MIAMI BAR BLOG

TOP TEN MARTINIS MIAMI STYLE: THE BOOK!

2012-01-01T11:52:00.002-05:00

NOW AVAILABLE FOR IPHONE/IPAD DOWNLOAD

TOP TEN MARTINIS MIAMI STYLE by Alfresh | Make Your Own Book

O'MALLEY'S ON HOLLYWOOD BROADWALK

2010-07-14T13:07:00.001-04:00

O'MALLEY'S on the Hollywood Broadwalk, (yes it is a BROADWALK not a BOARDWALK...NO BOARDS PRESENT) is probably the coolest spot on Hollywood Beach to tip one back. Nick's Bar playing a close second. O'Malley's features a great menu with oysters, clams, peel n' eat shrimp, great burgers, wraps and salads, plus more.

HAPPY HOUR

MON-FRI 4PM-7PM
DRAFT & LIQUOR SPECIALS
BUCKET SPECIALS 11AM-7PM 5 FOR $10 DOMESTICS
GREAT BEACH VIEWS & TV FOR SPORTS

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LOBSTERS & LADIES AT K305

2010-06-14T13:33:00.002-04:00

Well they did it with Stone Crabs and now they are doing it again with Lobsters- Maine Lobsters to boot! Kitchen 305 is offering succulent all you can eat Maine Lobster. Yes Maine Lobster!

Every Wednesday night at Kitchen 305 inside the Newport Resort Hotel you can get "all you can eat Lobster plus soup or salad, and two sides, for, wait, wait for it... $35
Dinner is served from 6pm to 10pm. Reservations are recommended, due to limited seating. 305 749 2110. For an added bonus, sexy "CHARLIE ROC" will be performing from 7pm to 10pm while you enjoy your personal Lobster feast:)

If that isn't enough, it is also Ladies night on top of that! Ladies drink free from 9pm to 11pm.

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LEGION OF BOOM @ HARVEY'S ON THE BAY

2010-06-02T16:17:00.006-04:00

THIS FRIDAY NIGHT...Harvey's By The Bay will be kicking off "LEGION OF BOOM!" Every friday night 100% pure house vibes brought to you by DJ ALFRESH & guest DJ'S to be announced. The party starts at 11pm & goes on till 3am or later...

So gals grab your pretty little "dancing" dresses and heels or your ripped jeans and flippy floppies and guys get your cool disco shirts ready, cuz we gonna be droppin some great dance vibes in a chill atmosphere!

Harvey's is located inside the American Legion Building at 6445 NE 7TH AVE next to the bay (64th & Biscayne). Here's the quick rundown on Legion of Boom Friday's:

plenty of free parking
no cover
no lines
many drink specials
pure house music vibes
chill atmosphere next to the bay

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Hope to see ya'll there!
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S E S POOL PARTY 8

2010-05-24T09:08:00.007-04:00

THE SPIRIT ENHANCERS SOCIETY pool party number 8 was a great time as always... The weather was absolutely spectacular! The Mr. & Mrs Miami Beach contest was hot & sexy as promised and the music vibes were great.

DJ RZSPINS, INDIGO, & ALFRESH (MYSELF) took turns on the decks. Dimitri the Violinist was excellent and a great complement to the afternoon sounds.

Here's a few pics from the event... Thanks to Nick from miamimedia.us for snappin' the pics while I was droppin the digital music vibes. Enjoy...

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SUNDAY FUNDAY S. E. S. AT THE NEWPORT POOL

2010-05-22T11:55:00.000-04:00

TOMORROW AT THE NEWPORT BEACH RESORT HOTEL:

WATERCLUB MIAMI BEACH: THE NEW WATERFRONT BOATING & DINING HOT SPOT??

2010-05-19T12:31:00.000-04:00

There is a new waterfront dining destination in Miami Beach and it is sure to not disappoint. The Water Club! The long awaited opening of the Water Club Miami Beach is this Memorial day Weekend 2010. Here are some of the amenities that the Water Club will have to offer.

waterfront dining
great dining & cocktailing views
daily happy hour specials
late night dining
live music
pool bar
private parties & events
full sports coverage on tv's & big screens
comp valet parking
500 ft of dockage
comp Dockmaster
plenty of parking

The outside dining area is huge and so is the canopy to cover it for the summer Miami heat & unpredictable weather. The inside boasts a chic layout with a "lounge" section that includes couches and cocktail tables, ample size bar, many FLATSCREENS and dining area. Let's not forget the great waterfront views as well.

Water Club Miami is located at 3969 N.E. 163RD ST at the Intracoastal Mall in North Miami Beach.

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IN HONOR OF CINCO DE MAYO...

2010-05-03T11:39:00.002-04:00

A little something to get your CINCO DE MAYO taste buds going... have fun this Wednesday!!!

AS ALWAYS DON'T FORGET TO FOLLOW US ON http://www.twitter.com/miamibarblog

DAILY posts on when and where to get the best deals at bars around town...

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KITCHEN 305 & SVEDKA VODKA BARTENDING COMP WEEK 9"SEXIEST FEMALE"

2010-04-26T18:15:00.000-04:00

The KITCHEN 305 & SVEDKA VODKA "BEST BARTENDER ON THE BEACH" Competition continues tonight at KITCHEN 305. The 12 week long competition has tested bartenders's skills on anything from speed to the best Mojito.

Tonight's category is "Sexiest Female" and surely won't disappoint! $200 is up for grabs and the winner will get a reserve spot at the "main bar" in the finals for a chance to win $1000 in May.

Check out the vid from the "BEST MOJITO" competition.

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PLAYWRIGHT IRISH PUB AT GULFSTREAM PK

2010-04-23T16:42:00.002-04:00

Live music has arrived at the PLAYWRIGHT IRISH PUB in Hallandale Beach. The Playwright is located in the Villages of Gulfstream Park on the second floor, overlooking the Paddock. Dining and cocktailing is available inside as well as outside with a stunning view of the Gulfstream facility.

More about Playwright:

HAPPY HR MONDAY-FRIDAY 4PM-7PM
LIVE BANDS/DJ
5 FOR $15 BUCKETS OF MILLER LT, COORS LT & YEUNGLING
MENU INCLUDES FISH & CHIPS & SHEPPARD'S PIE
20 TVS INCLUDING TWO GIGANTIC SCREENS
BEERS ON TAP INCLUDE SMITHWICKS & STRONGBOW
BEAUTIFUL 18th CENTURY AUTHENTIC CATHEDRAL DECOR

HOURS ARE 11AM-2AM DAILY

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SLAINTE:)

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RACKS $5 BURGER WEDNESDAY

2010-04-21T13:23:00.000-04:00

My favorite thing about RACKS is the cozy atmosphere and the view of the Intracoastal waterway and Mangroves. Second favorite thing: The happy hour wings. They are specially seasoned and have a nice little kick to them.

Racks offers a $5 dollar burger every Wednesday and I hear it is amazing.

Racks is located on the Intracoastal Waterway at 163rd in North Miami Beach.

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SHAMELESS BURLESQUE AT THE VAGABOND

2010-04-16T12:25:00.002-04:00

Let the Beautiful and Charming ladies of Shameless Burlesque "strip" away your TAX SEASON blues. The Burlesque troupe is at it again this Saturday night at The Vagabond.

Miss Hollypeno and the crew will dazzle you with their divine Burlesque performances, along with Back Door Bamby's "NOTORIOUS SEX KITTENS AND NAUGHTY MISFITS!" WOW! Try saying that ten times fast...or not:)

Enjoy complimentary Belvedere Vodka at the Vagabond from 10pm-11pm before the show. That should get your delightful evening with the ladies of Shameless going...

P.S. WATCH OUT FOR THAT PADDLE AT THE END OF THE SHOW!!!

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KITCHEN 305 & SVEDKA VODKA BARTENDING COMPETITION WEEK 6: BEST MOJITO

2010-04-13T10:01:00.001-04:00

The SVEDKA VODKA Best Bartender On the Beach Competition continued last week inside the Newport Beach Resort Hotel in Sunny Isles Beach (NORTH MIAMI BEACH) Florida. The contest, held inside the comfy, "Resto/Lounge" Kitchen 305 featured a "BEST MOJITO" contest on April 5th. Last week's winner took home $200 cash for their Mojito libation creation!

CHECK OUT THE HIGHLIGHTS. WARNING: You'll be wanting to jam out to the Buena Vista Social Club and head down to Little Havana after watching the vid!

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2MORROW: SES APRIL POOL PARTY, WILL IT BE THE BIGGEST?

2010-04-09T13:15:00.002-04:00

The SPIRIT ENHANCERS SOCIETY POOL PARTY IS BACK! This is the first SES Pool Party of 2010 and the buzz around is that it is going to be the biggest one yet! It is also DJ MASINC'S birthday bash so it's going to be out of control!

SES POOL PARTY 7 will be held poolside/beach side at the Newport Beach Resort in Sunny Isles Beach.

The dj lineup is stellar and Coconuts Tiki Bar will be featuring $5 Patrons & $5 Jager Bombs.

DJ LINEUP:

MASINC
ASHROCK
JIMITHEGENIUS
SUPERNAUT
ALFRESH
+ MANY MORE

Pool Party 7 will be going on from 1pm until 6pm and here's the twist... The official after party will be across the bridge at RACKS ITALIAN BISTRO on the Intracoastal. RACKS will feature 2 4 1 drinks from 7pm - 9pm and all of the DJ'S will be droppin' the sick digital vinyl at Racks as well. So if for some crazy reason you miss the pool party, the after party will be rockin' at Racks.

If you missed any of the SES parties last year...peep the vid and grab a preview of what will be goin' down.

NEWPORT BEACH RESORT SUNNY ISLES BEACH FLORIDA

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Aromas of Havana presents: A Celebration of Life

2010-04-08T08:00:00.001-04:00

Paulie Hernandez was one of the owners of the Aromas of Havana cigar shop. Paulie passed away last year, but his family and friends will continue to celebrate his birthday as one of his last wishes.

"Young" Paul Hernandez passed away at the age of 37. Paulie was very enthusiastic about cigars and always took time out to help you pick the right stogy for your mood.

Join the Aromas of Havana crew this Thursday April 8th for Cigar and drink specials all night. Special guest Pepin Garcia will be attending as well.

About Aromas of Havana

AKA "CIGAR LOUNGE"
private lockers for members
full liquor bar
3 smoke eaters
2 giant humidifiers

Aromas of Havana happy hour is Monday through Friday 5pm to 8pm. Aromas is located at 14781 Biscayne Blvd in the Keystone Plaza, a few doors north of Publix.

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KITCHEN 305 & SVEDKA VODKA BARTENDING COMPETITION WEEK 5

2010-04-04T18:14:00.003-04:00

HAPPY EASTER...Week five of the Kitchen 305 & SVEDKA VODKA BEST BARTENDER ON THE BEACH competition proved to be the most competitive yet! Week five's category was BEST SURPRISE DRINK/SHOT. Every week the competition has been exciting and week 5 was no exception.

Peep the video and check out the highlights from week 5. CH CH CH CH CHECK IT OUT:)

Best Bartender On The Beach Competition continues April 5TH.

WEEK SIX'S CATEGORY... "BEST MOJITO."

Best Bartender On The Beach Competition is held every Monday until May 17th inside Kitchen 305 at the Newport Beach Resort in Sunny Isles, Florida.

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S E S POOL PARTY...COMING SOON...APRIL 11TH

2010-04-03T02:06:00.002-04:00

IF YOU MISSED LAST YEARS SPIRIT ENHANCERS SOCIETY POOL PARTIES...CHECK THIS SHEEE-YAT OUT:)

THE NEXT ONE IS COMING UP APRIL 11TH SO SAVE THE DATE! NOW PEEP THIS VID:) EYE CANDY FOR YOU!

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LIQUOR LOUNGE SOUTH BEACH

2010-03-29T19:39:00.004-04:00

(photo courtesy of yelp.com)

Liquor Lounge has one of the coolest amenities that SOUTH BEACH has to offer aside from a great liquor selection...The 15th st PARKING GARAGE located adjacent to it!

Liquor Lounge also features Karoake for you American Idol wannabes, or people who think they can sing good when they're drunk. The Karaoke dj has an incredible variety of music from Country to Salsa with a song selection of over $100,000 songs.

Many online review the barstaff as "FRIENDLY", and that is a breath of fresh air to hear about bartenders in South Beach.

Happy Hour at the LL is Monday thru Friday from 12 noon - 7pm and that is pretty damn cool!
Draft beer as well as imports are featured on happy hour.

Thanks to my favorite Redhead Colleen at the Liquor Lounge for the 411! Sorry about the "stalker-ish" phone call:) Luv ya & See you soon!

About Liquor Lounge

HAPPY HOUR
DJ/JUKEBOX
OUTDOOR SEATING (great people watching on weekends)
POOL TABLES
OPEN LATE NIGHT TILL 5AM
KAROAKE MON TUES & THURS
TV'S FOR SPORTS

LIQUOR LOUNGE IS LOCATED AT 1560 COLLINS AVENUE SOUTH BEACH.

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MATTHEW LENNON: U ARE NOT FORGOTTEN, R.I.P.

2010-03-28T10:10:00.003-04:00

SMALL NUGGET TAKEN FROM MBB LAST YEAR...LET'S KISS IT...KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID:)

"Everyone in the group liked Matt and accepted him with open arms. Matt came to a lot of our parties and other events helping to support our scene. I was looking forward to a long friendship with Matthew, but I guess that's how quick we can all be taken from our borrowed time here on Earth.

I can honestly say I'll miss Matt's peculiar "Baltimore" laid back "drawl", and his constant smile.

R.I.P. Matthew Lennon. We will miss those great times we never got to share, but appreciate the time we had with you. From all of us in our circle of friends a big great "Cheers!" I'm sure you are up there looking down upon us and smiling."

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KITCHEN 305 & SVEDKA VODKA BARTENDING COMP WEEK 4 "SEXIEST MALE"

2010-03-25T13:02:00.003-04:00

THE HIGHLIGHTS! CHECK OUT THE GIRL AT 4:06 YELLING "TAKE UR SHIRT OFF"

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TIKI BAR

2010-03-25T11:29:00.002-04:00

Probably the best view for a bar/restaurant in SOUTH BEACH. CHECK OUT THE CARABBAS TIKI BAR ON 39TH & COLLINS!

HERE'S THE QUICK RUNDOWN ON SPECIALS

HPPY HR 4-7PM DAILY
TOP SHELF SINGLE LIQUORS
WINE & SANGRIA
DRAFT BEER
ASK CHRISTIAN FOR THE "PEDROJITO MOJITO" w/TEQUILA

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OUT!

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PORN & POPCORN TUESDAYS @ PURDY LOUNGE

2010-03-23T17:15:00.002-04:00

Go check out Miss HollyPeno tonight at the PURDY LOUNGE in SOUTH BEACH for "PORN & POPCORN TUESDAYS!

Purdy Lounge, 1811 Purdy Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139

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Better go check out Miss Peno or she'll hurt ya with those guns:)

OUT!

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KITCHEN 305 BARTENDING COMP WK 2

2010-03-14T00:33:00.003-05:00

WEEK 2 OF THE 12 WEEK BARTENDING COMPETITION AT KITCHEN 305 WAS ON FIRE- LITERALLY!!

The category for the past week's competition was "best bar trick", although it should've been "best fire trick" because all four of the contestants used fire.

Calling all bartenders...come by this week and enter the competition for your chance to win an easy $200.

THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE IS "SPEED"

WIN $200 CASH! 2nd Place $50 BAR TAB!

Winners Advance to finals for a chance AT $1,000

Here are the highlights from week number two..."BEST FIRE"... I MEAN "BEST BAR TRICK" :)

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KITCHEN 305 BARTENDING COMP WK 1

2010-03-05T17:03:00.005-05:00

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE BEST BARTENDER ON THE BEACH COMPETITION LOCATED AT THE NEWPORT BEACHSIDE RESORT IN BEAUTIFUL SUNNY ISLES BEACH FLORIDA.

The contest will run for 12 weeks. Each week one lucky bartender will take home a $200 cash prize & second place will win a $50 bartab.

HOUSE MUSIC TV & K305

2010-01-29T16:15:00.003-05:00

Winter Music Conference is sneaking up on us quickly...Here is an interview with Lee Kalt from House Music Tv from last year's WMC at KITCHEN 305. ENJOY!

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2010-01-25T14:38:00.001-05:00

SIPPIN ON A GUINESS @ BRICKELL IRISH PUB*HAPPY HR 4-7 MON - FRI* <twitter/alfresh>

DEEP & SEXY 2010 NEW YEARS' EVE

2009-12-29T14:30:00.003-05:00

THIS IS THE 4TH DEEP & SEXY PARTY HOSTED BY CULTURE'S VERY OWN MAS INC. $10 COVER ALL NIGHT.

FULL BAR & KITCHEN
21 & UP
PLENTY OF PARKING

ENCORE IS LOCATED ON THE NORTH MIAMI BEACH/AVENTURA BORDER ACROSS FROM HOUSTON'S RESTAURANT.

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I'VE GOT MY YELLOW LABEL ON ICE ALREADY, HOW BOUT YOU?

OUT!

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DEEP N SEXY NEW YEAR'S EVE

2009-12-15T14:52:00.002-05:00

MORE DETAILS COMING SOON...

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2009-12-05T22:00:00.001-05:00

YOLO IN LAUDERDALE ON LAS OLAS: GREAT ATMOSPHERE 4 COCKTAILS*THE OUTSIDE LOUGE IS DOPE!

LOLA PALOOZA 2009 THIS FRIDAY!

2009-11-16T17:01:00.004-05:00

What's up ya'll! I wanted to let everyone know about a great fundraiser event this Friday:

LOLAPALOOZA 2009.

LOLAPALOOZA will be held at LOLA'S on Harrison St. in Hollywood Florida and will benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. LOLAPALOOZA will be a night of non stop music, food, cocktails, and friends. The food and music festival is going to be a great kickoff for the upcoming season, and once again is for a great cause: The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

More about Lola's:

An elegant dining destination
Relaxed and cozy atmosphere
Full liquor bar
Over 30 "Hand Crafted American & Imported Micro Brews."
Chef Michael Wagner's contemporary American Cuisine will leave your mouth watering and begging for more!

