Cabaret Cocktail Boutique
On Saturday night my Aussie workmate Caryn and I decided to check out the Cabaret Cocktail Boutique downtown. It's a new venue in Chicago, about 2 months old. We were expecting to see a cabaret show however it turned out to be a cabaret-themed lounge (lounge is American for nightclub). The waitresses were dressed in the proper attire but don't dance... instead we had to do the dancing. Outside there was a huge glitzy sign which said "Cabaret." The interior was immaculate and the furnishings were sufficiently decadent. Drinks were expensive! It's also the first time I've been to a toilet with an attendant. His name was William I think and after I tipped him $2 for the privilege I made a note to myself to not go for a piss for the rest of the night. By 12:30 when we left the place was packed with a fairly well-presented crowd. I think I would go back there only if I can afford it, and of course only if the bouncer would let us in. Earlier that night he did the old "not in those shoes" routine but let me off "just this once" because we arrived early and no-one was there yet.
Funny disturbing story... we actually arrived too early and they hadn't opened yet so we decided to find a bar and have a quick drink. The bar we found was Andy's Piano Bar, which is a gay piano bar. I was like what the hell maybe they will be playing piano, but alas it was too early for that. When we got in Caryn went off to the washroom and I went and sat on a stool and got the drinks. That was a few very nervous minutes. I sort of just passed the time tapping my feet to the song (Blondie - Heart of Glass) and sipping on my cranberry & grey goose vodka, all too aware of the hungry stares of lonely men spaced evenly around the bar. Caryn was the only girl in there and I was very relieved when she got back. We chilled out for a while then some bloke ordered us a drink. Score! We're still not sure who it was for, so we shared it.
Comments
I can't believe they either didn't let you play the piano, or you didn't have the guts. You would have picked up if you'd fired off a couple of ragtime tunes.
Posted by: G-hizzle | January 19, 2006 08:32 PM
I am trying to picture you dancing....heh heh....funny mental imagery! :P
Posted by: Orin | January 21, 2006 11:00 AM
Rodney,
I am very worried. I think you have either
a) been kidnapped by the brothers in the hood, or
b) become so fascniated with the world of **** and it's inspiring catch phrases that you are lost within campus.
Why do I think this I hear you ask, well because there has been no new entry onto your blog in 6 days (more accurately 135 hours and 17 minutes at time of writing), and Rodney, you being the kind of guy eager to change the course of history through your blog alone, the thought that we have been without your sharp, witty and funny outlook on America (with the same authority as Alistair Cooke) for 6 days saddens me. So I pray to god and reach for my M16 ready to rain fire in my own Operation Enduring Freedom to search for you Rodney and bring you back to civilation.
Posted by: qwertytam | January 23, 2006 11:52 PM
G, I can't deny the awesome pulling power of a ragtime solo. It would be in the same class as an astroboy t-shirt for example. That's why my piano tunes are best left for very special occasions.
Orin, yes it's embarrassing to all involved!
Howzit Tom, yes 6 days is a long time to be parked in the emergency stopping lane of the information superhighway. This is due to nothing much interesting happening that I can write about. Last Monday was a ripper so I'll put that in and backdate it. Also there have been several important developments in the weather which deserve an entry. As for **** and it's phrases, "let's take it offline."
Posted by: Rodney L. | January 24, 2006 12:52 AM
Hello Rodney! Funny blog. Sounds like you're having fun! Didn't know you played the piano. Ok cool, see ya!
Posted by: Selina | January 24, 2006 08:08 AM
Hey Selina! This blog was inspired in part by your own fantastic live journal. However so far I have stayed away from the dodgy randoms. And I don't think I'll have time to visit Canada. :( We'll see.
Posted by: Rodney L. | January 30, 2006 12:56 AM