out of Austin, TX) Pumping Non-Stop Dance Music, Food & Drinks Included
Champagne Toast @ Midnight
For guests staying at the Hotel a shuttle will escort you to the yachts. Once we set sail, Princess I will voyage into the starlit ocean and connect with Princess II.
All passengers will be able to journey from one yacht to the other. If you want to slow it down and groove with some jazz, or pump it up to the beats of DJ POW. It’s your night do whatever you want.
After the celebration, the shuttle returns the guests to the Hotel.
Private after party in the Penthouse. Invitation only!!!!

Bring in the New Year with your LGBT family like never before purchase your TIX Now below:
http://www.a2-40-euphoria.com/PaymentsDonations.html
VIP Table Options: Table of 2 $350, Table of 4 $ 650, Table of 6 $ 950, Table of 8 $1250
(Plated Meal) Unlimited Drinks, Champagne Toast @ Midnight, Premier Gift Bags and other surprises.
Singles $ 175 Couples $ 300 (Hors D’oeuvres), Unlimited Drinks, Champagne Toast @ midnight
Hotel Accommodations:  http://www.sshr.com
South Shore Harbour Resort
2500 South Shore BLVD
League City, TX 77573
 281-334-1000 or   1-800-442-5005        
$115.00 for Standard Room or $145.00 for 11th floor (Executive King Rooms) Breakfast Buffett Included
Please Mention A2 40 Euphoria for Special Group Rate
These specials rates at South Shore Harbour Resort will end December 24 ,2009 by 6:00 pm
 
Antonia (Toni) McClammy      832-876-6260 or  Salangi Legacy     281-408-0239 or a2.40.euphoria@gmail.com
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| im sure most of you know the miss JESSE JANE|

SHE WILL BE @ THE PRE PARTY @ THE LODGE SO FOR MORE INFO
ON GETING TICKETS PLEASE CONTACT @RICK REID.

AFTER THE PRE PARTY SHE WILL BE AT [CLUB INIQUITY]

WHEN YOUR DONE PARTYING FOR NYE COME FINISH YOUR NIGHT
AT –NOCTURNAL AFTER HOURS– (INSIDE INIQUITY)

——HOURS ARE FROM 2AM-5AM——

►Dress Code: Ladys: Sexy/Guys:Dress to impress
►Parking: Valet/Personal
►Admission: RSVP VIP GUEST LIST ONLY
►GUYS 21+ GIRLS 18+ with a Valid ID
IF YOU ARE ON A VIP LIST (BY RSVP) LadieS YOUR FREE ALL NITE
***AND GUYS BEFORE 3 AM ITS [$5] AFTER 3AM ITS [$7] ****

New Year’s Eve at Round Up Saloon and Dance Hall
3912 Cedar Springs Road
Dallas,Tx  75219
8:00PM – 2:00AM

Cost: – $10 in advance -  $12 at the Door
Price includes -

Our annual New Years Eve Gala, featuring Buffet all night, party favors, Champagne and Breakfast at midnight, Cash Balloon Drop, Breakfast and Blackeyed Peas after midnight and a BLAST of a party Country till midnight – Dance after Midnight with DJ Roger!
Karaoke at 8pm till 2am with G.T.   It’s never a dull party at the Round-Up Saloon – you will be glad you began your New Year with us at the Round-Up!!   Named the Best Gay Country Western Bar in the Nation by The Advocate in 2009.
For more information call:
214-522-9611

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Something else that’s kinda cool about my new job is that I get a lunch hour. I’ve never worked a nine-to-five type gig before, so the concept of leaving in the middle of the day is new and exciting. I usually bring my lunch and sit in the park across the street, reading and just chilling in general, but yesterday I decided it was time to start venturing out for my mid-day sustenance.

Sending a call for suggestions into the aether that is Twitter, Eating in NOLA suggested Gott Gourmet on Magazine Street. Close by– check. Fast– check. Cheap– check. Online menu for easy phone ordering– check. Works for me!

Through a perusal of their website, I discovered that Gott is committed to being as environmentally conscious as possible, and their to-go packages are biodegradable. That’s awesome! I often feel bad getting takeout because of all the Styrofoam and plastic and whatnot.