The doors for this event open at 8pm. There will be live music as well as myself (ALFRESH) spinning for an early lounge session, then again around 11pm for a late night kick! There will also be a live "Bar Chef" demonstration with Charbay Vodka.

LOLAPALOOZA will feature all you can eat and drink for one ticket price. Pre sale tickets are available for $25, or $30 at the door. Pre sale tickets can be purchased through the Lola's website at http://www.lolasonharrison.com/

Lola's is located at 2032 Harrison Street in Hollywood, Florida about two blocks west of Young Circle.

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FRISKY FRIDAYS THIS FRIDAY IN SOUTH BEACH

2009-11-05T12:07:00.002-05:00

Damian Pinto from Ultra Music Festival and the Dance Music Pimps are at it again this Friday Night at Feelgood's Lounge in South Beach.

Last month's party was going off and this one will surely be as good.

This is the "Sequel Release Party" to the "It's All About House Music" release.

Frisky Fridays is a free party. No cover and ladies drink 2-4-1 until midnight.

DJ LINEUP:

D-NICE
ALFRESH
GLITCH MONKEY
MIAMI BRYCE
PANTOJA

Feelgood's Lounge is located at 222 Espanola Way in South Beach right next to Lost Weekends.

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"FEEL THE BOOBIES" 2NIGHT AT PURDY LOUNGE

2009-10-21T12:23:00.002-04:00

Well, not really. However Miss Hollypeno and the girls of Shameless Burlesque cordially invite us all to an evening of music, magic, comedy, and of course, burlesque. The girls of Shameless Burlesque are taking it all...well most of it off, again in support of a great cause: THE FLORIDA BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION!

This is the second annual Breast Cancer Awareness Gala the girls from Shameless have done and it is sure to be a grand time! The "shameless" festivities get kicked off around ten pm at the Purdy lounge. The Purdy Lounge is located in South Beach at 1811 Purdy Ave.

Here's a quick preview of what you might see...

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C ya tonight- Out!

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JOSHTOBERFEST @ ROUND TABLE

2009-10-14T18:05:00.008-04:00

Oh yeah, Joshtoberfest is here again! Our boy Josh the Startender is having his BDAY BASH this Thursday October 15th at the Round Table Sports bar and lounge! The bash includes a DJ spinnin' and the great atmosphere of the Round Table.

Let's not forget about the $1.75 Pabst
Blue Ribbons and Michelle's soon to be famous SKYY GRAPE BOMBS!!

Joshtoberfest at the Round Table starts at 9pm and will be kickin till the wee hours of the morning!

If you haven't read the blog on the ROUND TABLE... check it out!!

http://alfresh.blogspot.com/2009/09/bartender-of-week-michelle-at-round.html

The Round Table is located at 112 ST and NW 7TH AVE.

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T.G.I. FRIDAY'S BARCHAMPS

2009-10-07T08:22:00.002-04:00

Today is the Friday's Barchamps competition. The competition will be held at the North Miami Beach Friday's located on 14891 Biscayne Blvd (Keystone Plaza).

There are still a few tables left but the event is selling out fast. Seats at the bar are $20, tables are $40, and tables for 6 are $60. Friday's has teamed up with THE MAKE A WISH FOUNDATION, so that means that all (100 %) of the proceeds are going to benefit Make A Wish.

Friday's will be jam packed with entertainment including a DJ and the flair competition as well. The Barchamps competition starts at 7pm and will host at least six performances so don't be late! Click on the link below to see what the Friday's Barchamps competition is all about.

FRIDOIDS BLOG - T.G.I. Friday?s UK blog

NMB FRIDAY'S

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2009-10-04T00:49:00.001-04:00

Round TABLE SPORTS BAR ROCKIN AFTER HURRICANES BEAT OKLAHOMA! Jackie workin it hard at the bar!

2009-10-01T22:46:00.001-04:00

Checkin out MICKEY BYRNES Irish Pub inn Hollywierd. Cool pub & they'll have specials for the Canes game on Sat night. 15 plus beers on tap & full liquor.

FRISKY FRIDAYS 2NIGHT @ FEELGOOD'S SOUTH BEACH

2009-09-25T13:06:00.004-04:00

It's going down tonight at Vince Neil's Feelgoods Lounge (formerly BLUE) in South Beach.

Damian Pinto and DMP (DANCE MUSIC PIMPS) welcome you to the debut release party of "It's All About House Music". MBB will be there as well video taping the event, so come be seen for the video!

There is NO COVER and ladies drink 2-4-1 till midnight. Guys you get screwed like always, but you can come watch the ladies shake their asses to the stellar DJ lineup.

DJ LINEUP:

D-NICE
ALFRESH
GLITCH MONKEY
STEREO PUSH
DJ FINLEY

The night's set will be aired on ULTRA XM CHANNEL 80. So even if you can't make it, tune in on your satellite hookup!! C YA TONIGHT! OUT!

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FRISKY FRIDAYS AT BLUE SOUTH BEACH

2009-09-24T09:00:00.001-04:00

THIS FRIDAY!

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BARTENDER OF THE WEEK: Hollypeno from Purdy Lounge

2009-09-21T14:53:00.003-04:00

Ah the Purdy Lounge, home of the solo pool table that gets raped over and over again on a nightly basis. You have to love any bar that keeps a martini glass full of Charm's Blow Pops on the bar all the time! But seriously, Purdy Lounge is definitely one of my favorite bars on South Beach. Purdy is so laid back, yet kind of sexy. You definitely DO NOT have any of that typical South Beach pretentiousness at Purdy. It used to be a Monday night tradition a while back for my friends and I to go to Reggae Night.

The night that stands out the most for me involved several Red Stripes, the playground across the street as I went cowboy on a spring riding frog, (or horsey I think), and myself melting into a couch while the band did a rendition of "Johnny Be Good". Thank god my friend Dante handed me a bottle of water, because I was quickly getting sucked in to la la land. Second best was the night the S.E.S. boys were hanging out in the back room. I like to call that the Scarface Suite.

Okay that being said, the pretty lady in the pic at the top of this blog is what this is all about...Miss Hollypeno: Bartender at the Purdy Lounge & founder of the Shameless Burlesque troop. Miss Peno and I chatted it up recently and she schooled me on the what the term "tassel twirling" was all about.

Holly also explained to me "what" is addicting about bartending, and how dangerous of a profession it really is because of alcoholism and suicide rates. Let's not forget about our stalkers too. We also agreed on how bartending is like a second "social life", if not first, to most bartenders.

Ladies and Gents, without further a due, here she is. The MBB Bartender Of The Week Miss Hollypeno from the Purdy Lounge!

MBB: How did you get into bartending?
HOLLYPENO: It's a family thing. Two of my aunts were bartenders.

MBB: How long have you been bartending?
HOLLYPENO: Over six years.

MBB: What is your favorite cocktail to make for people?
HOLLYPENO: I like making Margaritas or a shot of Jameson.

MBB: What is your favorite elixir to consume?
HOLLYPENO: It's a mood thing. Probably champagne.

MBB: You are the founder of the Shameless Burlesque Troop. How did you get into performing burlesque?
HOLLYPENO: Through go go dancing in a punk rock bar in Chicago. I was invited to perform at Ozzfest 2005.

MBB: How many girls are in Shameless?
HOLLYPENO: Seven or eight. It varies. We have emcees, candy girls, and dancers. We also have one guy in the troop, Marty the Magician. He is part of the Shameless Family.

MBB: Who makes your costumes?
HOLLYPENO: I do. I buy them and piece them together.

MBB: You have had a couple of fundraiser events for the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation this past year. How has that benefited Shameless Burlesque?
HOLLYPENO: It gives us piece of mind that we are doing this for a good cause. We figured that Breast Cancer was a perfect cause, because our show is all about boobies anyway.

MBB: Entertain us with a typical backstage dressing room scenario, if you don't mind.
HOLLYPENO: I'll start with Purdy. Purdy is our home base. If you want to see a full on Shameless Show, Purdy Lounge is where you go to see it. A lot of ass grabbing, a lot of motor boating, a lot of tassels twirling practice (say that three times fast). Tassel twirling makes the crowd go wow! Practice makes perfect. I often practice in the nude before I get there.

MBB: How many tattoos do you have?
HOLLYPENO: I think I have thirteen. Maybe fourteen.

MBB: What is the deal with the padlock tattoo?
HOLLYPENO? I always like the idea of having a lock and key to represent my heart. It's like telling a story. It's kind of a touchy subject for me. The key is on the inside right bicep. Opposite the lock. The key actually fits into the lock. It's a bar key.

MBB:How many guys a night take "their shirts off" for you a night?
HOLLYPENO: Oh, you know. Lately they've been teasing me with it. (The word is gettin' out.) I have at least two guys a night teasing me.

MBB: Why Hollypeno?
HOLLYPENO: Are you familiar with Jeff Dunham? It came from a joke. Hollypeno on a stick. It just stuck.

MBB: You are originally from Chicago so I must ask, CUBS or WHITE SOX?
HOLLYPENO: Cubs.

MBB: Girls or guys?
HOLLYPENO: One at a time.

MBB: What is the strangest or wildest thing to ever happen to you while on shift?
HOLLYPENO: Right after a shift. I got into a wrestling match with one of my patrons on the pool table. All in good fun. Maybe getting rid of some sexual tension. I enjoy sexual tension. It's almost better than the sex itself. It was great. I beat her both times.

FAVORITE QUOTES :

This is my dream. I'm very passionate about it.
I like the idea of keeping your heart open. Even after getting hurt, it's great to keep your heart open.
I like being a bartender. I went to bartending school. Bartending is kind of dope.
The fast cash is what is addicting about bartending.
As bartenders we are in a very dangerous profession.

ABOUT PURDY LOUNGE:

Never a cover
Happy Hour is M-F 3pm -7pm
Open till 5am every night
Purdy is #6 on Worldsbestbars.com. (It's true, I checked)
Voted Best "Bar with playground across the street" by myself here at MBB
Spam All Stars play on the last Wednesday of every month

So get your ass moving and go visit Miss Peno at the Purdy Lounge soon. Hey if you are lucky enough to close the bar down, she just may bust out her wrestling headgear for ya! OUT!

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-mbb

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?

2009-09-13T11:12:00.003-04:00

FOOZBALL IS FOR THE DEVIL! THE DEVIL!

Cathy Bates was awesome as Adam Sandler's "Momma'" in the The Waterboy.

There is a big NFL SUNDAY kickoff party going on today at Finnegan's River in Downtown Miami. The party is hosted by Dante D & Eddie H. The boys have a private room with drink specials and more! It should be a grand time! C you there!

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-mbb

THE 1OOTH BLOG: Brother Can You Spare A Bartending Job?

2009-09-11T00:17:00.015-04:00

Bartending jobs are very hard to come by nowadays. Even a bad one is hard to come by. I get a lot of emails on the subject and the frustration amongst males and females is growing louder day by day.

Craigslists is definitely the first stop for bartenders looking for work at the moment. I've spoken to a guy who recently moved here from Michigan and he is absolutely baffled by the whole "send pic with resume" deal, on the classifieds he comes across on Craigslist. Now I don't know the guy from a hole in the wall, but he seems to be a genuine guy who has great people skills as well as more than enough bartending experience.

Now this begs the question: Are employers looking for Barbie and Ken Dolls to "STARTEND" behind their bars to attract patrons and keep them at the bar because they make great eye candy behind the bar? Or do they want well qualified and knowledgeable mixologists behind the bar? Hmmm. Interesting.

I love this picture....just add Grey Goose and it's all good!

I think a lot of these "REQUIREMENTS" on these ads have been exaggerated because of the economy and the fact that people are holding onto their cash a little bit closer to their ass cheeks, or for the ladies and their Coach bags, closer to their sides. Do these economic times make the employer very cautious of how the future employee behind the mahogany needs to "appear?"

Don't get me wrong. As a male going to frequent bars it's always good to have some good eye candy to look at. The novelty wears off very quickly though, especially when your cocktail is frequently empty and your food order comes out wrong. This isn't always the case. I have known a few "Barbie and Kens" that are incredible drink slingers. A few.

Some of the ads on Craigslist have been posting age requirements as well. Another male colleague in the biz has actually attached the "Equal Employment Opportunity" act into every Craigslist "bartender wanted" classifieds he has come across lately. Have these employers forgotten that there are laws out there against this type of behavior? Hmmm. Interesting.

Anyhow, this powerful letter found its way onto my desktop and I thought it needed to be shared...of course it's from Anonymous. Enjoy.

For the past month I have become addicted to looking at Craigslist about ten times a day to find a job. I’m starting to get really frustrated here. Tonight I decided I would sit down and pour myself a nice glass of wine and write about my experiences with job hunting in South Florida. I put on Lauryn Hill for the occasion. I wanted to hear a powerful woman preach. I’m frustrated. Enough is enough. I’ve been here almost a year. I’ve already had four jobs and none have been decent. This is not my track record. I am the star employee. I am the one who gets a job and stays there for years. Always a legend to the coworkers that follow. Always have been and always will be.

Who am I? I am the bartender. I am the go go dancer. I am the server. I am the cocktail waitress. But that’s not it. I am the bartender who makes drinks that people come from all over to taste. I am the bartender who has a story hour that is so famous that it became a weekly thing that people gathered for. I am the bartender that feels high when working in high volume clubs. Why? Because I am so good at it. I’m fast. I get into a rhythm almost like a bartending meditation.

I am the go go dancer with the amazing costumes. I am the go go dancer that doesn’t miss a beat. I am the go go dancer who gets everyone grooving. I bring good energy to all; I don’t care what you look like or how much money is in your wallet because I’m here to see that you have a good time no matter who you are.

I am the server who has the highest sales. I am the server who always helps her coworkers. I am the server whose section gets requested time and time again. I am the server who is so passionate about serving food and wine, my tables trust me to order for them.

I am the cocktail waitress who is a hustler. I am the cocktail waitress who out rings everyone. I am the cocktail waitress who gets nicknames from her guests and good ones at that. I am the cocktail waitress that wears costumes and loves what she does.

I am all of these things, yet I can’t get a job anywhere. What is the problem you ask? It’s not a bad economy. It’s not bad luck. It’s not lack of skills or experience. It’s South Florida. Miami to be exact. Miami is the problem. Just look on Craigslist. Food, Beverage and Hospitality jobs: I have copied and pasted a couple of the ads for jobs here:

female bartender needed for new bar in ABC hotel and lounge located at 123 Collins Ave.must live in South Beach area and be under 30. (I’m sorry, I didn’t know that you could put an age limit on an employee.) Isn’t that against the law?

In fact this stupid guy put this ad up after he did a brief interview with me over the phone. He got my resume and had asked for a photo (which is also against the law) What I look like doesn’t have anything to do with how well I do a job.) Anyways in our discussion on the phone he asked how old I was and when I told him 34 he replied that he was really looking for someone younger. He also asked me if I was attractive. We ended our conversation and within 15 minutes his new ad was up. The one that I just pasted into this article.

Next: Fine Dinning restaurant in Hollywood Fl. on the Beach, looking for a beautiful attractive bartender for full time position 5 nights a week. Wow! They even had a typo…It’s fine dining, not fine dinning. Surprised? I thought Hollywood wasn’t as image driven as Sobe. Boy was I wrong. I sent a photo and resume to this place to which I won’t mention the name. I think I am attractive….but you must remember attractive is in the eye of the beholder-Which here in Miami attractive means plastic.

Next directly from another ad: Must be experienced and have that Mediterranean look. I’m sorry! I didn’t know that the Mediterranean look helped you to know proper wine service. Do you think your typical Sobe Mediterranean looking girl could tell a guest about the characteristics of the 1998 Gaja “Sperss” Mostly Nebbiolo. A touch of Barbera. Gaja is the king of Italian wine. One of the pioneers of the “super Tuscans.”

I applied for a go go dancing position…which I have experience doing. I do have a dance background. I’m not just some hopeful idiot that is clinging to an American idol type dream of being on that box. I actually can really dance. And I mean dance well. Not just stand and shake my fake tits and my implanted ass and really not connect to the music at all. I went to the website of the company that was hiring just to see if I had game I watched some of the dancers on Youtube videos. Tall, fake tits, long legs and no rhythm. No dancing experience whatsoever. And stupid costumes may I add with no artistry. I may not be tall, I may not have fake tits but I can get down. Never heard back from them. Their loss.

I decided to do an experiment the other night. I picked four random cities on Craigslist and looked at hospitality jobs. None of them required sexy or certain look in any of these other places. Austin, TX, Washington D.C., San Diego, California, and Honolulu, Hawaii. So in my conclusion once again-- Miami is the problem.

Now I moved here almost a year ago. It took me a month and half to find my first job. Which wasn’t bad but wasn’t paying the bills. Got my second job and it was at a corporate place where the top servers were all doing coke with the management. Wonder why they got the great sections? When I left there I was unemployed for two months and got my third job where the owner proceeds to sit at the bar and get trashed all day and tell everyone how to do their job. The GM started drinking Johnny Walker Black while she was still working. Not a great experience. Now here I am helping a friend of a friend part-time somewhere that is alright but very part-time and weather permitting because it is outside. I’m going on another month now unemployed and sexy, sexy, sexy is all these places sing. There songs are all the same. To me its plastic, plastic, plastic.

I had an interview this past Tuesday and the manager asked me if I had been looking other places since I stopped working. I replied yes and he asked why do you think you haven’t gotten a job yet? I asked do you want my honest answer? He said yes. Because I don’t have blond hair, fake boobs, and I’m not under 30. I said I’m honest, I’m trustworthy, I have impeccable work ethic, I know how to make drinks, and I’m witty. These aren’t the skills that the places I’m applying at find useful. He laughed and said I definitely have a second interview. Haven’t heard anything yet. We’ll see if he keeps his word.

Now my point is that I’m not the only one that is feeling this way or experiencing these things. And until we get a group to work together to see changes Miami will still be the problem.

Tomorrow September 12th is the Shameless Burlesque Bike/car wash/bake sale fundraiser to benefit the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation. The benefit will be held at Peterson's Harley Davidson South.

For more info visit there facebook event link by clicking here SHAMELESS FUND RAISER All this and more to benefit the FLORIDA BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION. See you there!

