Hotel 1000

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Hotel 1000 has a lot to celebrate and they threw a Carnavale theme shindig for their first birthday party. It was a sizzling summer night, the city and sound view from the fourth floor outdoor terrace offered a sunset show with a steel drum band in the background.

They have a lot of amenities and Natharbi toured the property. The decor is very modern but warm, and the facilty has bragging rights. A guest library and

Conference rooms, here with Nathaniel as CEO of Natharbi at the head of the conference table.

and a virtual golf course, which we could both use a lot of practice on. My golf experience is miniature.

As always, thank goodness for valet parking. Valet first offered us a great silver Audi, but when they saw our bemused look they ran back for the "other" silver car. Nartharbi entertained each other with photos out in front, waiting for valet to present the BarbiBug.

Fedora Lounge

Saturday, June 23, 2007

I adore fashion of the 1930's and 40's especially with referene to Hollywood Glamour the stars that exemplify the era. This life long interest renewed a few years ago and led me to The Fedora Lounge where I commune with others ga ga over bygone eras. Occasionally, I like to coordinate a little Fedoral Lounge event for fellow Loungers in the Seattle.

We had prefect weather for this particular event and we started at Byrnie Utz hat store on Union. Natharbi admired and tried on several hats. I even got my head measured. I'm have a petite head at 6 3/4 to match my mini ears. Nathaniel's 7 3/8 I believe. I do realize that only other loungers would have the least interest in hat size so if you wondering at such trivial information, don't. Just read on.

We had reservations for the Buenos Aries Grill . This restaurant is fantastic! The food is delicious and the servings very generous. To top it off they have entertainment of tango dancers who twirl around the restaurant down the tiny aisles, between the tables, never once bumping a dining guest or causing a spill. We met up with some new friends, Mateo a Seattle local and Travis who took the train up from Portland. Now that's vintage! Travis likes circuses and has learned how to do that fire breathing circus act. I don't care for the circus, but I was impressed hearing about that sort of talent.

Travis, Mateo, Nathaniel

C!gar hour was held in a private room at the Vintage Park Hotel and nightcaps were sipped at Tulio Ristorante which serves as another great vintage backdrop.

Dashing Dandies Loose in Seattle

Nathaniel enjoys a cerebral web forum related to all things Dandy. Fellow dandy, Michael, took a jet to Seattle and they spent a dude evening to go out on the town. The "white tie with a wacky twist" event of choice was Circus Contraption.

Sounds like it was a really unusual show and a great bargain for the buck since it included a low grade dinner. The reviews on the website make me almost curious enough to give the whole circus venue gig another try.

Joey's Patio Opening in Bellevue

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Joey's in Bellevue could easily become one of my new favorite places, and their Patio party was like being on vacation in Maui on the balmy summer evening. See how tropical Natharbi appears?

All the food and spicy appetizers = fabulous, I would call out on some specifics but I can't even with looking at the menu because...

The cocktails = exceptionally exciting, expecially this one that came in a martini glass was cloudy white and had 3 cranberries in the bottom of it.

Joey's invited the right people and we made some new friends, Brent and Jennifer. Good humor, conversational, not sure how I missed the media covering nudist event discussions, seems like my ears would perked on that. Likewise, we spent some jolly good time with Pam and Rochelle of Chat with Women from Seattle radio.

What a great summer kick off! Thanks Joey, whoever you are.

Tap House Grill

Saturday, June 16, 2007

I "just got" the Tap House Grill name when I linked up their website and it announces proudly 160 beers on tap. Embarrassing even though I am sitting alone at home typing this blog. I think I missed the obvious in part because I did not drink any beer while attending the opening party. How do the bartenders keep track of it all?

So anyway, they rolled out the red carpet (literally) at the valet parking (which always puts an extra little bounce in my stiletto clad step knowing I won't have to walk far) and put out a pretty cool fare. The place was packed and the happy beautiful people who seemed to be having a lovely, really loud time.

Natharbi had a "meet a sister" moment as we enjoyed the company of Nathaniel's sister Joan and her husband Jim. I apologize, I have no photos to post and it would probably be appropriate to ask permission anyway. They were fun to get to know and I guess I made a good impression as cigars were brought to a more recent event for me. Thanks Jim.

Yes, Barbi the cigar afficionado said, "cigars" and feel free to send any that are a light wrapper and have a score of 90 or above.

Ultralounge and Chiropractic

Thursday, June 14, 2007

Natharbi attended a grand opening for University Chiropractic. Dr. Sue's remodeled facility with the new technology for spinal decompression is what you need. Go ahead, get you neck cracked. I was delighted to make the acquaintance of Darnell Sue Girl About Town. That girl is bubbly, fun and writes a good blog! Seriously Darnell, we were just washing our hands in the bathroom together. Really.

From there we journeyed to Ultra Lounge recently opened inside Parlor Billiards in Lincoln Square, Bellevue. The Ultra Lounge has a hip modern look and I am sure will be perpetually filled with pretty people, not to mention the wait staff meets that description as well. They threw a great opening party.

Parlor Billiards has more pool tables that any place I have ever been. The nice new sort, not the old gross tavern sort. I don't play pool much anymore but if I was inclined, this would be the place to go. Check it out before drinks get spilled on the tables.

