BEEN AROUND THE BLOCK

I must admit, that having off the holiday week is a rare and thankful treat this year. The luxury retailer I work for decided that our holiday trim will stay up to New Years, so it gives us the option to take off if we wish. I had a lovely time home with family, before moving on to make other visits. One found me at my friend's Preston's in New York. I met up with Mistress Maddie's #1 Fan before hand to have drinks first. At the swanky Beekman.

For decades the decaying  stunner sat boarded up or uninhabited, awaiting its next act while remaining a source of local intrigue. Fashion insiders helped put the building back on the map when Proenza Schouler unveiled its spring 2013 collection in the atrium. Now, finally, the edifice is open to all and it debuted as the Beekman, with 285 rooms plus two turret suites. A sensitive renovation has revived the neglected beauty while maintaining its patina. It is jaw dropping for sure. I was absolutely in love with the Bar Room, with it's bookcases and the portrait of Edgar Allen Poe, who I once understand worked at the location for a short time. When you visit, take in the skyward view from the lobby bar. WOW! And the cock-a-tails and jazz were fist rate.

Then it was off to Preston's party who had it at Indochine, a place I had always wanted to try. If you live in New York or over 40 you have probably been to Indochine,  considering that this place has in business for nearly three decades. And somehow despite its age, this restaurant has managed to stay relevant, at least amongst a certain crowd - the arty, camp and fashion crowd. A visit to Indochine on any given night is pretty much like walking into a cartoon rendering of a fashion blogger’s wet dream. It’s a funky, dated room full of very stylish people doing lots of things. other than eating it's French-Vietnamese  menu, many of whom are famous in their industry. Almost all are completely unrecognizable to say someone in a conservative business field. For what it is, I happen to like Indochine a lot. This is one of those places where you simply know what you’re going to get, every single time

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The scene is more interesting than the somewhat average Pan-Asian food, but eating the city’s best spicy shrimp probably isn’t why you came here in the first place. If it is, you’re doing it wrong. Indochine is the place you come for a big group outing, especially of the birthday dinner variety. If you’re looking for a restaurant that can serve a table of ten equal parts food and vodka soda in high volume, this is your spot. I did spot some questionable persons though while there....

Like these three! Sherry Vine, Penny Arcade and the legendary Joey Arias What a holiday treat. Sherry will be there with Amanda Lepore for New Year's Eve. That sure to be a eye popping show. And to my surprise some of you may remember Prince Charming I dated a few years back. Well he was there and what a surprise. The Lad didn't know so it was a secret.

And ten points goes to anyone who can tell me why this wallpaper looks so damn familiar???? Come on queens.

 After such frivolity. it was back to Bucks County Friday to meet up with friend Peter who had his visiting nephew with him. I'm not much for kids but was he a cutie and so well behaved. We took in Fonthill Castle here in Doylestown.

Built between 1908-1912, Fonthill was the home of Henry Chapman Mercer. Archaeologist, anthropologist, ceramist, scholar and antiquarian, Mercer built Fonthill both as his home and as a showplace for his collection of tiles and prints.

Of course drinks after.

Now that's what the holidays are to me. Spending time with family and friends and enjoying the company, food, and other earthly delights. The only gifts I received were my usual stocking my mother does for me every year, my favorite part. A very nice surprise from Daddy Warbucks, which I will reveal in good time, and a naughty gift from the Lad. I also indulged in a gift to myself of a tan wool pea coat from a Amsterdam company called Scotch and Soda.  Fits like a glove. And speaking of gifts, my little Poison Ivy figure that the lovely, but deadly Ravager sent me must be good luck. Because my poinsettias are still alive.

Now, this weekend, I have been taking it easy and getting ready for a small intimate dinner with the Lad, Peter and others for New Years Eve and enjoying the last days off.