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-mbb

CLEAN UP YOUR ACT: MEET THE LADIES OF SHAMELESS BURLESQUE

2009-09-09T12:08:00.002-04:00

The ladies of Shameless Burlesque are holding a bike/car wash/bake sale fundraiser this Saturday at Peterson's Harley Davidson South! In between the sexy suds, the girls will also be signing autographs and posing-and I do mean posing for photos. These girls are hot & super stylish! I'll definitely be taking my softail to get it polished up!

For more info visit there facebook event link by clicking here SHAMELESS FUND RAISER All this and more to benefit the FLORIDA BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION. See you there!

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OUT!

-mbb

COMING SOON: THE ROUND TABLE

2009-09-03T16:31:00.003-04:00

I have a really great blog coming out on the ROUND TABLE SPORTS BAR. I don't want to rush it so hang in there...

-mbb

BARTENDER OF THE WEEK: Michelle at Round Table Sports Bar & Lounge

2009-09-03T13:29:00.007-04:00

I don't really frequent many bars located on N.W. 7th Ave. So earlier this week in the middle of a torrential downpour, my friend Nick and I decided to pay a visit to the Round Table. Making a brief stop in the Grove, then working our way back up to North Miami, we made it through thunder and lightning, flooded streets, rush hour traffic jams, and finally arrived at our destination: The Round Table Sports Bar & Lounge.

Diamond the owner of the Round Table has been inviting me to come pay a visit to his bar for a long, long, long time now. So have the girls who work at the Round Table and many of my friends as well. I must say that I'm kicking myself in the ass for not going to visit the Round Table sooner. Even though I didn't get to meet King Arthur and his merry men, or for that matter even see a round table, I'll definitely be going back for more.

Not only is the Round Table located on the wrong side of the tracks, it's located on the wrong side of I-95! However, one visit to the Round Table this past week and my mind has been changed rather quickly! The Round Table is located in what the general consensus shall call a, colorful area. The location explains the "buzz me in policy" at the front door. I think it's great! Here's how it works.

A doorbell chime rings inside the bar, the bartender, as well as the patrons look at the surveillance monitors to see who is ringing, then after a brief moment of observation, the patron is let in. It's kind of cool. You know that whole "wink wink, secret handshake, can I come in to the clubhouse deal." Don't get me wrong though, the Round Table is not a private club.

Diamond tells me that the liquor license for the Round Table is one of the oldest in Miami-Over FIFTY years! The oldest and first liquor license in Miami Dade belongs to Tobacco Road, if you needed that tidbit of info.

Okay so the battery on my camera was dying and things were getting out of control with the Grape Bombs vs. the Jager Bombs, so this pic is kind of blurry. So appropriate.

The Round Table whose slogan says, "There are no strangers here. Just friends you haven't met yet.", is a wonderful sports bar & lounge, with a hint of retro decor sprinkled in for good measure. Round Table has many TV'S to watch the NFL games on, full size billiard tables, and $1.75 PBR'S (PABST BLUE RIBBON) all day everyday? Oh yeah, did I mention $1.75 PBR'S (PABST BLUE RIBBON) all day everyday? If that isn't enough, FREE food compliments of the Round Table staff. Thanks Girls!

Speaking of the girls, that brings us to Michelle. Michelle is from Wisconsin and says that when she is not tending bar she likes to roller blade with her dog and take her to the Sandbar and Happy's. "I really like to hang out with my dog KODA when I'm off.," Michelle boasts proudly with an exuberant smile.

Michelle also claims to have brought the soon to be famous "GRAPE BOMB" shot to Florida with her from Wisconsin. Hmmm, we'll see about that. The GRAPE BOMBS are super delicious though.

Okay without further delay, here she is the MIAMI BAR BLOG Bartender Of The Week: Michelle from the Round Table Sports Bar. Enjoy fellow readers.

MBB: How did you get into bartending?
MICHELLE: As a second job to pay off my debt. I was working at a dental lab.

MBB: So is your debt paid off?
MICHELLE: Yes. I got approved for a house and decided I didn't want to live in there (Wisconsin) all my life, so I didn't buy the house.

MBB: How long have you been bartending?
MICHELLE: Six years.

MBB: What is your favorite cocktail to make for people?
MICHELLE: Mind Replacer. The college kids love it.

MBB: What is your favorite elixir to consume?
MICHELLE: GRAPE BOMBS.

MBB: My curiosity is peaked...What is in a GRAPE BOMB?
MICHELLE: Skyy Grape and Red Bull.

MBB: What is the strangest or wildest thing to ever happen to you while on shift?
MICHELLE: A guy came in that I had never seen before. He slammed six gin & sprites in a row, next thing that happened he fell backwards off his stool and busted his head open. 911 came and took him away. I had to clean up some of his blood. I wore gloves.

MBB: The girls at Round Table always cook food for the bar guests? What is the deal with that?
MICHELLE: It's a long standing tradition. A woman named Katrinka used to cook burgers for the regulars.

SIDE NOTE: Diamond verified this for me. It goes way back. That is Katrinka in the portrait. I like my burgers medium rare.

MBB: Round table is an old school Miami Bar. How long has it been around?
MICHELLE: Fifty (5o) years. The liquor license is so old...

MBB: I understand that the shifts here are open to close. That's a pretty long shift?
MICHELLE: Yes. It's eleven am until... Most weeks are 3 day shifts.

MBB: The Round Table is located in a colorful neighborhood. Does that explain the "buzz me in front door" policy?
MICHELLE: It's a bad neighborhood. It's not the greatest neighborhood. There's a siren outside to scare people off. We have surveillance cameras all over. Anybody who comes in and doesn't know how to act gets booted. We keep good people here.

SIDE NOTE: I felt really safe at the Round Table. Josh felt really comfortable knowing he could enjoy his Yuengling and watch his BMW on the surveillance camera.

MBB: How many tattoos do you have?

MICHELLE: Six.

MBB: What celebrity do people say you most resemble?
MICHELLE: Brittany Spears. Especially when I wear my black fedora. Once in a while Kendra from Girls Next Door.

MBB: the guys around the bar want to know if you are you single?
MICHELLE: Yes.

MBB: I understand your dog was "dog napped." What happened?
MICHELLE: I let her run loose on the beach at night. She ran out of my sight and got nabbed by some guy. A week and a half later a friend that valets at the Carlyle saw some guy walking my dog. He chased the guy and got my dog back for me.

That is a great story. Better than the dog whisperer even.

MBB: Tell me about the time a car slammed into the Round Table.
MICHELLE: I wasn't here. A regular almost got hit by the car while he was playing pool. Diamond was sitting in the corner eating chicken wings and a cement block from the wall hit his plate and a chicken wing popped up in the air and he caught it.

FAVORITE QUOTE:

Blood is one of the most scariest things in the world.

More about the Round Table:

Ranked #4 in the state of Florida for selling SKYY GRAPE.
HAPPY HOUR IS 4-7.
FREE FOOD EVERYDAY including popcorn.
$1.75 PBR ALL DAY EVERYDAY. Have I mentioned that??
ROUND TABLE is a cash only bar! Cash is king at the Round Table.
They have an ATM if you need it.

The doorbell thingy is kind of cool. It makes you look at the door to see who's coming in next.

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Special thanks to Nick N. for snappin' da pics! OUT!

-mbb

BBQ BEACH: THE SURF IS DOWN BRAH.

2009-08-23T19:29:00.003-04:00

BREAKING NEWS FROM THE STREETS: BBQ BEACH IN NORTH MIAMI IS CLOSED! COYOTE UGLY IS COMING SOON. BBQ "BIYATCH" as some of us liked to call it, was only open for a little over a year.

So this begs the question: Is that location jinxed, or was it the economy? Was it another sign of the times?

You tell me. Use the poll on the side bar.

CABANA SUNDAYS WEEK 3: BRAZIL BRAZIL

2009-08-22T03:19:00.002-04:00

This Sunday August 23th Miami Bar Blog & Digital Vinyl Recordings are teaming up once again to bring you Cabana Sundays at the Trump International Beach Resort in Sunny Isles Beach. Each week will feature a new theme, so get ready to represent each Sunday.

The party is quickly catching on as one of the coolest pool parties in North Miami Beach. The spectacular grotto-style Miami pool area serves as the focal point of Cabana Sundays. The "infinity" pool overlooks the Atlantic ocean as well. The Cabana raffle for this week is still up for grabs...so get on it. The cabanas are air conditioned and include plenty of privacy. More info on the raffle down below.

Last week's party was a stellar one. Tropical storm Anna weakened and we had great weather. Hurricane Bill has gone significantly north, and looks like we'll have excellent weather again this Sunday.

This Sunday's theme is "BRAZIL." Alfresh & Rog Rox will be rockin the beats along Get ready to get your Samba on as we will be droppin' some serious house vibes! Thanks to Dj Calpuccino for coming out last week to join us as guest dj.

Show up in representin' your Brazilian best and receive a FREE DJ mix download courtesy of digitalvinylrecordings.com.

The cabana raffle is still up for grabs this week! Here is the information for the raffle.

There is an admission fee for the pool facilities at Trump. The fee is waived if you are attending Cabana Sundays, as well as discounted valet parking.

CABANA RAFFLE INFO:

A cabana with a premium bottle will be raffled off right here at MBB! All you have to do is register to win. You can register on the right sidebar up top or in person with us at Cabana Sundays. Online is done through Paypal so it is all secure. Here's the lowdown for doing it online.

Participants will get a raffle ticket for every dollar you submit through Paypal
Five tickets purchased minimum
Winner will be notified on before the event, or at Cabana Sundays

For more V.I.P. info visit our Facebook invite page. CABANA SUNDAYS

Karim at Trump International: Bartender Of The Week

2009-08-17T15:21:00.007-04:00

Thanks to all of our peeps that came out for week #2 of Cabana Sundays at the Trump International Hotel in Sunny Isles Beach. Cabana Sundays is hosted by MBB & Digital Vinyl Recordings. (DVR MYSPACE) It was a beautiful day yesterday despite the attempts of a tropical wave that came through South Florida on Saturday.

Party goers were sucking down the Caipirinhas & Margaritas. The bottles of Russian Standard Vodka were popping and the music was on point!! Guest DJ Calpuccino got the party jumping with a sexy blend of straight up house music. The asses by the cabanas started shakin' right away.

I decided to take part in the festivities by tipping back a Jager Bomb and jumping in and out of the spacious pool! The waterfalls really worked out the knots on my back and shoulders. Our guests were starting to roll in so I stepped over to the bar to check out the action.

Cool Rog Rox & my alter ego Alfresh kept the beats rollin' on till the sunset. Rog Rox & Calpuccino finished off the evening with a rockin' tag team DJ set.

The biggest mystery of the night came when Rog's validated parking ticket disappeared. The mystery is still unsolved. Sorry Roger. I swear I put it back in your bag:( Blame it on the Ru-Ru-Ru-Russian Standard. Perhaps.

That brings us to the Bartender Of The Week, Karim. I've been trying to track Karim down for awhile now because I thought it would be great to cover the hotel/resort/pool thang. After all, Miami is a major travel destination.

Karim was born in London England and lived in Austria for 18 years. This makes for a very interesting accent. It is not your normal English (British) accent.

Karim says he's a "rum guy" and bartending is his "thing." He is also a veteran bartender, loves to travel, and is your Miami Bar Blog Bartender Of The Week.

MBB: How did you get into bartending?
Karim: I went to hotel/restaurant management school in Austria. I worked at the hotel bar in a ski resort in Austria. (That's pretty freakin' cool right there)

MBB: How long have you been bartending?
KARIM: fifteen years.

MBB: What is your favorite cocktail to make for people?
KARIM: I like to try new things. My own creations. Anyone can make a strawberry daiquiri.

MBB: What is your favorite elixir to consume?
KARIM: A good Mai Tai. I'm a rum guy. I always have Havana Club at home. I have the five & seven year. When I go to Austria soon I will get more.

MBB: How do you like working overlooking the beach?
KARIM: It can't get any better. You never get tired of it.

MBB: What is the strangest or wildest thing to ever happen to you while on shift?
KARIM: It is always cool to see celebrities. I like dealing with them. We had former President Bill Clinton here at Trump recently, and that was very interesting, with Secret Service being here and all.

SIDENOTE: It's good to hear a bartender admit he likes to deal with celebs. Most bartenders play it off like it's no big deal. I think it's pretty cool myself. They aren't always great tippers though. It's not a given just because they are filthy rich:(

MBB: How long did you work at the National?
KARIM: Eight years.

MBB: Did you like working the Beatport.com parties?
KARIM: Ah. The best times of course. The music was awesome. People were so cool. The best part was you never had to deal with food. Just the cocktails.

MBB: I bet you sold a lot of water at those parties.
KARIM: Oh yeah. Red Bull too.

MBB: What do you like to do when you are not bartending?
KARIM: I love bartending. Bartending is my thing, but traveling is my #1 thing. I love seeing new places. I will be visiting Austria soon for almost three weeks, maybe Germany too.

MBB: What is your favorite place you've visited?
KARIM: My favorite place I've been to is Cuba. Cuba was cool.
MBB: Did you smoke any cigars while there?
Karim: Of course. (with a confident smile)

Karim works at the Trump International Hotel pool bar full time. He will be bartending during our Cabana Sundays event this month. Come by and have him create one of those fabulous rum cocktails he makes. This coming Cabana Sundays theme is "BRAZIL." Come get your samba on! OUT!

-mbb

CABANA SUNDAYS: THIS WEEK'S THEME IS JAMAICA

2009-08-13T14:36:00.010-04:00

This Sunday August 16th Miami Bar Blog & Digital Vinyl Recordings are teaming up once again to bring you Cabana Sundays at the Trump International Beach Resort in Sunny Isles Beach. Each week will feature a new theme, so get ready to represent each Sunday.

I want to give thanks to everyone who showed up, especially my boy Ro for hooking up the Romeo Y Julieta cigars. Good looks Ro!

Cabana Sundays is a free party put together by MBB & Digital Vinyl Recordings. There is an admission fee for the pool facilities at Trump. The fee is waived if you are attending Cabana Sundays, as well as discounted valet parking.

This Sunday's theme is "Jamaican."
Show up in your chic 'Jamaican' best and receive a FREE DJ mix download courtesy of digitalvinylrecordings.com. You don't have to get to outrageous with your outfit to participate in the festivities, check out Danny's outfit.

The themes for each week in August are as follows:

AUGUST 9th: HAWAII
AUGUST 16th: JAMAICA
AUGUST 23rd: BRAZIL
AUGUST 30th: IBIZA

Cabana Sundays will feature Alfresh & Cool Rog Rox spinning along the poolside, and guest DJ'S to be announced. This week we will also have live percussionists playing along side us. Rog Rox & my alter ego Alfresh kept the tropical house beats flowing all afternoon up until 8pm.

I must say DJ'ing overlooking the Atlantic Ocean was absolutely stunning! I was jumping in and out of the infinity pool in between some of the tracks I was dropping!

MORE PICS FROM CABANA SUNDAYS.

A cabana with a premium bottle will be raffled off right here at MBB! All you have to do is register to win. You can register on the right sidebar up top or in person with us at Cabana Sundays. Online is done through Paypal so it is all secure. Here's the lowdown for doing it online.

Participants will get a raffle ticket for every dollar you submit through Paypal
Five tickets purchased minimum
Winner will be notified on Friday before the event, or at Cabana Sundays

For more V.I.P. info visit our Facebook invite page. Cabana Sundays

View Larger Map
-mbb

CABANA SUNDAYS TODAY AUGUST 9TH

2009-08-09T13:37:00.002-04:00

IT'S ON! The first Sunday of Cabana Sundays is today from 3pm-7pm at Trump International 180th & Collins in Sunny Isles Beach.

Congratulations to our Cabana Sundays winner R. Rojas from Miramar! Mr. Rojas won a Cabana & Complimentary bottle for today's event just by registering right here at Miami Bar Blog.

Today we are going with the "HAWAIIAN" theme. Next week, it's "Jamaican."

ALFRESH & COOL ROG ROX along w/a guest DJ will be dropping the SEXY HOUSE SOUNDS poolside. The infinity pool is really dope and the views of the Atlantic Ocean are spectacular! So "come, come join us." See you there!

-mbb

BEATS & BREWS: GORDON BIERSCH ON BRICKELL

2009-08-05T11:09:00.005-04:00

A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to spin at Gordon Biersch Microbrewery on Brickell Ave. in downtown Miami and it was a great time. Beats and Brews baby! It was Cool Rog Rox and Alfresh spinning for happy hour and then some.

It was a night of old school hip hop and dance music! The microbrews were superb and the beats were delicious!

We'll be doing it again tomorrow Thursday August 6th for Beats and Brews starting at 5pm! Mention Miami Bar Blog and the happy hour drink specials will be extended for our guests!

ABOUT GORGON BIERSCH:

Has all the major sports packages
Happy Hour 4pm-6:30 Monday through Friday
HH features micro brews, wines, martinis, margaritas, and mojitos
Half price appetizers.

Directions to Gordon Biersch:

View Larger Map

UPCOMING EVENT:

Cabana Sundays will feature Alfresh & Cool Rog Rox spinning along the poolside, and guest DJ'S to be announced.

A cabana with a premium bottle will be raffled off right here at MBB! All you have to do is register to win. You can register on the right sidebar up top or in person with us at Cabana Sundays. Online is done through Paypal so it is all secure. Here's the lowdown for doing it online.

Participants will get a raffle ticket for every dollar you submit through Paypal
Five tickets purchased minimum
Winner will be notified on Friday before the event, or at Cabana Sundays

There is still time for this week's raffle so get on it!!

For more V.I.P. info visit our Facebook invite page. Cabana Sundays

-mbb

CABANA SUNDAYS @ TRUMP INTERNATIONAL

2009-08-01T14:09:00.005-04:00

Starting Sunday August 9th Miami Bar Blog & Digital Vinyl Recordings are teaming up to bring you Cabana Sundays at the Trump International Beach Resort in Sunny Isles Beach. Each week will feature a new theme, so get ready to represent each Sunday.