Since this was a takeout order, I didn’t get to experience much of the place’s atmosphere, but it seemed clean, bright, and pleasant. The man at the register was friendly and personable, as well.

I ordered the Chicago-style hot dog, which came with chips, and a side of ancho-honey slaw.

That was a good dog. Big ol’ all-beef frank on a poppyseed bun, yellow mustard, shockingly neon green relish, sport peppers, a pickle spear, onions, halved grape tomatoes, and celery salt. Tart, spicy, and savory– all the things a Chicago dog should be!

I wasn’t sure what to expect from the slaw, but it was pretty tasty. Even though it was mayonnaise-based (I usually prefer vinegar-based slaws), it wasn’t overly goopy and retained its crispness. The flavor was a lot milder than other similar slaws, maybe because of the addition of honey. Regardless, I enjoyed it.

I’d like to go back sometime when I can sit down and eat. The menu’s gott got (we’re not gonna do that) a fair number of tasty-looking items that look to be creative treatments of standard lunch fare (soups, salads, and sandwiches). They also serve breakfast on weekends.

Gott Gourmet Cafe

3100 Magazine St.

504-373-6579

gottgourmetcafe.com

I couldn’t really take it anymore. Way too many days off the bike, except for short, short task rides. So I suited up for the rain and headed down to the Treme to meet up with friends for a little mayoral debate viewing party. It was still raining lightly and I rode ever so slowly, not exactly thrilled, especially when I hit some potholes disguised by water. Those are scary. But it was still good to be on my bike. The ride back Uptown, however, was dreamy. The streets were virtually empty and pretty much dry, and I just pedaled away. Sweet. I stopped on Magazine and Second to snap a picture of this hubcap leaning against some steps. I wonder how it got here; do you think it floated over there? It seems so well cared for; is someone coming back for the thing? I briefly considered picking it up and bringing it home with me but decided to just continue my ride home instead. Send vibes for a few dry days, please. Because I like to ride my bike on dry roads.

Zip & Raresh-Uptown Top Sessions 

Mirror

Mirror

Ok, so I have a new job that is AWESOME. There are many things that make it awesome, one of which is the fact that it’s located in a different neighborhood from the one in which I live. My old job was three blocks from my abode. This was damnably convenient, of course, but it also meant my world was very small. Get up, walk to work, get off, walk to the grocery, walk to the wine store, walk to a restaurant, walk home…you get the drift. On a REALLY exciting day I might get on my bike and ride to a restaurant.

Working Uptown means that I get regular exposure to a bunch of places I used to hear about but never went because they were more than 100 yards from my house.

I’ve been to the Delachaise a couple of times since becoming a part-time Uptowner, and I must say, it’s pretty rad. Good cocktail selection, good wine list, and probably some of the best frites I’ve ever had.

Y’all. THOSE POTATOES ARE FRIED IN GOOSE FAT. AND THEY’RE SERVED WITH PEANUT SAUCE.

Sweet Jesus, I may have to take a second to recompose myself.

All right. Now, I’m a humongous fan of peanut sauce, and am usually of the opinion that anything served with it is purely a vessel to get said sauce into my mouth and should take a supporting role in the process. These fries, however, make me question that philosophy– they are plenty awesome on their own. They also come with a malt vinegar minez, just like they do it in Britain. I often wonder why more Americans don’t eat mayo with their fries, since we usually opt for the most fattening option available.

I also had my first frog legs. “Wickedly spicy”, according to the menu, and glazed in remoulade, I’m now a fan of those little cuisses de grenouille. Although I must wonder what they do with the rest of the frog. My coworker Skooksie just suggested maybe they make fwog gras (get it, GET IT?) out of ‘em. Or maybe there are a bunch of French high school students dissecting legless frogs in biologie class.

They’ve got very well-chosen wine and beer lists, and offer a huge variety of stuff by the glass. The night in question I stuck with an ‘07 Olivares Monastrell. The tap choices are terrific too, with a representative selection of styles like Chimay, Anchor Porter, Spaten Lager, and even a lambic.