Queen City Grill

Thursday, June 7, 2007

Something that stands out about this evening is the entreprenurial resourcefulness of the homeless person who was locating free parking for people and flagging them down for a few bucks. We actually got a parking spot fairly close to the restuarant for our parking finder's fee as opposed to parking rental. Win-Win

Natharbi dined at Queen City Grill, a Belltown standby...I hadn't dined been there before except to decide that the wait was too long and go elsewhere. The wine list is quite extensive to the point I couldn't make a decision and went with my signature champagne cocktail. My favorite part of the night:

The baby spinich salad
The mammoth mirror in the ladies restroom

According to Seattle Spin "This place has been up-and-down over the years. QCG is now under new management and is back to being good again."

Presenting

Monday, June 4, 2007

Nathaniel Hollywood had the privilege to present a couple of awards at The 5th Avenue Awards honoring High School Musical Theatre with MJ McDermott from Fox 13. The awards they co-presented were Costume Design and Outstanding Hair and Makeup Design. There was a gigantic crowd of frenzied high schoolers there a large number in costume.

Natharbi enjoyed several of the musical numbers. Barbi cheered from the audience. The talent honored will surely be seen in the future both on stage and in films.

I forgot to mention earlier, the decor of The 5th Avenue Theatre all around is rather impressive.

Completely off topic - Returning to the car, I was challenged by some random people to run to the top of the down escalator in City Centre. I did it in a cocktail dress and pumps. Everyone observing was impressed. My prize was bragging rights, which is exactly why this paragraph exists.

West Side Story

Friday, June 1, 2007

A old favorite, West Side Story celebrates their 50th anniversary this year at The 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle. It has been a little while since I viewed the movie, ok years and years, when I had to do a comparison paper between it and Romeo and Juliet in school. But all the catchy Broadway tunes takes one right back to seeing it for the first time. The incredible choreography and the huge cast of dancers put on a heart pounding show.

I am sure I am not the only one there who had to work to maintain my self discipline to avoiding singing along with Maria's joyful rendition of I Feel Pretty.

Nartharbi gives it a COOL BEANS

The Opera Virgin and Lilacs

Saturday, May 19, 2007

I was atwitter (yes, I said, atwitter) with excitement when Nathaniel escorted me to attend a performance of La Boheme presented by the Seattle Opera. My first opera! I was relieved to find out there were sub-titles. The story turned out as the expected love story of lovers parted too soon. It was intriguing but true joy was in the occasion of the event.

Natharbi made the rounds in the Crown Donor Room and chatted up several Bravo! Club members. When the intermission ding ding notice went off I proved just how fast a lady can make it in and out of the restroom and still be in her seat on time.

One question...why does everyone clap when the orchestra is just warming up? Do they need encouragement?

The lilacs were in full bloom this May night, so intense was the scent, I was conscious of a new fragrance triggered memory when we strolled in a Queen Anne park.

The opera can really build up an appetite. Cafe Minnie's fit the bill for a late night breakfast. Quiet when we arrived, the place was hopping with post "last call" revelers when we departed.

Natharbi breakfast favs: Chocolate Milk, Eggs Benedict

Kindred Shopping Spirits

Saturday, March 31, 2007

Natharbi digs extraordinary garments. They are hard to find especially the cool vintage stuff. Nordstrom or Macy's simply will not do...onward to Capital Hill and the second hand stores.

Nathaniel got to see me in prime shopping euphoria. Purses! Shoes! Antique fur collars! Aaaahhhhhh Always kind but usually making the sales people work a little, "please get up on that ladder and hold up each garments on the 4 topmost racks and I will tell you if I want to try it on."

The Red Light Vintage folks get my vote for the most unique pieces and best staff.

Two pieces purchased, unfortately the 1930's one has turned out to be too large and but the 1940's couture garment...well I must have been reincarnated and owned it made to fit previously.
This man who shops, does not look at his watch, and brings you bottled water while you try on 20 dresses ROCKS.

Nervous laughter

Friday, March 23, 2007

Natharbi graced the grand opening of Cellar 46 on Mercer Island. The decor pleasing, the wine flowing, and the introductions between Barbi and Mr. Hollywood's Seattle Spin fan club many.

Especially charming and memorable Lisa from Eastside Spin and Pam and Rochelle from Chat with Women.

A highlight of the evening was viewing a performance of 12 Angry Men at Seattle's Paramount Theatre. The drama was engaging and both "John Boy" and "Norm Peterson" did a good job with their respective characters. I found it curious that the audience appeared to laugh at the most intense, dramatic moments of the play and seemingly the wrong times. My opinion but I'm just saying...

Von's on 7th and Pike was the scene for post theatre libation and clever conversation.
Another extraordinary evening.

Blame it on the blue eyes

Friday, March 16, 2007

Natharbi enjoyed dinner somewhere in Bellevue, seems like it was Greek, hmmm I am not even sure if it was Bellevue. Even if the restaurant wasn't, the company, sunset and mini cooper was memorable.

The evening topped off sharing a chocolate dessert and a nightcap at the Vintage Lounge located inside Daniel's Broiler in Bellevue. One of these days we will have to get back specifically to experience the piano bar.

A First Date

Friday, March 9, 2007

Paint dancing for a first date? Of course, it's fun and different and helps a good cause. Seriously, who doesn't want to paint and dance at the same time? And what woman wouldn't say yes to a man who suggests dancing? One sec, let me grab my dancing shoes...

A little swing, a little wiggle See Natharbi dance

And Mashed Potatoes.org the good cause

Cupid's arrow hit somewhere between the paint dancing, Seattle city views and the car breaking down on I-5.

Going with the flow and still grinning at 1 a.m.