Show up in your chic 'themed' best and receive a FREE DJ mix download courtesty of digitalvinylrecordings.com

Hey, you don't have to get crazy here to be a part of the party theme. If it means a Bob Marley t-shirt for the Jamaican theme, so be it! I'm ready to DJ in my Hawaiian skirt for the opener!

The themes for each week in August are as follows:

AUGUST 9th: HAWAII
AUGUST 16th: JAMAICA
AUGUST 23rd: BRAZIL
AUGUST 30th: IBIZA

Cabana Sundays will feature Alfresh & Cool Rog Rox spinning along the poolside, and guest DJ'S to be announced.

A cabana with a premium bottle will be raffled off right here at MBB! All you have to do is register to win. You can register on the right sidebar up top or in person with us at Cabana Sundays. Online is done through Paypal so it is all secure. Here's the lowdown for doing it online.

Participants will get a raffle ticket for every dollar you submit through Paypal
Five tickets purchased minimum
Winner will be notified on Friday before the event, or at Cabana Sundays

For more V.I.P. info visit our Facebook invite page. Cabana Sundays

View Larger Map
-mbb

AUGUST POOL PARTY!

2009-07-31T11:25:00.004-04:00

There's a new vibe of "POOLSIDE PARTY" coming... Plus your chance to win a poolside cabana and a bottle...check back real soon...

Saturday Night August 1st: join Miss Hollypeno and the ladies of Shameless Burlesque at the Vagabond for a night of Rock N' Roll.

-mbb

Stephanie Fazio from Monty's: Bartender of the Week

2009-07-28T11:47:00.002-04:00

Coconut Grove has always been one of my favorite places to visit in Miami even long before I moved here. The "Grove" as it is known to most Miamians, is well known for its wild foliage and super large tree coverage. Many homes deep in the Grove were practically built around the foliage.

The Grove has also been the backdrop for many movies and television shows including:

Scarface
Bad Boys
Meet the Fockers
Dexter
Burn Notice

The Grove is home to a lot of Miami history, including The Barnacle Historic State Park and Vizcaya. Vizcaya is one of my favorite places in the Grove. CocoWalk is first when it comes to hangouts. CocoWalk is full of shops, restaurants, and bars. Wet Willie's is a great jump off point. Especially during the Coconut Grove Arts Fest. I like to walk up to the bar, get a 190 OCTANE, then go hit up the Arts Fest. Another one of my favorite spots has been "Monty's in the Grove."

Monty's boasts a great happy hour and raw bar and is definitely a destination point in the Grove. This brings us to our Bartender of the Week, Stephanie Fazio.

Stephanie has worked at the Round Table, Donovan's Pub, and now she is at Monty's in the Grove. She has a "liquid lover" and tells me the most popular calls for drinks at Monty's are the Painkillers and Margaritas. Okay the wait is over. Here she is your Miami Bar Blog Bartender of the Week; Stephanie from Monty's in the Grove.

MBB: How did you get into bartending?
STEPH: At Donavan's. A girl called out sick. I was sitting at the bar and Roger the owner stuck me behind the bar. Miss Hollypeno showed me everything I know about bartending. Including etiquette, drinks, and tricks.

MBB: What kind of tricks?
STEPH: Mostly the drinking tricks.

MBB: How long have you been bartending?
STEPH: Almost five years.

MBB: What is your favorite cocktail to make for people?
STEPH: Flaming Dr. Peppers. I love making them. It's a lot of fun. Least favorite are Long Islands.

MBB: What is your favorite elixir to consume?
STEPH: Jameson. He's my "Liquid Lover".

MBB: What is your association with Shameless Burlesque?
STEPH: I don't know. I help out anyway I can. Big on the promotions.

MBB: How do you like working in the Grove?
STEPH: My first time. The commute sucks. The grove has a different vibe. It is very laid back. I like the culture.

MBB: What is the strangest or wildest thing to ever happen to you while on shift?
STEPH: I've seen some pretty stupid shit. When the carnival was in town, I had about a dozen clowns come in. They were in full outfits including makeup. They all ordered Budweisers, chugged them down, reapplied their makeup, and went back to the carny.

MBB: How do you like your new office view?
STEPH: Its gorgeous. I feel like I should wait on the docks for my (future) husband to come pick me up. I would blow in a conch shell and give my mating call and he would appear.

Monty's happy hour is Monday through Friday 4pm-8pm. 1/2 off everything at bar except bottles of wine.

The Raw Bar is off the chain and features shrimp, oysters, clams, and stone crab claws.

Stephanie tends bar Monday and Tuesday. Go by and say hello, but don't try to become her "liquid lover." She already has one. I'm bringing a huge Conch Shell!

MARLINS VS. BRAVES TONIGHT! LET'S GO FISH!! OUT!!!
-mbb

MIAMI SOCIAL EPISODE 1: Bravo What Happened?

2009-07-15T02:09:00.011-04:00

"We are Miami Social." That is the intro line in the BravoTv trailer for the new Celebreality show Miami Social. These misfits, if you will, claim to be the ones that make Miami "spin." I wasn't aware that Miami was spinning. I mean, I know that the Earth is spinning, and Miami is on the Earth, but Miami is not spinning.

They meet "once a week" at the Gansevoort Hotel for drinks. And what are they drinking, I ask you? You guessed it: Overpriced pitchers of Mojitos and Cosmopolitans. How freakin' creative.

Pretty predictable for a bunch a socialites, because that is what all the bars in Miami serve. Yeah right.

Bravo calls them "socialites." I call them the "stereotypical perception" of Miami that is represented on almost every other reality show on television. This show is a longer version, re-hash of the same crap they've shown on MTV & E TELEVISION. Now we are blessed with a full hour of it. I don't have to watch it, but I will. I'll watch it every week and rip it every week because it's a bunch of crap. Just like that other poser show Miami Ink. Ask real tattoo artists what they think of Miami Ink and they'll tell you the truth.

When will these networks realize that there is more to Miami than Ocean Drive, overpriced nightclubs, and V.I.P. lounges, uggghhh, don't get me started.

What about the local bars and pubs? Churchill's, Billy's Pub Too, The Duece, Purdy Lounge, Ted's Hideaway, 39th St. Tiki Bar, Grass, andThe Vagabond. These aren't socialite hot spots, but they are definitely places where lots of action in Miami happens. Just ask the bartenders, they will tell you. Come to Shucker's on a Friday night during a full moon. You'll see a real bar at work! How about the little hole in the wall in South Beach, The Room?

Here's the rundown of the Socialistas on the show.

George- Partner of a mortgage company and he dates a "Russian Hottie." That's unheard of in Miami. There's not a shortage of those "Russian Hotties" in Miami, especially Sunny Isles. Ever heard of Sunny Isles? Not in any of the reality shows. By the way, he has a serious twitching problem. Not hard to miss. More on that later.

Lina: What a whiny little bitch. "Great sex in our relationship. We fight for the make up sex." Lot's of substance in that relationship.

Her phone died when she got to New York. Sure it did. He's a whiny little bitch too. He can't find his girlfriend Lina in the hotel in New York. duh. She's not staying there. She's on a Yacht. Working. Yeah, "Working." He will probably get back together with Sorah. He has a "twitchy, blinking" problem. Did I mention that?

Okay here is the deal. This past Saturday George and Lina were actually at Shucker's. I couldn't believe it! My freaking jaw was on the floor. He really does have a bad twitching and blinking problem. It actually goes as far as some serious facial contortions when trying to sip on his iced tea. How does that image constitute him as one of the people that make "Miami Spin." One of my bar guests actually thought he was retarded. I had to tell her to stop looking at him. I'm not making this shit up either. Lina was so predictable in her "Little Miss Gold Digger" tight t shirt. She wanted to substitute wheat bread for her Grouper sandwich. You should have seen the look on her face when I told her we didn't have it. Your a bit away from the Gansevoort now, biyatch! We don't make Mojitos either!

Sorah- Married to George for three and a half years. I'm so "Sorrahyy" for ya. Marriage ended because George cheated on her. I'M SHOCKED!!

Michael- Celebrity Journalist. He's gay but not a "big queen." Let me translate that to ya in heterosexual terms: He's a "big queen." Really big. Super quick gossiper. Yep he's gay alright. No doubt. And he refers to his dog as "doggy." Wants to meet a guy just like himself. The sexual innuendos are so predictable. Michael wants botox almost as bad as he wants his trainer. Poor Mikey, his trainer is not single. Boo hoo hoo. F botox, he should get hair implants. Fricken Asstard. AssTardClown.

Katrina- Sells "Luxury Real Estate." However, she can't do the math on the square footage of a mansion. She gives great dating advice to her gay friend though.

Katrina and Ben: ARE GETTING DIVORCED... OH another shocker... A divorce in Miami! They are "OK" with it. Wait till the attorneys get involved. She's a selfish bitch and she talks a mile a minute. She's gonna drop the news to him about the divorce at the Gansevoort in front of everyone. She spells class all over.

MY ULTIMATE FAVORITE QUOTE: "If I could make more time in the day, to work, I would." Not to party and drink overpriced pitchers of Mojitos of course, but to work. Einstein would be proud!

Ari- The self proclaimed "Incredible Fashion Producer" in Miami. Ari claims he's not "straight", but he doesn't consider himself gay. What's the medical term for that? Oh yeah, bi-polar. Or having a "multi personality disorder." Or better yet, Schizo? Maybe. He also likes firefighters. Oh what a shocker. He likes admiring his reflections. So self centered and narcissistic.

Favorite quote#1: "If I was a girl, I'd actually be Katrina."

Favorite quote#2: "At picnics people eat." how profound.

Guess what? You are a girl. Look at your reflection again. You are also a spoiled brat. His Daddy and his lips probably got him to where he is today. So not a rock star.

Kid Rock would "bitch slap" him in a New York minute and make him his bitch. Ari would like that. Only if he was gay at the moment of course. Watch out for him in the V.I.P. Especially if you are a big boned girl. He doesn't like "fat chicks" at his table, even though he knows them.

Maria- Photographer Art Director. She is actually the coolest one on the show. I'll leave her alone.

Hardy Hill- Big title here... "Represents The Interest Of A Nightlife Conglomerate That Owns Several Clubs In Miami." Hardy so far is pretty cool also... I'll spare him for now.

On his girlfriend, Trixy? I think that is her name. I'll stick to that. Trixy says, "If hardy is out doing something messed up, I get a text message just like that! "Next sentence is, "We trust each other."

Favorite quote #1: "Do you like my dress, do you like my dress?"

Favorite quote #2: "Whoever says you can't have a relationship in South Beach is wrong. Because we are still together."

Well that sums up the first episode of Bravo's Miami Social. To quote my friend Horhay, "Are you freakin' kidding me?" Will I watch the second episode? Yes and I'll be taking notes. OUT!

-mbb

THE VAGABOND & NEW YORK HOUSE MUSIC LEGEND: LOUIE VEGA

2009-07-13T13:00:00.012-04:00

"You Are No One. You Are Everyone." That is the Vagabond's slogan. I think it's actually pretty cool. When I got to the Vagabond this past Saturday there were about 80 people outside trying to get in. The 80's music was blaring outside from the inside bar area. I reminisced about my early DJ'ING days as tunes from Madonna, Human League, and New Order played while I waited a minute to get in. It was actually about 11 minutes, but who was counting.

I noticed two very important things while waiting in line.

A "cool guy" in an affliction shirt telling the girl next to him to get the door guy's attention.
I learned the proper way to say, "Don't you know who 'So and So' is?" without making it a big deal.

The aforementioned "COOL GUY" told the "I'M SO PRETTY I CAN GET AWAY WITH BEING A DITZ" girl next to him that the door guy's name was Chris. His name was NOT Chris.

Okay we'll do this like a movie script scene. Kind of.

SCENARIO #1:

COOL GUY: "Call him. Call him. His name is Chris."
DITZ: "Chris, Chris."
DOOR GUY: "Who is Chris?"
DITZ: "My friend told me to ask for Chris at the door."
DOOR GUY: "No Chris out here."
DITZ: Stands there with a confused look on her face. Like brain overheating.
COOL GUY: "Duh, I thought his name was Chris."

For the record Ditz was not a BLOND.

SCENARIO #2: A group of girls saying they were with some "semi-famous" girl.

GROUP LEADER GIRL: "We're here from ABC AGENCY and we're with SO AND SO.
DOOR GUY: "Who is SO AND SO?"

GROUP LEADER GIRL: "It's SO AND SO. She's kind of A BIG DEAL."

Stop right there!! You don't say, "Don't you know who that is?", or "Do you know who I am?" You don't even name drop. Mickey Munday from Cocaine Cowboys told me that. I think;)

"Kind of a big deal." That is the proper etiquette. I think they have that t-shirt at Target.

Okay let's get to the matter at hand.

Legendary House Music DJ/PRODUCER Louie Vega was spinning at Vagabond Saturday night. That is why I went there. Louie's New York DJ roots go back to the days when house music was in its infancy stages and he was known as "Little Louie Vega." House Music was a mixture of genres that eventually got its own identity.

Louie's set consisted of some great Tribal House mixed in with New York Vocal House. The crowd was really into it and paid great respects to Mr. Vega. One guy summed it up by shouting out to him, "Maestro, Maestro!" (Teacher, Teacher) It was a great set, from one of the "Godfathers" of house music. More on Louie Vega visit

http://www.myspace.com/djlouievega

It was my first time at Vagabond and I thought the place had a lot to offer. The Vagabond was laid out in three parts.

The front bar area
The outside patio
The main dance floor room

FRONT BAR AREA: Laid out with some cool artwork and "loungy"tables and chairs. DJ was spinning 80's dance music.

OUTSIDE PATIO: Very spacious, cool ass Feng Shui rock fountain. The fountain also had fire and water elements going simultaneously.

Hot dogs, hamburgers, and fish sandwiches were available and reasonably priced. Cocktails were available outside as well and a DJ spinning open format.
This was a great spot to retreat to from the inside.

MAIN DANCE FLOOR ROOM: Great dance floor. I loved the palm trees flanking the DJ booth. The sound system was thumpin' and bumpin'! It was perfect for that room!

My favorite things in the room were these round "space" chairs with cushions. They were suspended from the ceiling. I sat inside one for about forty five minutes. It was the best seat in the house. I felt like a space monkey! People just kept banging into the chair as they walked by, so I didn't even have to rotate to see what was going on in the room. The only drawback was the music got sucked right into the chair like a vacuum. It got extremely loud in the monkey seat. Eventually the novelty wore off and I had to let it go.

The "SEX KITTEN" dancers were great.

Nicole Soden is the one with the blue feathered bottoms. She was great in actually taking her time to pose for me. Thanks.

I never got to talk to the other "sex kitten" but she was doing some serious body contortion.

I thought this pic came out really cool!

The Vagabond will be showcasing more legendary DJ'S that have played a prominent role in the house music industry. I can't wait for that!

Artwork on the side of the building.

COMING SOON:

MIAMI SOCIAL ON BRAVO, EPISODE #1.

A new reality show on BravoTv that claims the show's guests are "The people that make Miami spin." Seriously Bravo... Seriously? What a bunch of B.S. I will personally be ripping this show every week right here on! OUT!

-mbb

THE OFFICIAL S.E.S. POOL PARTY VIDEO

2009-07-09T13:24:00.008-04:00

This is the official SPIRIT ENHANCERS SOCIETY Pool Party Video.

The S.E.S. pool parties have featured many DJ'S including Calpuccino, Mas Inc., Cool Rog Rox, and Alfresh.

The S.E.S. pool parties are always sexy and exciting. Bikinis, a resort pool, the beach and the Atlantic Ocean make for a great "POOL PARTY COCKTAIL!"

Many stories have come out of the pool parties, but the best ones always seem to occur during the after parties! My favorite story involved a black leather couch and...a couple that didn't want the party to end! Something like that...

S.E.S. Photos courtesy of Dante D., and Nick Nichols. ENJOY:)

-mbb

Henry at Gordon Biersch on Brickell: B.O.T.W.

2009-07-07T12:56:00.002-04:00

When I lived in Jacksonville I worked at a micro brewery called River City Brewing Company. I learned a lot about beer from the Brewmiester. I was recently thinking about those days and decided to venture out to downtown Miami's Brickell area where we have our own microbrewery; Gordon Biersch.

Gordon Biersch has been brewing their specialty handcrafted beers since 1988. They started in Palo Alto, California. Henry from Gordon Biersch was kind enough to answer some of my micro brew questions so I asked him if he wanted to be the MBB Bartender of the Week. Of course, he accepted. Here he is the Miami Bar Blog Bartender of the Week, Henry from Gordon Biersch on Brickell.

MBB: How did you get into bartending?
HENRY: Working here. I started as a bar back actually.

MBB: How long have you been bartending?
HENRY: four years.

MBB: What is your favorite cocktail to make for people?
HENRY: L.I.T.

MBB: What is your favorite elixir to consume?
HENRY: Margaritas. They don't give me a hangover.

MBB: What is it like working in a microbrewery?
HENRY: interesting. Learning the process of making beer.

MBB: What one is your favorite Gordon Biersch micro brew?
HENRY: Maibock. It is one of our seasonal brews.

MBB: What do you think of Sam Adams micro brews?
HENRY: They're good. I would order a Sam if I was out.

MBB: What is the strangest or wildest thing to ever happen to you while on shift?
HENRY: After a girl left the bar, she called in to say she was going to commit suicide. She lived in a high rise near by. Supposedly she was walking around her hallway naked. She was a lawyer in the area. She would try to pick up guys on the staff. She wasn't ugly either. She didn't go through with it.

When not working Henry is...just hanging out with my friends.

ABOUT THE MICRO BREWS:

Gordon Biersch offers six signature handcrafted micro brews, five regular and one seasonal.

Golden Export (Lager)
Hefeweizen (Wheat beer)
Czech Pilsner ((Bohemian style)
Marzen (Auburn colored lager)
Schwarzbier(German meaning "black beer". It's actually light bodied.)
Seasonal

ABOUT GORGON BIERSCH:

Has all the major sports packages
Happy Hour 4pm-6:30 Monday through Friday
HH features micro brews, wines, martinis, margaritas, and mojitos
Half price appetizers.

Live Music Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

Brickell has a lot to offer nowadays. Gordon Biersch seems like a great spot to get your night jump started! OUT!

-mbb

ADRIANA From Aromas Of Havana: B.O.T.W.