I like the atmosphere a lot and, as my dining partner noted, the fact that the building’s long and skinny means that it doesn’t take many customers to make the place feel full. They do allow smoking, also.

Flojindamesa over at Eat Drink Nola relates an amusing Delachaise experience here.

The Delachaise

3442 St. Charles Ave.

504.895.0858

thedelachaise.com

A Hard-Boiled Aphorism (349/365 12-15-2009)

Originally uploaded by CarusoPhoto

For years I’ve wanted to photograph this window sign in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood, but circumstances always got in the way: the light was wrong, too many people or cars were in the way, the window was dirty, I wasn’t in the neighborhood….

Well today, I was on my way to a meeting, and, as luck would have it, I was stopped at a stop light right in front of the restaurant. The light was right, there were no people or cars in the way, the window was clean, and I was there. Happily, I had my G10 on the seat next to me so I picked it up, composed, shot, and continued on to my meeting.

This will be a short post, because I didn’t see much while riding my bike today because it has been raining for what seems like forever, and I’ve been in end-of-the-semester work mode, and I don’t love riding in the rain, especially since my glasses get fogged almost immediately so that I can’t see anything, and I haven’t gotten to ride my bicycle all day in over a week, and it’s driving me crazy. But I saw this–a shiny, rainy street while I vainly tried to wait out the thunderstorm. Here’s the picture. I felt pretty frustrated when I took it, but looking at it now, it’s kind of pretty. Good vibes for dry air, people.

Tomorrow’s committee meetings are going to be packed with some exciting, forward thinking transportation projects, including an update on BRT and another discussion of the citywide parking study at the Public Works Committee. But the transit item I’m most excited to will be heard before the Community & Economic Development Committee (CED) – a free shuttle on Broadway from Uptown to Jack London Square.

Sound too good to be true, considering the dire situation our city budget is in?

Well, it’s not, because the shuttle won’t use any money from the General Fund. In fact, most of the funds covering the project come from a grant and private funding sources. As the Oakbook explains:

A $1 million grant from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District combined with $200,000 from Jack London Square Partners and $160,000 from downtown area redevelopment funds will pay for most of the shuttle’s first two years of operation.

This is not the first time a free shuttle linked Jack London Square to other parts of downtown. Between 1996 and 2001, a free, lunchtime service between Embarcadero and Grand Avenue ferried 1,000 passengers a day before a lack of private funding forced it to shut down…

I didn’t live in Oakland when that shuttle was still running, but I’ve heard that people loved it, even though it was limited to lunchtime hours. The proposed shuttled has funding to run from 7am-7pm, Monday-Friday at 10-15 minute intervals. I know, I know – that’s not ideal and won’t help much with dinner and weekend dining and entertainment, but keep in mind that this is just the start of the project. There is great interest in ultimately expanding the hours to evenings and weekends if the shuttle is successful, and city staff will be reviewing the shuttle after three months, six months, and one year to see what changes should be made.

But even without evening and weekend service, the shuttle will hugely improve the connectivity of downtown Oakland’s various neighborhoods. A problem that I’ve written about before is that downtown Oakland has lots of vibrant neighborhoods, but they’re not entirely contiguous and they’re spread out so it’s difficult to get between them quickly. What this means is that downtown workers (and some residents) either spend most of their time in their particular downtown neighborhood, or they drive around downtown, which is not desirable, in terms of efficiency, environmental pollution, and community connectedness.

I worked on Webster and 14th for four and a half years, and in that time I rarely strayed from the City Center and Chinatown areas to get lunch, simply because I didn’t have enough time to get to the other downtown neighborhoods. Had this shuttle existed, I would have explored Old Oakland, Uptown, and even Jack London Square, and I probably wouldn’t be the only Oaklander who has never eaten at Ratto’s.

You might be wondering why I didn’t just take the bus to get around for lunch. The first reason is the cost. Two dollars is a reasonable fare to pay to get to work but to pay $2.25 round-trip to get to a lunch that costs $10 doesn’t usually make sense. Even when I had a monthly bus pass, I didn’t use the bus all that much to get around downtown because of reliability. The 72 would have gotten me to Jack London Square and I could make this work using NextBus, but when I finished lunch, I could have gotten lucky and caught a bus right away or could have waited for 20 minutes until the next bus arrived.