2009-06-29T21:49:00.003-04:00

Aromas of Havana is a very cool and laid back cigar lounge located in North Miami Beach. Aromas features an extensive line of cigars and cigar accessories, and they certainly don't stop there. They feature a full liquor bar that includes beer and wine and some very comfortable leather couches.

I MUST WARN YOU: The comfy leather couches suck you right in! A great stogy and a snifter of Grand Marnier and the hours can get away from you quickly.

One of my most memorable times at "The Lounge" as we like to call it, my friends and I spent an entire Saturday afternoon watching baseball. We sampled different wines, beers, and toked away on various cigars. We even ordered Sushi from a few doors down and they delivered to us.

I recently visited Aromas for a Montecristo and a Cuban coffee and took advantage of a great opportunity to interview a bartender by the name of Adriana.

Adriana is Brazilian, she has been to Carnival, and now she is the Miami Bar Blog, BARTENDER OF THE WEEK!

MBB:How long have you been bartending?
Adriana: Ten years...ten years too long.

MBB: What inspired you, or how did u get into bartending?
Adriana: I was a cocktail waitress. I was young and wanting
to have fun...it was a natural progression. The next step.

MBB: What is your favorite elixir to consume?
Adriana: Lychee Martini.

MBB: What is your favorite cocktail to make for people?
Adriana: Tequila shots. Tres Generaciones Silver: With an orange instead of lime & salt. You suck the orange. IT'S THE SHIT!

MBB: What is it like bartending in a cigar shop?
Adriana: Good environment, mature people, more laid back. I love the non-late hours.

MBB: Do you smoke cigars?
Adriana: Once in a while.

MBB: Punch cut, v cut, or guillotine cut?
Adriana: I'm not a true cigar smoker, so a regular cut.

MBB: What is the strangest thing to ever happen to you while on shift?
Adriana: I bartended in a club in Detroit (BLEU) and a guy asked me to cum in a cup for him?

SIDE THOUGHT...Would it have been in a snifter, martini glass or shot glass? Hmmm...

MBB: Ever have any body blow smoke in your face on purpose?
Adriana: NO!

MBB: What do you like to do when you are not working?
Adriana: Work out and work on my tan, because I'm Brazilian.

MBB: Thong or full bottoms?
Adriana: Thong...HELLOOO:)

MBB: Have you ever been to Carnival.
Adriana: Yes..big smile.

MBB: Do you make a mean Caipirinha?
Adriana: YES! I started making them when I started working at Aromas.

MBB: Most people don't know what's in a Caipirinha, school them, please.
Adriana: Muddle lime and Sugar, add ice, Cachaca (Cashasa).]

FAVORITE QUOTE: I wish I knew what I wanted to do...

Aromas of Havana happy hour is Monday through Friday 5pm to 8pm. Aromas is located at 14781 Biscayne Blvd in the Keystone Plaza, a few doors north of Publix.

Aromas features:

private lockers for members
full liquor bar
3 smoke eaters
2 giant humidifiers

The entire shop is like one big humidor. The air is surprisingly fresh inside.

Adriana tends bar at Aromas on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday. Go by and check out her special Caipirinha-She told me that sometimes she adds a special ingredient to it. I like mine in a Martini glass;)

SIDE NOTE: The Aromas family lost one of the Original Owners a few months ago. Young Paul Hernandez passed away at the age of 37. Paulie was very enthusiastic about cigars and always took the time out to help you pick the right stogy for your mood. Rest in Piece Paulie.

-mbb

Shuckers Wins The NBC 6 MIAMI "GOLDEN LOCAL"

2009-06-26T12:47:00.005-04:00

That's right "Shucker's Bar & Grille" won the NBC 6 "Golden Local" award. The contest was between Shucker's and Scotty's landing. The contest was so close it went down to the wire! Shucker's took the victory by percentage points. We were just given the award by NBC 6 this past Monday.

These were the top reasons why we won as commented by the voters:

The Shucker's "Special Grilled" wings
Dolphins making guest appearances quite often
Occasional celebrity sightings
Great sunsets
Great place to watch a thunderstorm roll through
The Rum Runners
Familiar staff
The Golden Margaritas
Free parking
Happy Hour food menu
Free boat docking
THE VIEW THE VIEW THE VIEW

Obviously the main reason is the view and the fact that you can practically eat on top of the water.

I have to say as a bartender who has been working at the "Shuck" for four years, I never get tired of the view, and I still eat the Special Grilled wings. Many people in Miami claim it's one of the first places they bring out of town guests to before they hit up world famous South Beach.

Rumor has it that the main guys behind Shucker's started off with an outdoor BBQ serving hamburgers, wings, and all kinds of delights right next to the bay.

It's absolutely baffling that there are only a handful of public waterfront places to dine at in Miami. After all, most of the city east of Biscayne Blvd is made up of barrier islands, hence we are surrounded mostly by water.

Most of the old restaurants and bars have been sold off for the priceless waterfront real estate. The properties usually get turned into...you guessed it: HIGH RISE CONDOS! That's pretty much over now with the "Non Real Estate Boom." However, the damage has been done!

So this about sums it up for the Outdoor dining experience in Miami. Not counting the hotel bars and restaurants that you can't usually dine at, unless you are a hotel guest. Or like me, you know how to manage your way around most hotels in Miami.

Here's my "Waterfront Dining in Miami" list:

Shucker's
Scotty's Landing
Monty's
Carabbas Tiki Bar (39th & Collins)
Smith & Wollensky (South Beach) $$$$$
Waterways Club (163rd Intracoastal Mall) NOT OPEN YET
Racks Italian (163rd Intracoastal Mall) Jury is still out here

I'm sure there are a couple of more but I'm sure you get the picture.

QUICK SHUCKER'S FACT:

Shucker's has withstood many hurricanes, including KATRINA and Wilma.
Shucker's was closed after Wilma for about almost a week.

Congratulations to our staff at Shucker's for winning the NBC 6 "Golden Local."

Notice the "orange" tint in the sky? That was all natural that evening. No photo enhancements at all. Another great sunset!

P.S. R.I.P. MICHAEL JACKSON "THE KING OF POP"
AND FARRAH FAWCETT: INTERNATIONAL SEX SYMBOL OF THE 70'S.

I was not a crazy fan of M.J., but one thing is for sure: NOBODY CAN MOON WALK LIKE MICHAEL! BEST MOONWALKER EVER! CLICK IT!

Michael was once "Bad" then he got "WORSE" when he became known for being a tabloid freak, A.K.A. WACKO JACKO. (No need for me to post one of his freaky pics.)

Farrah Fawcett's poster was on thousands of teenager's walls and she was the ICONIC sex symbol of the '70's. The hairstyle was emulated by millions of women!

I couldn't wait for the next episode of Charlie's Angels! Farrah was my favorite Angel and now she is with them. OUT!

-mbb

Don Zito from Flanigan's & Billy's Pub Too: B.O.T.W.

2009-06-23T12:41:00.008-04:00

Hello and good day to all. This past Sunday was the sixth Spirit Enhancers Society pool party. The S.E.S. pool party was held poolside and beach side at the beautiful Newport Resort in Sunny Isles Beach.

A massive thunder storm rolled in about 3pm , but that didn't stop the party goers! The beats kept bumpin' and the booties kept shaking! We actually had to shut down the music for about an hour. The DJ V.I.P area was getting flooded. It was hilarious. NOBODY WOULD LEAVE!

Cool Rog and I, with the help of some of our peeps, had to put all the speakers up on the stage. The entire pool area was getting flooded. Everyone got under the tiki huts and still wouldn't leave! The water receded after about an hour and we got the green light to kick the funky beats! Thank you Mr. Wilson!

The sun was shining again, the pool was jammed with people and the beats were kicking. DJ Cool Rog Rox, Calpuccino, and myself (Alfresh), rocked out till about 6:30pm. More to come on the pool party later this week.

For now let's get to the matter at hand: Bartender of the Week. It's Don Zito from Flanigan's and Billy's Pub Too. You may also know him as Ray or Cito, depending on where he is slinging drinks at. I do know one thing for sure; If there is a plate in front of him, it's always Don Zito. Bartenders often refer to him as "The hardest working bartender in the biz."

One of the most memorable moments I have of the Don was brought to my attention by Nick Nichols. The Don used to work at Fanucci's on South Beach. Academy Award winner Mickey Rourke was a regular at Fanucci's and so was his dog, Loki. Loki was one of those Taco Bell "yip yip" dogs. He used to parade up and down the bar like he owned it. R.I.P in doggie heaven Loki.

Here he is, your Miami Bar Blog Bartender Of The Week: Don Zito from Flanigan's and Billy's Pub Too.

MBB: What inspired you to get into bartending?

DON ZITO: The atmosphere. When I was waiting tables I used to watch the bar. I knew that was going to be my spot.

MBB: How long have you been bartending?
DON ZITO: Seven years.

MBB: What is your favorite cocktail to make?
DON ZITO:Ultimate Margarita. But the thing is I put a secret ingredient in it.

SIDEBAR: The Don was willing to tell me the secret ingredient. However, I swore on the SES COIN that I wouldn't divulge. You'll have to go see him in person to find out. I can't throw him under the bus. My advice? Go to Flanigan's for the Ultimate Margarita. When I worked at BTOO (for a month) I couldn't even find the margarita salt caddy! Anyhoo, moving on...

MBB: What is your favorite elixir to consume?
DON ZITO: Heineken bottle and a Patron shot. NEAT. EMPHASIS ON NEAT! (I love it. Sticking with the two favorite drinks trend for bartenders!)

MBB: What is the strangest/wildest thing to happen to you while on shift?
DON ZITO: A girl walks into the ladies bathroom, goes into the stall, sits down. The person in the stall next to her asks her if she needs some toilet paper. It was a guy. The girl freaked out. Apparently the guy didn't know he was in the girls bathroom. (Sure he didn't.)

MBB: So let's get this straight. Is it Ray, Cito, Zito...or??
DON ZITO: Lots of laughter. I knew you were going there. It's Ray at Flanny's, Cito outside, and Don Zito at BTOO.

MBB:What's it like working at two different bars, as well as two different Flanigan's?
DON ZITO: Well the clientele is totally different at Flanny's than Btoo. The things I can't get away with a Flanny's, I can at BTOO. It's a mom and pop shop. If you don't like it, there's the f*&^kin back door.

MBB:What's your favorite dessert to get at Dairy Queen?
DON ZITO: The blizzard man, come on.

FAVORITE QOUTE:

We are underpaid psychologists.

Flanigan's HAPPY HOUR

MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY 4PM - 7PM.
50% OFF ALL BAR DRINKS.
Pitchers, bottles of wine and shots are EXCLUDED.
Flanigan's also features a beer of the month & a drink of the month.

-mbb

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY & POOL PARTY #6

2009-06-21T11:52:00.002-04:00

HAPPY FATHERS DAY!! Today is the SPIRIT ENHANCERS SOCIETY pool party #6. Come join us for an afternoon of cool tunes, refreshing cocktails, and some sexy eye candy! Oh yeah, did I mention the party is at the Newport Resort poolside in Sunny Isles Beach? Did I mention the nice retreats into the Atlantic Ocean and back to the pool for the digitial jams and Pina Coladas?

Join myself (ALFRESH), Cool Rog Rox, and guest dj Calpuccino for some awesome sounds. Party starts at 1pm...C ya there:)

-mbb

THIS SUNDAY: THE SES POOL PARTY #6

2009-06-19T00:33:00.003-04:00

This Sunday is the 6th Spirit Enhancers Society pool party. It's also Father's Day so Happy Father's Day to all you Fathers out there! I just got done slinging drinks at Shuckers. It was a nice night to be out by the bay, however...

My head is pounding right now! I haven't even had a cocktail in TEN DAYS!! WTF??

The pool party will be from 1pm -6pm and it's a FREE PARTY!! There will be drink specials and bottle specials for groups of five or more...

I will be DJ'ING along side with Cool Rog Rox from Digital Vinyl Recordings. I think DJ CALPUCCINO may be coming along as well to do a guest spot! It's going to be a great party, so come by and hang out when your done hanging out with your POPS.

-mbb

TIA AT CARABBAS TIKI BAR: B.O.T.W

2009-06-09T20:11:00.005-04:00

Last month I did a 10k trail run at Oleta State Park. I've ran longer distances but this run really kicked my ass. I guess I didn't train properly for it. I had some pre race difficulties and got a late start. Since then, I haven't worked out. It's been over three weeks.

Today was an awesome day to run by the beach, so I decided to head over to the Carabba's Tiki Bar in South Beach. I did a forty minute run up and down the boardwalk and then stepped in to Carabba's for lunch. Tia was working the bar and she was very willing to do a BARTENDER OF THE WEEK interview, well not really. I had to do some coercing, but it was all good. Thanks Tia:) B.T.W. if you have never run or walked up and down that boardwalk, it's pretty awesome. There are kite surfers and old South Beach hotels mixed in with the new hotels. It's pretty cool.

Tia and I caught up on old times at Shucker's. We also talked about tornadoes, tourists, and Miami Vices. Here's your Miami Bar Blog BARTENDER OF THE WEEK, the always entertaining Tia from Carabba's Tiki Bar in beautiful Miami Beach.

MBB: What inspired you to get into bartending?
TIA: I was promoted because I did an exceptional job as a waitress.

MBB: What do you like most about bartending?
TIA: Talking to people. Interacting with the patrons.

MBB: How long have you been bartending?
TIA: About a year.

MBB: What is your favorite elixir to consume?
TIA: Water Moccasin shots. That's my favorite shot.

MBB: What is in a Water Moccasin shot?
TIA: Crown Royal, Peach Schnapps, and sour mix.

MBB:What is your favorite cocktail to make for people?
TIA: Draft beer.

MBB: Lite or regular?
TIA: Regular...Hahaha

MBB:Do you ever get tired of the oceanfront view you have for an office?
TIA: Never. I could never work in air conditioning.

MBB: How do you feel about the tropical storms when they come through?
TIA: I was bartending last week the day the storms came through. It was scary. It was
also very exciting. I felt like I was in a Hollywood movie.

MBB: What is the wildest/strangest thing ever happen to you while on shift?
TIA: THE TORNADO '09. We were gonna get shirts made that said, "I survived tornado '09." The hotel guests were probably eating popcorn and laughing at us. us. My tip jar was flying around and I made a lot of money that day. I didn't know if I should grab my money or run for cover.

MBB:Do you ever get bored and go for a dip in the ocean?
TIA: No, I wish. I'm gonna start bringing my suit.

MBB: Do all the tourists ask for Mojitos?
TIA: Yes and Miami Vices too. Mostly Miami Vices. Those are big in demand.

Tia works at the Carabba's Tiki Bar various shifts throughout the week. Parking can be a bitch, but if you can get a spot at one of the meters on the side streets, it's definitely worth it. A cold cocktail and a spectacular view of the Atlantic Ocean and a great happy hour to boot!! Happy hour is till 7pm. Go check Tia out. She'll be thrilled to pour you an ice cold draft beer!! I've never had a bad time at the Carabba's tiki bar. If Tia is not on shift, one of their other stellar bartenders will take care of ya!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

OUT!
-mbb

WED IS LADIES NT @ KITCHEN 305

2009-06-03T12:37:00.003-04:00

Well it's Wednesday again and that means it's hump day and ladies night at Kitchen 305. Ladies drink free from 9pm till midnight. No cover charge for anyone, and free valet as well. I'll be dj'ing, throwing down some serious dance music along with some old Miami flavor, and some hip hop classics.

Tonight's guest dj will be DJ INDIGO.

Dante D, Irena, Sylvia, and Brittney M. will be behind the bar serving you up, well at least three of them will be anyway!!

The NBC MIAMI "Golden Local" contest between SHUCKER'S BAR AND GRILLE & SOTTY'S LANDING is still going on. There's only six days left to vote and the contest is tight. Shucker's is ahead by 4 percentage points. If you've been to Shucker's and you like it, please vote for us!!

Here is the link, CLICK IT! Thanks.

http://www.nbcmiami.com/around_town/debates/MIABest_Bar_View.html

Bartender of the Week coming soon... OUT!

-mbb

SHUCKER'S VS. SCOTTY'S LANDING.

2009-05-29T02:21:00.002-04:00

NBC MIAMI is having a contest between Shucker's Bar and Grille, and Scotty's Landing. The contest is simple...Best Bar View In Miami. You decide. You can go to NBC MIAMI.COM to vote...

Here is the link:

http://www.nbcmiami.com/around_town/the_scene/Best_Bar_View_In_Miami_Miami.html

I've been working at Shucker's for over four years and I can honestly say I've never gotten tired of the view. I often take my camera to work with me and these are a few of my favorite picks that I've captured of our stellar view. Enjoy.

-mbb

CLEVELANDER: AMANDA VS. YARI. BARTENDERS OF THE WEEK!

2009-05-25T11:57:00.007-04:00

Happy Memorial Day to everyone!! I had a super busy Memorial Day Weekend between working at Shucker's and Dj'ing. It was a great weekend nonetheless. I've heard lots of crazy stories already about the weekend in South Beach. Thanks for the text messages and emails from you bartenders. Before I forget, please vote for your favorite NMB local DJ. The poll is on the right side bar. Five days left. Thanks.

Last week I headed down to the famous Clevelander in South Beach. I decided to go to SOBE before the holiday weekend madness. The bartenders were looking forward to the $$$ they were going to make, but not all the crazy activity that came with it. Same goes for other bartenders I spoke too from other bars in South Beach.

The Clevelander is a great afternoon spot to hit up for some ice cold brews. The happy hour is my favorite. Happy Hour is from 4-6 pm Monday through Friday. Happy Hour features:

1/2 off bottle beers
1/2 off draft beers
1/2 off single liquor wells

The Cleve also has frozen drinks, although they are not featured on happy hour.

PINA COLADA, RUM RUNNER, MARGARITA, and MIAMI VICE.

The bottle beers are kept on ice and are very very cold. The draft beers are pretty cold as well. Amanda and Yari were very friendly. Amanda and I were having a conversation about making "Miami Vices" and "Pain In the Asses" (FROZEN DRINKS). Yari jumped in the conversation by saying, "Mojitos are a pain in the ass to make." We also chatted about what was scarier: Snakes or cockroaches? So my "BARTENDER OF THE WEEK" interview quickly turned into two interviews. One for last week, one for this week.

Here it goes, MBB BARTENDER(S) OF THE WEEK...

AMANDA VS. YARI

MBB: How long have you been bartending?
AMANDA: 5 YEARS.
YARI: 4 YEARS.

MBB: What inspired you to get into bartending?
AMANDA: I like making drinks and the dollars is great!
YARI: I can't sit in an office cubicle.

MBB: What is your favorite cocktail to make?
AMANDA: I make really good mojitos. Even though they are a pain in the ass to make.
YARI: Caipirinha.

SIDE NOTE: At this point Amanda asks me what my favorite cocktail to make is. She asks me if I know how to make "Sex With An Alligator." my response, "I don't make those or Freddy Kruegers!"

MBB: What is your favorite elixir to consume?
AMANDA: I'm funny. Don't drink a lot. I take the healthier choice. Grey Goose, soda, and lime.
YARI: Ketel One and soda. I stick to the clears or else the hives come out!

MBB: What is the strangest or wildest you've seen while on shift?
AMANDA: LARRYDOGG VIDEOS on YouTube.
YARI: A girl stripping butt naked at the Skyy Bar. People having sex at a bar too.

MBB: Which one is scarier, snakes or cockroaches?
AMANDA: Snakes.
YARI: I hate cockroaches.

MBB: How does it feel to work at the legendary Clevelander?
AMANDA: I worked here before. (the original Clevelander.)
YARI: It's amazing. I feel honored.

Thanks for your time girls. It was lots of fun.

-mbb

GREATEST DISCO PARTY EVER!

2009-05-23T11:56:00.003-04:00

Well I've worked one bar shift already this Memorial Day Weekend and it wasn't too bad. Of course Shucker's Grille isn't really in South Beach, but we have gotten a little bit of the weekend crowd. We'll see how today goes!! As for tonight...

Tonight is the "GREATEST DISCO PARTY EVER!" at Kitchen 305. The party starts at 11pm and goes till 4AM!! DJ CALPUCCINO and myself will be droppin'the old school vinyl the new school digital style! So grab your platform shoes, shiny shirts, and mini skirts and come party with us.

I'm off to bartend this afternoon, then I'm going to grab my SHINY DISCO BALLS & ROCK THE DISCOTHEQUE!! See ya tonight for the "GREATEST DISCO PARTY EVER!!"

KITCHEN 305 IS LOCATED inside the NEWPORT RESORT, IN SUNNY ISLES BEACH.

THE BEER POEM

2009-05-21T10:25:00.003-04:00

It's truly amazing the stuff that you come across when you are a bartender. When you tend bar for a long time, you see a lot of things. Not everything, but a lot. There's the typical stuff:

sexual situations
fights
hook ups
break ups
drugs
drunken stupidity (obvious)

You get my point. Then there is THIS:

THE BEER POEM!

THE BEER POEM was an artistic expression created by one of our bar guests at Shucker's. It was thought out in about an hour or so and was crafted on a dinner napkin no doubt. I remember the fellow asking me how to spell "Pabst." We were busy so I thought nothing of it. Boy was I in for a treat.

The poem was inspired by Priscilla, a fellow bartender at Shucker's. She must have made quite an impression on him. Quite a clever little poem, it is. THE BEER POEM is also a dirty little poem. Yes it is DIRTY!

SIDE NOTE: I was going to re-type if for you all, but when I started to type the letters out, it just didn't give me that warm & fuzzy feeling any more. So sorry if you have to squint your eyes a bit, but it's worth it!

Wait no further, here it is. The soon to be famous...

THE BEER POEM!

THIS SATURDAY NIGHT: THE GREATEST DISCO PARTY EVER!

For those of you not going to SOUTH BEACH this Memorial Day Weekend, THIS IS THE OFFICIAL "ANTI SOUTH BEACH" MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND EVENT!!

This Disco kicks off at eleven pm this Saturday night @ KITCHEN 305! The funky Disco sounds will be provided by myself and DJ CALPUCCINO!! SO GRAB YOUR SHINY DISCO BALLS AND COME BREAK IT DOWN!

P.S. HAPPY BDAY HAYDIN, MAHALO!

-mbb

WE LUV LADIES NIGHT @ KITCHEN 305

2009-05-20T06:00:00.002-04:00

Tonight is Ladies Night @ Kitchen 305! Ladies drink free till midnight & valet parking is free for everyone! I'll be tearing it up on the decks. My special guest DJ will be DJ GAD

Speaking of DJ's, we have a poll going on here at MBB. It's the "FAVORITE LOCAL NMB DJ" poll. The poll is located on the right side bar. Here are your DJ's:

CALPUCCINO
INDIGO
MAS INC
WICKED TURNTABLIST

PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL NMB DJ.

Early night entertainment will be STEVIE D hosting his "Dating Game" comedy show. I've seen his show and it's pretty hilarious. Here are more specials:

$100 Grey Goose bottle specials
Bottle specials for groups of five or more
$10 THREE COURSE DINNER SPECIAL FOR LADIES

This weekend is Memorial Day Weekend. To all of you shying away from all the crazy activity in SOBE we have just the party for you this SATURDAY NIGHT:

THE GREATEST DISCO PARTY EVER! AT KITCHEN 305

DJ ALFRESH AND DJ CALPUCCINO WILL BE DROPPIN' MORE DISCO VIBES THAN YOU CAN SHAKE YOUR PLATFORM SHOES AT! PARTY STARTS AT ELEVEN PM!!

So grab your friends and carpool together where ever you head out to. Find a designated driver because I'm sure it is going to be one of those "ZERO TOLERANCE" weekends.

BARTENDER OF THE WEEK TOMORROW...IT'S A GOOD ONE TOO!!

-mbb

RUM RENAISSANCE

2009-05-15T11:41:00.003-04:00

There is a great Rum tasting event this weekend in South Beach. The Rum Renaissance Miami Festival presents a unique and exciting celebration of the finest rums in the world. The Grand Rum Tasting is going on Saturday starting at 1pm at the Shore club resort in Miami Beach.

For FREE passes to this event you can email me at alfresh22@comcast.net

I only have 10 passes so don't sleep on this one. have a great weekend! OUT!

-mbb

WE LUV LADIES NIGHT @ KITCHEN 305

2009-05-13T06:00:00.002-04:00

Tonight is Ladies Night @ Kitchen 305! Ladies drink free till midnight & valet parking is free for everyone! Tonight is also the launch party for VANITY X. The fashion show starts at 10pm sharp!! My alter ego(ALFRESH) will be DJ'ING/ALONG SIDE WITH DJ CALPUCCINO!! PARTY STARTS @ 8PM.

It's also bartender BRITTNEY'S BDAY!! HAPPY BDAY MY FELLOW TAUREAN!! DARE TO DREAM MY SUPERSTAR!! CHUCKLE CHUCKLE. Britt, I will shit myself if you are dressed up as "SISTER MARY CATHERINE!" Here's a little bday present for ya to get your day started!! See ya tonight! OUT!

-mbb

FINNEGAN'S RIVER, CINCO DE MAYO & BARTENDER(S) OF THE WEEK

2009-05-08T14:16:00.004-04:00

It's been a great week here at the blog. Cinco de Mayo at Finnegan's River was off the chain! Thanks to all the bartenders at Finn's for participating in B.O.T.W. They are all on video and it is SPICY!!

I stopped by NMB Friday's afterwards for some eats, and the fiesta there was great as well. Thanks Danny, Chris, and Pat.

Wait no further, here are your MBB Bartenders Of the Week. In video...Enjoy.

HAPPY BDAY JENERGY AND HAPPY 21ST BDAY TOO ANDRAYA!

-mbb

2NIGHT KITCHEN 305: WE LOVE LADIES NIGHT

2009-05-06T16:09:00.003-04:00

How did you all fair on Cinco De Mayo? I know there's some of you out there that saved yourself for ladies night tonight at KITCHEN 305. Come join myself, Alfresh as I'll be spinning for ladies night with guest DJ'S. C YA THERE!!

-mbb

HAPPY CINCO DE MAYO

2009-05-05T10:59:00.004-04:00

HAPPY CINCO DE MAYO EVERYONE!! Cinco De Mayo is Spanish for "The fifth of May", in case you've been living under a rock your whole existence. Yes there was a battle on May fifth in Mexico a long, long time ago. However it is not the day in Mexico that they celebrate their independence.

The day they celebrate their independence in Mexico would be "diesicies de Septiembre", which is Spanish for "The sixteenth of September. Here in America we observe this day, the fifth of May, and use it as another excuse to go and get tanked for happy hour on Coronas and shots of Patron. It's also great to grab a pinata and take your frustrations out on it! The candy inside of it is just a bonus! Or give it to the kids. "Do it for the children."

BTW...Corona did not invent this holiday. Don't be fooled by their ads. They have brainwashed me into craving an ice cold Corona Light though. I'll be somewhere sipping an ice cold Corona Light, hold the Patron. If your follow me on TWITTER.COM (http://twitter.com/alfresh) I'll be updating where I'm at.

BTW...Isn't Twitter so cool and simple?? And you can also do it via text message... Way cool.

Speaking of cool, here are a couple of places to celebrate your "Cinco De Mayo."

ROSA MEXICANO IN BRICKELL (WITH MARACAS & PINATAS)
PAQUITOS ON 16265 BISCAYNE IN NMB. HUGE FIESTA. GET THERE EARLY FOR THIS ONE- IT GETS JAMMED! PAQUITOS WEBSITE
FINNEGAN'S ON THE RIVER (DOWNTOWN MIAMI) THIS IS A LITTLE STRANGE FOR AN IRISH RESTAURANT, BUT THEY'VE GOT THE VENUE TO DO IT! OUR BOY JOSH DA STARTENDER WILL BE OUT THERE BARTENDING TODAY.
PLUNGE @ THE GANSEVOORT HOTEL SOBE. ROOFTOP PARTY STARTS @ 9PM
NMB FRIDAY'S WITH DANNY & PAT. THIS ONE STARTS @ 9PM.

ENJOY YOUR CINCO DE MAYO. Now go and get yourself a six pack of Corona, a bottle of PEPE LOPEZ (NOT), and a pinata to get your day started off muy bien:)

BARTENDER OF THE WEEK (MANANA) TOMORROW!! OUT!

FOR COMMENTS USE THE COMMENT FORM BELOW...THANKS.

-mbb

BARTENDER OF THE WEEK: DANNY S., FRIDAY'S NMB

2009-04-30T17:00:00.000-04:00

It's been a rough week since I tweaked my back out on Monday. But it's all good. The Marlins took 2 out of 3 from the Mets up in New York so that made things better. I needed to take it easy this week anyway with the big FOUR O BDAY BASH coming this Saturday night at the Newport Resort. Hey I'm cool with it...After all FORTY IS THE NEW THIRTY:)

I checked out the Clevelander on Monday. It was pretty cool. I ran into Jackie from Billy's Pub Too, and Kerry Q from BBQ Beach. Oh yeah, and I had a beer with my side kick, George AKA HORHAY-HAYHOR.

I put my MBB magnets on a lot of the frozen drink machines at Clevelander. I got a text from one of the bartenders the next day that someone over there didn't like that too much...oh well... They'll like it better when I come do a story on the much anticipated grand opening.

Let's talk about bartenders shall we?

I got a chance on Wednesday to stop into Friday's in North Miami Beach to catch up with Danny, the flair bartender extraordinaire. We talked about shiny medallions, getting attacked by animals while on shift, and flair bartending. Here he is your Miami Bar Blog, Bartender of the Week, Danny Siegel from NMB FRIDAY'S! ENJOY

UPCOMING EVENTS-

BTW: You are all invited to my BDAY BASH this Saturday night May 2nd at KITCHEN 305. The Spam All Stars are playing early and I'll be taking over the DEX at about 1AM. DJ MAS INC will be guest DJing and maybe DJ Calpuccino as well. We will be taking the party late night till 5AM. I'll be poppin' bottles after midnight so come on out and have a drink with me. Dante and the girls will be slingin da drinks at the bar. Speaking of Dante, great job with super-imposing my face over Steve Carell's on the "Forty Year Old Virgin" poster. CREEPY!

-mbb

BROSIA: A Hidden Gem In The Heart of the Design District

2009-04-25T13:18:00.000-04:00

THIS MONDAY THE 27TH, WEATHER PERMITTING. I'LL KEEP YA IN THE LOOP AND YOU CAN KEEP ME IN THE LOOP VIA THE CHAT BOX ON THE SIDE BAR:)

THANKS, ALFRESH.

I've been invited to come spin this Monday night at Brosia. Right smack in the middle of the Design District! Brosia is located in the heart of the Design District just west of N.E. 2nd ave & N.E. 39th st.

Brosia has a beautiful 4,000 square foot terrace accented with colorful mosaic walls and "towering" white columns. The terrace has extremely comfortable, "loungy" furniture and spectacular 150 year old preserved white oak trees. The courtyard was literally built around the oak trees.

Come party with me and my peeps this Monday Night. Dance and enjoy awesome cocktails under the canopy of branches and leaves from the oak trees. The lounge is laid out with mohagany wood & intimate lighting. Super stylish!! I've chilled at Brosia on occasion and it is an awesome experience!! Come early for dinner (9pm-ish) or come late to dance the night away!

BUYER BEWARE: THE CULINARY CREATIONS WILL SEDUCE YOU:)

Here is the 411 on the drink specials:

$5 BELVEDERE COCKTAILS ($5 BELVY, ARE U FREAKIN' KIDDIN ME?)
$3 BEERS
$25 PITCHERS OF SANGRIA
$35 PITCHERS OF MOJITOS
NO COVER

Not too shabby. Grab your friends and come chill in the D.D. BABY!

MORE ABOUT BROSIA: http://www.brosiamiami.com

C YA MONDAY!!

-mbb

BARTENDER OF THE WEEK: DONNIE, AMERICA'S BACKYARD

2009-04-23T15:26:00.003-04:00

Last night was an awesome ladies night at KITCHEN 305. After a night of spinning, I headed up to Fort Lauderdale to cover the MIAMI BAR BLOG, B.O.T.W. Yes, Fort Lickadale is not in Miami. I'm covering all of South Florida and then some for Bartenders of the Week in 2009.

America's backyard is a big venue and party hot spot for people in Fort Lauderdale. Girls dancing on bar tops, cocktail waitresses in bikinis, and bartenders who bartend with their shirts off. (This one is really for Miss Hollypeno from Shameless Burlesque)

This brings us to Donnie. Donnie has been bartending for 12 years and has been in the "ink" chair 27 times... LIVE AND IN LIVING COLOR, here he is your MIAMI BAR BLOG B.O.T.W. Donnie from AMERICA'S BACKYARD.

B.T.W. My official birthday bash is May 2nd at Kitchen 305. My favorite Miami band the Spam All Stars are playing that night. After the All Stars are finished, I will be rockin the decks with special guest dj's till 5am. You are all invited!! It's gonna be a blast! I'll be poppin bottles with my closest peeps, so come out and have a drink with me!

-mbb

2NIGHT KITCHEN 305 LADIES NIGHT

2009-04-22T15:07:00.002-04:00

$75 BOTTLES FOR GROUPS OF FIVE OR MORE
LADIES DRINK FREE 9PM - 11PM
ALFRESH SPINNING ALL NIGHT

SHAMELESS BURLESQUE 2NIGHT @ PURDY LOUNGE!

2009-04-15T14:19:00.003-04:00

Miss Hollypeno and the girls have been busting their asses off for the last year!! Shameless Burlesque has their one year anniversary coming in May. They are doing a full show tonight at the Purdy Lounge in South Beach. The pre party is at "off the radar," at the Standard Hotel. Here's the info.

-mbb

BARTENDER OF THE WEEK: GEORGE A.K.A "HORHAY."

2009-04-14T14:33:00.005-04:00

It was an awesome day yesterday, so George and I headed down to SOUTH BEACH to grab a cool frozen drink. We stopped in to the world famous Wet Willie's, where our lovely waitress Lia (I hope that's how you spell it) took good care of us. We talked about cocktails, music, baseball, being an unemployed bartender, and what MLB really stands for.

Here's your Miami Bar Blog Bartender of the Week. On video! George A.K.A. "HORHAY", formerly of the NORTH MIAMI BEACH ALE HOUSE! Enjoy.

Join us tonight for our field trip down to Finnegan's on the River. We're going to visit our S.E.S. brother JOSH for some KARAOKE ON THE RIVER! Who's carpooling? Shoot me down a text or message me on the CBOX! OUT!

-mbb

A MOMENT OF CLARITY

2009-04-13T15:03:00.004-04:00

After over 75 views and countless messages in the CBOX, the A.D. Cruze: GOOD RIDDANCE blog has been pulled. I had contemplated the idea yesterday but did not decide to do so until I went mountain biking today in Oleta Park.

SIDENOTE: Thanks to the boys at BIG WHEEL CYCLES in N. Miami Beach for hooking Dante and myself up with the "locals" discount. Thanks a bunch guys!

I love hittin' the trails with my friends. Biking in the trails always seems to clear my head. As I was thinking about pulling the story, I had gotten a text message in my cell phone. I checked the messages during a break from the ride. Dante and I got our asses kicked out there today. We took a couple of breaks;)

I decided to pull the plug because the suggestion came from someone that I have the highest level of respect for. The suggestion came from my brother who lives in Orlando. There's the irony. It was Orlando, not even Miami, the 305.

Kudos to Nick Nichols, Anthony and the management staff at BBQ BEACH for giving the people in N. Miami another venue to visit on a Saturday night.

I'm on my way to Sobe to interview Bartender Of The Week!

Tomorrow night we are taking a field trip to Finnegan's on the River (http://www.finnegansriver.com/home.html) to visit our boy Josh. They are having some huge Karaoke event going on!! Who wants to take a field trip? Let's carpool!

-mbb

VOODOO LOUNGE 2NIGHT: MAS INC.'S BDAY BASH PT 2

2009-04-10T18:43:00.002-04:00

It was a beautiful day today at the Shuck! I was working a rare Friday day shift. It turned out to be a great day to work. I gotta give mad props to my boy C-Town. C-town hung out at the bar with me practically my whole shift. Well, there was the occasional, "I'll be back in ten minutes 'Fresh'". Other than that he kicked it all day!