The free Broadway shuttle will break through both of these barriers and will be more reliable because its route is short and riders can board quickly from the front and rear doors. Beyond this, many people who don’t ride the bus because they’re uncomfortable with it will likely ride the shuttle, which will be advertised to businesses and employees and will be branded differently than AC Transit.

The staff report estimates that the daily ridership of the shuttle will be 2,045, and I think that’s doable between commutes from home or BART, lunch trips, rides to happy hours, and random errands.

Why am I so sure this can be successful? Because it worked in LA, and much like I feel about BRT, if LA drivers can be lured out of their cars to use particular public transit lines, than so can Oaklanders. LA’s downtown shuttle, the DASH, has been wildly successful. It started out in the late 80s with one line and has been expanded to six lines that criss-cross through downtown and run at 5-20 minute intervals. The fare is $.25 and in 2006, the daily ridership of the lines ranged from 351 riders (the most infrequent line) to 7,520 riders (the 5 minute headway line).

Downtown LA of course is denser and geographically larger than Oakland so we’ll never have that kind of ridership, but downtown LA and Oakland have a lot in common otherwise. Both areas were near-abandoned, except for government offices, until redevelopment efforts brought new businesses and residents to the area. Both have new, thriving arts and entertainment scenes. And both are served by multiple types of transit that connect to the DASH and will connect to the Broadway shuttle.

As businesses in downtown Oakland grow and Oakland attempts to attract new businesses to the area, the shuttle will be a huge benefit. If marketed correctly, the shuttle should be able to meet its ridership goals quickly. For a cost of zero to Oakland’s General Fund, the shuttle will help Oakland meet its environmental and economic goals, while also making downtown Oakland feel more connected. The CED Committee should approve this project and the City should move swiftly to implement it.

To see the committee discussion, tune into KTOP at 2pm or follow the meeting on Twitter #oakmtg.

It has been raining. A lot. I have managed, by some miracle, to just miss the big downpours this week, but it has also meant no nice long rides without fear of deadly wet gravel, and no blogs. I went to pick up my bike from N.’s house, left when the skies opened up yesterday. It wasn’t raining tonight, but it was incredibly foggy. I stopped to try and take a picture of this playground at Annunciation and Upperline. The shots with a flash show nothing but water droplets (just like my glasses–the main reason I didn’t go for a longer ride). But I kind of like this glowing shot of the swing sets (sans swings) and covered picnic area. There are basketball hoops to the left and a new baseball diamond across the way. I went on googlemaps to get the cross streets when I got back home; they’ve still got the satellite images from a couple years ago. I lived across from this park when I first moved to New Orleans. Ad that wasn’t a baseball diamond; it was a small FEMA trailer park. It’s gone now, but not from the satellite picture, quite yet. And those swing sets? Still swing-less, but you never know.

I can’t get this picture to rotate the right way. That’s because I took it with my new cellular telephone (I hope the thief who swiped my old one has had a chance to make all his/her important calls), and I now have to learn how to use it. Perhaps after finals are over the students shall become the teachers. In the meantime, tilt your head and behold what I found at the Walgreens tonight. Yep. That’s right. King Cakes are here! They’re too early, of course. Mardi Gras is months away. But. I swear it’s already starting to smell like Mardi Gras. I caught a whiff of that cheap-bead-in-cheap-beer scent. And the band at Sophie B. Wright is practicing. I’m going to hold off on picking up my first kind cake for a little while longer, because once I have that first piece, it’s over. When I rolled up to the store tonight I saw a lone front wheel, u-locked to the rack. Someone had swiped the frame and back wheel–a sad, sad state of affairs. A reminder, along with the king cake, that we’ve all got to keep our wits about us for the next few months. But oh! Mardi Gras!

On an average Saturday evening in Towson, the uptown bars are crowded with college students trying to forget about their hectic, hard-working lifestyle. Intoxicated young adults roam the streets, bar-hopping between places like Charles Village Pub, The Kent Lounge, The Crease and The Rec Room, looking for the atmosphere and drink special that best fits their taste.