The best part was when he quietly asked me how to spell Immigrant. Hmmm, let's see. Immigrant: I-M-M-I-G-R-A-N-T, Immigrant. Yo C, next time just use the T9 PREDICTIVE TEXT ON YOUR CELL PHONE!! Thanks for keeping me company at the bar today. Thanks C-Town.

Onto tonight...VOODOO LOUNGE IN FORT LICKADALE!!

-mbb

NICK NICHOLS & BILLY'S PUB TOO: THE SILENCE IS BROKEN!

2009-04-09T11:55:00.004-04:00

BEFORE I START THIS STORY, I URGE PEOPLE TO COMMENT COMMENT COMMENT ON ALL THE BLOGS. THIS IS YOUR MEDIUM TO BE HEARD!!

It seems like so long ago that I was handing a framed Miami Bar Blog, "Best Local Watering Hole" award to Nick and the manager at Billy's Pub Too. It wasn't! That was back in January. My how things can change quickly. This begs the question: Which bar will be voted "Best Local Watering Hole" this year... Bartenders: You have a lot of work to do!!

This story found it's way into my email box. It's from Nick Nichols from BBQ BEACH. Nick recently relinquished his position at Billy's Pub Too. He has been silent about the situation because I asked him to do so until the right time. We have enjoyed the silence. Now it is over! NICK NICHOLS SPEAKS! YOUR TIME HAS COME!

First and foremost, I want to thank Alfresh for giving me the chance to speak to all of you.

After five and a half years of service and a dedication to an establishment that I gave endless time and my personal $$$ to make Billy's Pub Too a lot better than what it is, from throwing parties or getting in a full on fist fight with a person trying to rob the place, my dedication was, WHAT IT IS. In the end, my thanks after working four and a half years on Friday nights was: That Friday shift was being taken away from me because I "did not do enough" for Billy's Pub Too.

I felt very insulted. I was insulted!

Friday nights made up about 45% of my monthly income. I dedicated a large amount of my time and effort to making that place better.

At that time chose not to be employed by a place where the management treat people like they are not important and every sacrifice means nothing. In the middle of a recession and as a 39 year old not so sexy bartender, my friends thought I was crazy.

In my mind as an island boy, being disrespected is huge,! Sometimes all you have is your self respect.

I was very lucky that BBQ Beach gave me a chance to remain in this town to tend bar and throw Parties.

This Saturday night is my first party promotion at BBQ BEACH. DJ A.D. is moving to Detroit. A.D. is one of the best DJs I have ever heard mix!

DJ Ad and friends will mix it out! I, Nick Nichols will feel happy that in the face of haters, we the little people still have the power!

If you get the chance come exhale with me and say, "FU*K YOU!"

It is not about the sales or tips: It's about making a point!

Nick Nichols
S.E.S. Bartender and Proud

ALFRESH SPEAKS: NICK, I WILL COME EXHALE WITH YOU! WHO ELSE IS COMING WITH ME? I'M TAKING THE GOLD FISH WITH ME! I'M DOING A JERRY MAGUIRE HERE! SHOW ME THE BBQQQQQQ!!

Nick works at BBQ BEACH Wednesday through Saturday. Go visit him for an ice cold beer and a Bucket of Bones. Don't try to rob the place though, as he will clock ya in the grill a few times!

-mbb

ALFRESH & MAS INC: 2NITE @ KITCHEN 305

2009-04-08T18:07:00.003-04:00

LADIES NIGHT @ KITCHEN 305!
TONIGHT @ KITCHEN 305 ALFRESH & MAS INC. DJ TAG TEAM SET!
MAS INC. PRE BDAY PARTY BASH!
DANTE AND THE GIRLS BEHIND THE BAR!
HAPPY BDAY TO RENE ALL THE WAY IN FROM TEXAS!!

THIS SATURDAY NIGHT AT BBQ BEACH: A.D.'s going away party. This is also Nick Nichol's first party production at BBQ BEACH.

-mbb

BARTENDER OF THE WEEK: Jackie from Billy's Pub Too & Donovan's

2009-04-03T14:01:00.005-04:00

It's been a week here at the MBB that I won't forget for a long long time, if ever I do. For obvious reasons I won't go into detail. Here's a few notes on the brighter side of things.

Nick Nichols quit Billy's Pub Too after 5 years. Full blog still forthcoming.
Nick Nichols got hired at BBQ BEACH within 48 hrs of resigning from B-TOO.
BBQ BEACH is 1.5 miles from Billy's Pub Too.
DJ Calppucino and I had an awesome DJ set @ Kitchen 305 on Wednesday for LADIES NIGHT.
George AKA "HOR-HAY" was let go from NMB ALE HOUSE.
Smith & Wollensky's on SOBE had a fire that shut them down for six days.

On Tuesday night I got a chance to catch up with Jackie from Billy's Pub Too. Jackie was born in New Jersey, and raised in New York since she was five. I feel like she's all Jersey if you ask me. Wink wink:) She also works at Donovan's off of 441.

Jackie and I shared a bottle of bubbly and she told me that she "lo-ves my blog." Thanks Jackie. I love you too.

Thanks to the kind folks at Miami Prime for setting us up with the bubbly, while we shot the video.

For the record: I actually have a "video blog" of this B.O.T.W. interview. It's pretty sexy if I may add, except for the occasional slurred word coming out of my mouth and some funny hand gestures I was making while asking questions. Think of Ricky Bobby getting interviewed after he won his first race. No video blog though. Technology hasn't been too kind to me this week, so it's back to the old school of typing.

We talked about "FLAMING LAMBORGHINI" shots, 4th graders fighting over her, creepy old men, re-gifting, and "bling bling." Jackie says she is a lazy bartender, but it's not true. She really busts her ass while tending bar from start to finish.

Wait no further. Here's your Miami Bar Blog, Bartender Of The Week.

MBB: How long have you been bartending?
JACKIE: Six years

MBB: What inspired you to get into bartending?
JACKIE: I was recruited by a General Manager for a Friday's.

MBB: I've always been intrigued by Friday's bartenders because the training procedure is very invasive. How do you feel about that?
JACKIE: It's very corporate and serious. Very intense. Kind of crazy.

MBB: In the movie, Office Space there was a lot of flair at "Chotchkie's." How much "Friday's flair" did you wear?
JACKIE: I had a bunch of pins.

MBB: I remember the day Nick Nichols recruited you to go work at Billy's Too. You left the corporate world for the "anything goes" un-corporate world. How was that for you?
JACKIE: First of all, I would like to thanks Nick for getting me that job not once, but twice. I love having Nick and Alfresh (that's me) as two of my best friends in Miami. I came down here knowing only one person.

MBB: What is your favorite cocktail to make?
JACKIE: I'm kind of a lazy bartender, (Laughing) I like to pop beer bottles. Or pour drafts.

MBB: What is your favorite elixir to consume?
JACKIE: Michelob Ultra and wine. I also like Washington Apples. You have to have one favorite in each category.

MBB: You recently had a couple of guys get into an altercation, maybe even a fist-o-cuffs over you. It happened at your home bar Billy's Too. What did that feel like?
JACKIE: Are you serious? Are you really going there? ALFRESH, You are an A-HOLE!

BREAKING FORMAT HERE: Jackie was really laughing her ass off at this moment. She said many, "Oh my gods."

JACKIE: Honestly it was pretty embarrassing. Last time two guys fought over me was in fourth grade. (Interesting.) It was because one kid got me flowers wrapped in tin foil. This incident made me take a look deep down inside myself. I would really love for that to not happen again. I was terrified for my job.

BREAKING FORMAT HERE: The two guys are friends again.

MBB: Friday's, Billy's, Shucker's, and Donovan's. Which has been your favorite bar job in Florida?
JACKIE: Billy's Pub Too. I love it.

MBB: What comes to mind when i say the term, "Bling Bling?"
JACKIE: "Pookie?"

BREAKING FORMAT HERE AGAIN: THE CORRECT ANSWER IS: METAL. This was a trick question...sorry for the inside joke.

MBB: Nick Nichols recently quit B-TOO. How do you feel about that?
JACKIE: Honestly, It hurts me a lot. It breaks my heart. On some real shit, I feel like it's not Billy's anymore. I miss working with you, and I'll miss working with Nick. He made Billy's.

MBB: What is the most wildest or strangest thing you've seen while on shift?
JACKIE: Insanity. Fights. Sex. Blood. People pulling their pants down. One time when I worked at Friday's, this guy dropped me a two hundred dollars tip three nights in a row. On the last night he came in with a bouquet of roses, and a $700 dollar necklace. I returned the necklace to the jeweler and exchanged it for a gift for my mom. It was Christmas time. Plus he was creepy. I've seen YOU, ALFRESH, make out with lots of girls while you were behind the bar and the girl was on the other side of the bar. I'm calling you out now ALFRESH!

MBB: DAMMMMMMM! I GOT CALLED OUT.
JACKIE: For the record I want to say that Alfresh and I fought like brothers and sisters while we worked at Shucker's together, that's why he is my BFF.

FAVORITE QUOTES:

A bartender's life span is three years.
Alfresh, you are an A-HOLE.
On some real shit.
OH MY GOD, OH MY GOD, OH MY GOD.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Wow I can't believe you just said that! (with hands covering eyes.)
People don't think before they speak or punch!
Thank you Alfresh and Nick Nichols. YAY!

Jackie works at Donovan's Pub on Tuesday nights. Her home bar is Billy's Pub Too on N.E. 125th & 7th ave. She tends bar at Billy's Thursday through Sunday. Jackie is an exceptional bartender. Go see her, but don't start a fight over her or you'll get banned for thirty days and certainly don't buy her any jewelry cause you know what she'll do with it.

OUT!

-mbb

BREAKING NEWS: GEORGE GETS CANNED FROM ALE HOUSE

2009-04-02T16:21:00.002-04:00

I'm having a sit down with George on Monday...Trying to get the scoop ASAP

-mbb

R.I.P. MATTHEW LENNON: 5 Eternal Minutes on MBB.

2009-03-30T11:13:00.004-04:00

This past weekend our friend Matthew Lennon passed away. In a bizarre "drunken" murder-suicide in Dania Beach, Matt was shot in the chest. I won't go into the details, I'll leave a link to the story at the end of this blog.

I'm going to keep this short. Our close group of friends met "Baltimore" Matt, as he became known to us, back in August or so during football season. We would all meet up at Miami Prime and Matt was always there in his Ravens jersey. He was always in good spirits and made friends with the group. Matt knew I was a Jaguars fan and teased me all season long. Matt became friends mainly with Chris Soto, then the rest of the group. I would always joke with Soto and say, "Who's this guy that keeps hanging around our group? You know you are his sponsor now."

Everyone in the group liked Matt and accepted him with open arms. Matt came to a lot of our parties and other events helping to support our scene. I was looking forward to a long friendship with Matthew, but I guess that's how quick we can all be taken from our borrowed time here on Earth.

I can honestly say I'll miss Matt's peculiar "Baltimore" laid back "drawl", and his constant smile.

R.I.P. Matthew Lennon. We will miss those great times we never got to share, but appreciate the time we had with you. From all of us in our circle of friends a big great "Cheers!" I'm sure you are up there looking down upon us and smiling.

I don't know those guys Matt was with during his last few hours. I know the guys in our circle of friends. If anyone has connections with Matt's peeps back in Maryland, let them know that we ARE NOT associated with those guys.

Full story:

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/broward/story/973208.html

-mbb

NICK NICHOLS & BILLY'S PUB TOO: WHAT HAPPENED?

2009-03-29T13:09:00.002-04:00

After five years of dedicated service to BILLY'S PUB TOO http://www.myspace.com/billyspubtoo Nick Nichols has called it quits. LITERALLY! Full live VIDEO BLOG coming soon. With VIDEO in case you didn't catch that.

SPIRIT ENHANCERS SOCIETY POOL PARTY #4: FOR OUR PEEPS!

2009-03-24T07:03:00.011-04:00

The Spirit Enhancers Society pool party #4 was off the chain this past Sunday! The party for me really started on Saturday night at the High Heels Fetish Party inside Kitchen 305. Well it REALLY started at my crib with Gaston, his wife Stephanie, Colleen, and Janet. We pre-gamed with some Rain Organics, "Red Grape Hibiscus" Martinis I made, then took a cab to 305.

RESERVED...GOTTA LOVE IT:)

Rosemary was our VIP hostess and she was excellent! I was very demanding of keeping us iced down and with fresh glassware...Again, she was excellent!! Thanks again.

Colleen and Janet both thought the old school R & B sounds were nice. Colleen also thought Buddy Lee was kind of creepy...yeah right.

The staff at 305 set us up nicely with a table and a bottle of Stoli. Thanks to Steven, Robert, Paul W. & Johnathon, and Scott at the door. Thanks a lot to Janet and Colleen for the STIFF drinks they were making me at our table. Well, mostly Colleen. No really, I thought I had said, "Don't kill me on my drinks."

Anyhow, my special guest was Buddy Lee. He really stole the show. Buddy Lee was partying way after I was. I was done at about 2am.

I was by the runway trying to get some photos of nicely manicured feet and sexy heels. I came up empty. Just blurs of pictures was all I got.

Some guy was very adamant about me being in his "photo space." I said, "I'm covering this for a website man. I just need a few pics." He didn't look very thrilled. Oh well. I took my blurry pictures with me, tightened up my pimp coat and slipped into a cab back home. Thanks for the great time, and gracious cocktails girls...

Sunday morning was coming quickly and I had to have my game face on for the pool party.

THE POOL PARTY

My head was still bangin' on Sunday morning like an Erick Morillo track. I thought the recipe for curing that was a Quarterpounder with cheese and a large Sprite. I started to eat the greasy fries as well, but I noticed a homeless guy needed them more than I did. A mile later, still on the same street, I gave away most of my loose change in my change box to another homeless guy. I really needed to get off of 163rd St. I was gonna be shirtless by the time I got to the Newport.

It is smack in the middle of spring break in Miami and the Winter Music conference is here. The Newport Beach Resort wasn't ready for the sexiness and wildness that S.E.S. pool party #4 had to offer. The Spirit Enhancers Society got together again with a lot of our closest peeps to celebrate...well just to celebrate life I guess. Even the spring breakers from London to Nebraska to New York got in the mix. Here are the girls from NYC.

S.E.S. member Danny started off the afternoon sounds with some nice house club remixes. Great set Danny!

DJ Indigo took over at around 2pm with some heavier trance sounds. A little too early in the afternoon for the vibe, but whatever. It was a nice change of pace. I think he was still in the Nocturnal mode:) I was busy holding down the door, so I never got a chance to get a pic of Indigo in the mix. This is all I got. Next time.

Mas Inc took the 3pm-5pm set. He killed it with an awesome Depeche Mode remix and ended the set with another remix of RELAX by Frankie Goes To Hollywood. Which by the way was my first concert ever without a parental chaperon. Ha ha. Mas Inc then really ended the set with "I Just Wanna Ca-a-ll You My Bitch!" He was so into that mix! Awesome time. It's great to see a DJ really enjoy himself when spinning.

Alfresh (that's me by the way) took over the dex from 5pm-7pm. I was escorted to the DJ Booth by the lovely Miss Hollypeno from Shameless Burlesque. I was rockin' a super tall top hat with a green feathered boa. What the F&*k? I came up with the Idea in my drunken stupor from the night before. Hey "F" them if they can't take a joke.

My favorite part of the set was when I played the Salsa House remix. Milton said, "That shit takes me back to my New York days!" Happy birthday Milton. Keep on dancing & spinning!

Dj Calpuccino and A.D. took the 7pm until "Whenever" spot. No pics there either...sorry boys.

When is "whenever", you ask?

Here is my Sunday March 22, 2009 definition of "whenever."

Whenever: adverb. It's when the music got way to loud...and there was some super scandalous activity going on in the S.E.S. VIP lounge. @#*& )&^#+$# %! S.E.S. member, a %&(# (&$ bikini, and a ^*$^!.

(If you weren't there, that's too damn bad, show up at the next pool party!)

Someone in a uniform was not pleased at all. I just remember the guy looking at me very disappointed and saying, "Come on man. COME ON!"

Nick Nichols and I didn't help out the matter by becoming cheerleaders. Niki Beach party isn't the only game in town! GAME OVER!!

Time to head to Miami Prime for some Mac' N' Cheese. Dante proceeded to kindly ask the poor fellow to leave the party.

FOR THE RECORD: "IT" didn't happen, during "WHENEVER" time. That's for those of you keeping score at home.

FOR THE RECORD #2: INCREDIBLE tag team set by Calpuccino and A.D. A.D. YOU ARE AN ANIMAL! BEST LAST 10 MINUTES OF A DJ SET EVER!

Here's more of what went down...

A whole lot of finger painting
A four way water fight between Dante, Alfresh, Jackie, and Charlotte.
Somebody brought a watermelon to the party. Just like Jennifer Grey in Dirty Dancing, except this watermelon was "different!"
The Amber Alert for Buddy Lee was over. He showed up and bobbled his head to the DJ'S sounds all day.
The Malibu girls wore shorts this time. They like the skirts better.
I won a prize because my Malibu coconut made "noise" inside.
I optioned out of the prize and let someone else have it.
DEVIL DOC was taking some amazing pics as he rolled around the ground!
The Jacuzzi was going off!
A Brazilian bachelor party arrived around 5:30 pm. I thought they were a gay soccer team. Not there's anything wrong with gay soccer.
The green feather boa was passed around from person to person. So was my rock star top hat.
It was Milton's birthday.
It was also George's birthday.
There was no after party at Mas Inc's house. Kind of.
A fight broke out at Billy's Too later that night between two of the pool party attendees.
ZITO, CITO, or even Ray, disappeared at the end of the party. Hmm.

Too many more things to mention... These are the pics I found most "INTRIGUING" about Sunday's pool party. I've always loved pictures. Ever since my sixth grader teacher let me use his professional camera one day as an art project. Pictures are fun. They tell stories sometimes. Use your imagination...

SOME PICTURES COURTESY OF DANTE & DEVIL DOC.

CLICK HERE FOR DANTE'S PICS

CLICK HERE FOR DEVIL DOC'S PICS

THANKS BOYS! What a party! GOTTA LOVE SPRING BREAK! OUT!

-mbb

TWO ROCKIN' PARTIES OF FEBRUARY

2009-03-21T11:08:00.009-04:00

Before I start, TOMORROW IS THE SPIRIT ENHANCERS SOCIETY POOL PARTY #4 AT THE NEWPORT RESORT, SUNNY ISLES BEACH! PARTY STARTS AT NOON!!

SPRING BREAK! Yeah baby it's at its peak right now!! We've had a lot going on but there were two dope ass parties in the last month I want to mention!! Thanks to all who came out in support!!

#1: THE GREATEST 80'S PARTY EVER @ KITCHEN 305.

HOSTED BY DANTE DELGADO, NICK NICHOLS, & ALFRESH
ALFRESH & NICK NICHOLS ROCKED OUT LOTS OF 80'S JAMS
THE NIGHT INCLUDED A BREAK DANCING SHOW
$10.80 FOOD MENU
SPECIAL GUEST DJ APPEARANCE BY CALPUCCINO
AN IMPROMPTU MAGIC SHOW @ 2AM BY A VERY DEMANDING LADY
THANKS TO ALL WHO CAME OUT IN COSTUME

Here some photos from the event. Some photos courtesy of 2night.com

#2: S.E.S. POOL PARTY #3: THE DJ'S PARTY!

Wow can you believe that it was five months ago we through our first SPIRIT ENHANCERS SOCIETY pool party? Right in the middle of winter and a sand storm!! We were the only ones with the balls and crazy mindset to start throwing a monthly pool party right in the beginning of winter! Give credit to a bunch of bartenders! It was cold as shit!! We still had over a hundred people show up!! It was awesome. The S.E.S. banners proudly flapping away in the wind. How about the storm that rolled in about 7pm? Who can forget about the awesome bikini/booty shake contest? Oh, I remember it like it was just yesterday!!

Last month's SPIRIT ENHANCERS SOCIETY pool party was incredible. The music was absolutely spectacular and the atmosphere was just plain sexy!

Oh, before I forget: Great job to Nick Nichols of Billy's Pub Too for the fantastic professional photo shots with my amateur digital camera. GOOD JOB HANCOCK!

The weather is warming up and the SEXY BIKINIS are coming out! The airbrush artist was off the chain.

The sexiest airbrush artwork award goes to: Who else but Jenni Fitz!

Mas Inc. and Alfresh provided some superb sexy house music vibes.

We had a special guest appearance from Danny from Friday's and Dj Calpuccino. The music was outstanding!! I must say so again.

Many spring breakers were already in town, and they were ready to throw down with the party people from Miami! There were couples making out in the pool and the jacuzzi was jammed with hotties and cocktails!

My favorite spring breakers were the guys from CHICAGO! They had the bottles of Ferrari champagne ready and chillin', just waitin' to be popped in the SPIRIT ENHANCERS SOCIETY V.I.P. LOUNGE!

Speaking of the S.E.S. V.I.P. lounge, check out the sultry salsa dance lesson from AMANDA. Click on the VIDEO to view it.

HERE'S A QUICK RUNDOWN OF WHAT WENT ON & SOME PHOTOS:

DENNIS "RODZILLA" RODMAN WAS PRESENT!
RODZILLA & DANTE ARE NOW BFF'S AFTER A MIX UP ABOUT A PHOTO
Q AND ALFRESH STARTED THROWING PEOPLE IN THE POOL AT 6PM
AMANDA WAS GIVING SALSA LESSONS
Q WON THE JAGER MACHINE
LOTS & LOT OF SEXY AIRBRUSHING!
MISS HOLLYPENO FROM SHAMELESS BURLESQUE WAS THERE

The SPIRIT ENHANCERS SOCIETY POOL PARTY #3 WAS OFF THE CHAIN! WAIT TILL TOMORROW'S PARTY! If you miss it I will CRASTURBATE for you Sunday night!

HERE COMES THE BIG BOY VOICE:

T O M O R R O W:

ST PATRICK'S DAY 2009, BARTENDER OF THE WEEK. Kind of.

2009-03-18T12:32:00.009-04:00

Ah, St Patrick's Day. Another excuse for people to get out and get sloshed. This is also the day where I get to break out my Guinness Toastmaster's Hat. It reminds me of Dr. Seuss. I love it.

It was a very green day for me. I started the day off by hittin' the mountain biking trails at Oleta State Park. Got lots of green there. Then picked up Nick Nichols (Billy's Pub Too) at around 3:30pm. More green. We headed out to the Hard Rock Hotel after a couple of quick stops. Our main objective was to hang out at Murphy's Law and check out the festivities.

Before I go any further, let me give a huge St. Patty's Day Birthday shout to Tim. It was a great party at the campgrounds.

Nick and I arrived at Murphy's Law around 4:30. The green beer was flowing, the pints of Guinness cascading, and shots of Jameson's were getting tipped back left and right. It was raining a bit but that didn't stop anyone. The staff at Murphy's had tents set up outside. There was great coverage so the party kept on going. My favorite shirt I saw said "FECKIN FECKER!" on it.

Nick and I were greeted by an old bartender friend from Sunny Isles Tony Roma's, Mike. We B.S. around for a bit, then went to visit Paul on the other side of the bar. Paul served us up a couple of delicious green Miller Lites. He was sporting a kelly green Mohawk. Nice. We decided to go check out what the rest of the Hard Rock had to offer for St. Patty's Day. It seemed we were kind of bored after 45 minutes, so we found ourselves at the ATM machine inside the casino. Here's what we found out.

The slots weren't too friendly to Nick.
The Blackjack tables weren't too friendly to Alfresh.
The octagon was set up in the breezeway for some UFC "ripoff" fight.
I saw a leprechaun. He was grumpy and unfriendly.

The door guy/manager almost didn't let us back in to Murphy's Law when we came back from the casino. I think that is about the time the green beer hit me and I thought I saw a leprechaun wearing a tie. He didn't really care that I was writing a story on the event. I had a tab still open at the bar, but he really didn't care about that either. Reluctantly, he let us back in.

It was too busy to interview one bartender for B.O.T.W. I decided to ask a bunch of bartenders many questions. They were all cool in participating, except for one. He freaked out when I pressed record on my digital recorder. Digital recorders must be some sort of "Kryptonite" to some bartenders.

Thanks to all of the bartenders at Murphy's who kept the St. Patty's Day spirit going! Here are your Miami Bar Blog, Bartenders Of The Week.

PAUL

MBB: What inspired you to get into bartending?
Paul: It just kind of came natural to me. A friend said I would be good at it. It paid for school.

MBB: How long have you been bartending?
Paul: Twelve years.

MIKE

MBB: Blondes or Brunettes?
Mike: Brunettes.

MBB: What is your favorite elixir to consume?
Mike: Rumplemintz.

MBB: What is your favorite cocktail to make?
Mike: Jack and Coke.

KEVIN

MBB: Are you Irish?
Kevin: Actually I'm not Irish, although people ask me everyday if I am.

MBB: Have you ever seen any Leprechauns running around inside of Murphy's law? (I'm busting out laughing as I ask this question.)
Kevin: Well Berman's back here so he kind of counts as a Leprechaun.

This takes me to Berman.

MBB: How long have you been working here in the Hard Rock complex?
Berman: Three at Murphy's and four at the Hard Rock.

MBB: You worked at the Park and so did I. What do you think of those Rockit Ranch guys?
Berman: No comment. (He's laughing at this point.)

MBB: What side of Ireland are you from?
Berman: I guess Dublin.

HEATHER

MBB: How long have you been bartending at Murphy's Law?
Heather: I'm special guest bartender here tonight.

MBB: What is the wildest thing you've seen while on shift?
Heather: People having sex on the bar. (What, AGAIN?)

MBB: Are you Irish?
Heather: Yes. From Cork County.

TIMMY

MBB: How long have you been bartending at Murphy's Law? (U2 plays in the background)
Timmy: Thirteen years.

MBB: What's the wildest thing you've seen here at Murphy's Law?
Timmy: I don't really want to talk about it. (big smile and laughing.)

MBB: Are you Irish?
Timmy: No.

Anthony

MBB: How long have you been bartending at Murphy's Law?
Anthony: Ten years.

MBB: Are you Irish?
Anthony: Yes.

MBB: What is the wildest thing you've seen while on shift?
Anthony: People screwing at the inside bar right in front of me.

KELLY

MBB: How long have you been bartending?
Kelly: Five years. I also work at Bluepoint.

MBB: What is your favorite elixir to consume?
Kelly: Vodka Gimlet. (Looks like she likes the Goose.)

MBB: Are you Irish?
Kelly: Yes.

MBB: What part are you from? (I meant where from Ireland. I love her answer!)
Kelly: All of me is Irish.

Well it was time to go. The band was starting to kick things off. More and more people were coming in as we were leaving. Nick made a new friend as was trying to teach her about the "FORCE" and the "JEDI WAY."

He had to be at Billy's Too by nine and I had a birthday party to go to at the Oleta campgrounds. It was a great Saint Patrick's Day. I hope everyone enjoyed it as much as I did. Happy b-day Tim. It's time to go home.

SPIRIT ENHANCERS SOCIETY POOL PARTY THIS SUNDAY AT NOON! OUT!

-mbb

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY

2009-03-17T12:23:00.004-04:00

Happy St Patrick's Day everyone!! I'm going to be heading out to the madness at the Hard Rock! I'll be chillin' out at...you guessed it- Murphy's Law! I'll be out there doing a Bartender Of The Week Interview & draining down some pints of Guinness. Here's a quick run down of other St. Patty's (not Paddy's) events in South Florida...

BILLY'S PUB TOO W/DJ CALPUCCINO MIXIN UP THE JIGS
TGIF NMB: $5 IRISH CAR BOMBS, $2 GREEN BEER ALL DAY!
KITCHEN 305 SUNNY ISLES, FESTIVAL STARTS @ 9PM
CORAL GABLES STREET FESTIVAL- JOHN MARTIN'S IS OFFICIAL STOP
HARD ROCK MURPHY'S LAW BLOWOUT
THE FIELD- DANIA BEACH

THE SES POOL PARTY #4 IS THIS SUNDAY!! DON'T MISS OUT! OUT!

-mbb

SPRING BREAK & LADIES NT @ KITCHEN 305, SUNNY ISLES BEACH

2009-03-14T04:25:00.008-04:00

This past Wednesday night at Kitchen 305 was pretty friggin rocking! Dj Calpuccino and Alfresh (my alter ego) walked in to a packed house of spring breakers. I would have to say the girl to guy ration was about 7 to 1. It was pretty impressive. The spring breakers were all lined up against the bar top getting their ladies night drink on! More on the bar top later.

Dante Brittney, and Sylvia were slammed straight till about midnight. They did a fantastic job taking care of all those sunburned spring breakers!! Bartender Of The Week Chris G. from John Martin's was in the house! It was also great to see Mckenzie and Eddie from Miami Prime, as well as our bad ass center fielder for our softball team David! Before I go any further I wanna give props to Johnathon the Manager for always being on point and Arturo the sound guy. Arturo: you disappear too quickly though;)

We started to set up sound around 9:30pm when we realized that we didn't have the right cables to hook up into the house sound system. No problem. My boy Mas Inc. had his Ipod handy and through in a nice hip hop club mix. The mix held us over till we got the cable issue fixed, and voila... Calpuccino got the party started!!

It was a bit stressful for a while there, but it wasn't anything that a shot of Patron and Jager couldn't take care of. The party then got taken to the next level when Mas Inc got on the mic and invited all the girls to get up on the bar top! I was sitting by the DJ booth counting with Jenergy, "Look there's 7 girls on the bar top!" She would come back with "No there's 9!" We kept that going on until the bar top capped out at 15! It was off the chain!

They were dancing their asses off the the jammies Calpuccino was dropping! He held it down nicely till about midnight. I had my "pregame warm up" of Jager and Bacardi and I eventually got on the dex. I through down a super energetic house set till around 2:30 am. It was a great vibe all night!

My favorite part of the night was the guy who got caught drilling the girl on the couch. He got caught red handed with his hand in...use your imagination...

Ahhhh the joys of being young and on spring break. No bills, no responsibilities, just make it back home to Vermont in one piece from spring break. All in all this past Wednesday Ladies Night at Kitchen 305 was off the hook! I'll be spinning again on April 1st. Spring Break will still be going on, come join us!

This Sunday is the Billy's Pub Too BBQ at Greynold's Park West. Come play volleyball with us as I attempt to spike the volleyball on Nick Nichol's head!

The Spirit Enhancers Society next pool party is next Sunday March 22. Party starts at noon. Mas Inc & Alfresh spinning! Air brush artwork, jello shots! Girls in bikinis! Beautiful MIAMI BEACH! Get there early, this one is going to be jamming! Until next time, OUT!

UPCOMING EVENTS

-mbb

Brittney Spears, Mynt Lounge, and Softball

2009-03-09T12:29:00.011-04:00

It was a great weekend here in the MIA. I had some friends in town from Jacksonville who were here to see the Brittney Spears concert. They tried to convince me to go, but I just couldn't pull the trigger on that one. My friends were staying at the Mondrian Hotel in SOBE and I got a chance to get down there to visit them. If you haven't been to the Mondrian hotel yet it's pretty spectacular. The pool area is where it's all at. I'll pass on the $75 mini bottle of Patron in the mini bar. Emphasis on mini.

We hit up Finnegan's Too on Lincoln Road for some Gator basketball, eats, and cocktails. Thanks to Susan the bartender for the "ice cold" Amstel Lights & the hospitality! The plan was to meet up later that night and hit up club Mynt. I went home and recharged my batteries.

The weather was nice and cool so I took my Harley out for a spin. I stopped by Kitchen 305 to see my boy Dante, then headed down to South Beach. I met my friends down at the Delano. The Delano was rockin'! When I first moved to Miami, my friend Roger and I would always go to the Delano in the daytime. We would by a couple of beers and play free pool. They have one pool table and it's open. However, at night that pool table gets raped over and over! It's hard to get on. It's like the one pool table at Purdy, and now the one pool table at Oak And Mary in Coconut Grove. Hmmm, why is it that I keep noticing these one pool table venues? We chilled out there for about an hour> I was really hungry. My boy Tim and I were talking about picking up a couple of slices of Pizza, when low and behold; Tim's wife Leland and her friend Snow walked over with a big bag of Sushi from the "Blue Door. Tim and I tore that Sushi up! Then we all head over to Mynt.

It was 1:30 am and people were clamoring to get inside Mynt. Ahh, the old velvet ropes. My boy Chris the General Manager wasn't too pleased that we got there so late, however he waved us through pretty briskly. Thanks Chris for being such a great host. Chris handed me some drink tickets and I passed them on to my friends. I was taking it easy being that I was on the Harley.

Mynt was really cool. Great sound system, awesome laser lights, and huge video color boxes and screens. Bottles of Grey Goose and PJ Rose were being popped left and right. The house music was bangin'. I don't think most of the people in there knew that we are in a recession. Oh well.

It was getting late and I remembered the Spirit Enhancers Society were having a big softball game on Sunday. We were going up against the Miami Shores Blazers. I said goodbye to my friends from Jacksonville, and called it a night.

I arrived at the Miami Shores softball field at around 3pm.

First off I want to mention that our good friend George from the Ale House was in a car accident late Saturday night. George and Candace were supposed to play on our team. They were our ringers and that's why we lost! WINK WINK! George is pretty banged up but okay for the most part.

To George: here's to a speedy and safe recovery, and please rewrite your "mission statement!"

Nick, Zito, Danny, Dante, and a few others were already there. We had some fans there too. Janet, Eva, Andraya, and Ryan. Even DJ CALPUCCINO stopped by with his family. Extra special thanks to Janet for being our team photographer. Thanks Janet, we love you! Andraya next time bring the pom poms:)

We got in some batting practice and fielding drills. Then we waited around for the Blazers to get there. And waited. Dante was getting really grumpy. They didn't get there till about 4:15. Blame it on the time change. Yeah right. They don't call them the Blazers for nothing! Sorry D.

Speaking of D, he hit a bomb into left center and proceeded to "truck" around the bases. He ended up getting an in the park home run, and almost a coronary. For those of you who don't know Daryl, he's kind of a "big guy." D then proceeded to sit out for a couple of innings. Good job Hancock!

I'll keep the game summary short. We started off really strong with five runs in the top of the first. Then the Blazers scored some runs, and more runs, and some more runs. The final score was:

BLAZERS 19 SPIRIT ENHANCERS SOCIETY 11. They kicked our ass! REMATCH!

They don't call them the Blazers for nothing!

GAME NOTES:

Dante pulled a hamstring in the top 1st. End of game for him.
Daryl had an inside the park home run- and almost a hospital trip.
Zito hit a triple.
Danny did an excellent job fielding & pitching.
Alfresh WAS safe at second. There was no tag! I was called out.
David had an inside the park home run.
Nick tried to catch a laser thrown to him at third with his HAND. One word bro, "BACKHAND". WITH THE GLOVE.
Rob turned an infield single in to a run, and two nasty raspberries.
The Blazers kicked our ass.
Nathaniel had a nice head first slide double.
Nick did an awesome job at first.
Danny (TGIF) got hit hard in the calf by the ball.
Third base popped out.
The Blazers kicked our ass.

I'm sure there's more I left out. Put them in the comment box. Thanks.

MORE PICS:

After the game Nick, Dante, Zito and myself headed over to Miami Prime for some eats and cocktails. Eddie and Socrates were tending bar. Can't beat those $5 Skyy
doubles. Thanks guys! Someone mentioned something about an $18 dollar Glenlivet, so we headed over to the Cigar Lounge for a stogie.

The Cigar Lounge was a great way to end the day. We were all sore and super tired. We fired up the stogies and B.S. about the game and other things. There was a band of Gypsies in there so we clutched onto our belongings really tightly. I kept a close eye on my Skyy & Grapefruit. The Cigar Lounge was winding things up. The Gypsies were leaving, the music was fading, and the tabs were closing. My body was sore. Time to go home for ALFRESH!

What a great weekend. Until next time my friends. As my boy Dante says, CHEERS!

HERE'S MORE PICS FROM THE SOFTBALL GAME.

-mbb