                In the middle of all these bars is what could be described as Towson’s Main Street, York Road. A four-lane road with frequent traffic and unruly drivers, York Road is known by many students as the busiest road surrounding the University.
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On December 5^th, 2009, Towson University Senior Brian Taylor crosses the street, unaware of the oncoming traffic, particularly the white ford focus catching up to him on his right. Brakes squeal, words are exchanged between Taylor and the driver, and life goes on as usual in Towson.

“I don’t know what she was thinking. I was in the crosswalk. She needs to slow down,” says Taylor of his experience. This seems to be a common opinion of many Towson bar patrons, crossing the street without regard for oncoming traffic, assuming the cars will stop for pedestrians, even if traffic signals do not tell them to.

Taylor Dancing at a Local Bar

According to the law offices of Butschky, Ehlers and Butschky, 116 pedestrians were killed, in Maryland, as a result of traffic accidents in 2007.

“College aged Kids think they are invincible, and it catches up with quite a few every year,” says Child Passenger Safety expert Joseph Colella Sr. “With the information I have on Towson’s roads on weekend nights, something is bound to happen.”

In the 15-24 age group, traffic accidents account for 75 percent of yearly accidental deaths in the United States, according to the National Vital Statistics Reports.

“I see it every day and it scares me to death,” says Charles Village Pub patron Matt Galati. “Every other time I look out the window at the bar, I see Towson residents crossing in the middle of the street. And the other half of the time, I see cars whizzing by.”

Article 21-503 of the September 1999 newsletter of the Metropolitan Washington O&M Association says,  “If pedestrians cross anywhere other than a marked or unmarked crosswalk, they shall yield the right of way to all approaching vehicles and are considered negligent if they do not.”

“Telling pedestrians to only cross at crosswalks isn’t going to happen. It just isn’t possible to explain to intoxicated young-adults that their lives are at risk,” says Towson Junior Josh Johnson. “There has to be a different way to handle this.”

Johnson’s opinion is not one in its own. Several Towson students have displayed their discontent with the way nighttime traffic is handled near the university. Suggestions have included traffic officers, detours and one even suggested shutting down York Road at night all together.

Carr Following our Interview

“We pay to go to school here, and it’s not safe. We pay to go to bars here, and they’re not safe. It isn’t fair that because we have a different lifestyle than the local adults, we should have to suffer the risk of injury,” says Towson University senior Caitlin Carr. “Something needs to be done.”

Zip & Raresh-Uptown Top Sessions 

Mirror

Mirror

Ok, I know we all talk about weather too much, but I’ve got to tell you, it was sunny and in the seventies today. I was actually sweating on my ride up to campus for final exam #1. It was such a lovely respite from the cold of the past week. My apologies to the neighbors up north–I hear you’re shivering in a blizzard. After proctoring a four hour final (!) I zipped over to the Avenue Pub for the Metro Bicycle Coalition open meeting. It was my first, and it was great to hear the many activities they’ve been up to, and I hope I can help out in whatever ways they need. By the way, if you are looking for a special holiday gift, an MBC membership makes a great stocking stuffer! On my way out I snapped a photo of this impressive cigarette vending machine. Most of the cigarette vending machines I’ve seen are those old tar-covered ones, the ones with the knobs you pull out and hope the smokes that eject were packaged sometime in the past ten years. But this one is seriously posh. I used to smoke–a lot. A pack a day, everyday, for close to 15 years. This machine would have been my dream come true. I mean, check out that symmetry, that selection, that ease of purchase. But I haven’t had a cigarette in over three years, and I honestly don’t want one, not at all. I left the bar happy that I’ve got my bikes, happy that there are lots of other people out there happy to have bikes, and unexpectedly glad that I don’t have to smoke anymore.

Just found this site: Wikimapia.org. Hopefully it continues to get built out. Someone even identified the Bartman Seat!

http://wikimapia.org/#lat=41.9391904&lon=-87.7022266&z=14&l=0&m=b