SGN June 17, 2011 - Section 3 - Travel

Seattle Gay News

Issue 24, Volume 39, June 17, 2011

Section 3 TRAVEL GUIDE

traveler. From crystal blue beaches in Phuket to tempting nightlife in Bangkok, this is a place where dreaming is believing. And talk about a hotspot – located south of Laos and Myanmar in Southeast Asia, Thailand is often roasting in high temperatures. The Gay lifestyle is accepted throughout the kingdom, so you need not worry about being harassed or discriminated against – though, if traveling alone I’d advise staying near the Gay districts or city centers. Visit www.tourismthailand.org for travel planning information.

Here’s how you might spend a week in Thailand.

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FIRST STOP: BANGKOK Over 9 million people live in Thailand’s capital city, with another 2 million residing in the outskirts of this sought-after destination. With the exception of Paris, no other urban area I’ve visited welcomes the diversity of tourists that Bangkok does – people from all around the globe come here for one reason or another. Public transportation consisting of light rail, SkyTrain, buses, taxis, riverboats, and tuk tuks (motorized rickshaws) is inexpensive and covers all parts of this densely populated city. What’s fascinating is how the 9 million inhabitants from such diverse cultural backgrounds – Buddhists to Muslims, Transgender to military personnel, Thai nationals to foreign dignitaries – share this space with no apparent conflicts. Everyone goes about their business and doesn’t nt s

k taxi

A Bangko

by Albert Rodriguez SGN A&E Writer

K. J. F. Mart in

Thai Grand Palace in Bangkok

It takes at least 15 hours to reach Thailand from Seattle (and that’s just flight time), but where else can you ride an elephant through a jungle, munch on fried crickets, receive a Buddhist monk’s blessing at a hilltop temple, and get fullhour massages for six bucks all in the same vacation?

Officially a kingdom, although referred to as a country, Thailand is beautiful and mystical with a bit of everything to soothe or excite the

STAY Want to sleep in the same bed Hollywood hunk Bradley Cooper did? The Grand Centre Point Hotel Ratchadamri (www.centrepoint.com/grandecentrepoint) will increase your chances considerably, since part of the film crew of The Hangover Part Two stayed at this modern, apartment-style hotel that includes kitchenettes, washer/dryers, dishwasher, and all-wood floors. Within walking distance of shopping centers, tourist attractions, and restaurants, this is a perfect spot to anchor the Bangkok leg of your trip – the Ratchadamri district is very popular with locals and tourists alike. To cure your jet lag, book yourself a treatment at RarinJinda Wellness Spa, on the eighth floor of the hotel, which costs 1,000 baht (about $32) for an hour-long massage – the herbal hot compress was a godsend.

Another recommendation is the Siam City Hotel (www.siamhotels.com/siamcity) which also puts you within steps of cafés, retail shops, and two blocks from a SkyTrain station (and four stops ahead of the Gay district of Silom). Both of these hotels are contemporary with fitness areas, pool facilities, on-premise dining options, and tastefully see thailand page 20

Lieu Song

Bangkok, Thailand at night

get into anyone else’s.

Here’s more information and suggestions for visiting Bangkok.

From London to Paris and back again

Sister Stella Standing takes Heart Breaks Open to London film festival

by Brian Daniel Peters Special to the SGN Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Brian Daniel Peters, but you may know me by a few other character names.

One is Mama Tits, the brassy host of Le Faux at Julia’s on Broadway. The other is the larger-than-life Sister Stella Standing of The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, The Abbey of St. Joan. My bags are packed (I hope I have enough veils and jewels), I am about to embark on a 12-day journey to London and Paris, and I want to share all the fun.

About a year ago, film producer Basil Shadid requested that the Sisters be part of a local independent film about HIV. A few Sisters and I were selected to be involved in Heart Breaks Open, directed

by Billie Rain.

I was cast as one of the leads, Michael/ Sister Alysa Trailer, an apartment manager who stumbles upon a tenant during a suicide attempt. The tenant – Jesus, played by Maxamillian Davis – had recently contracted HIV after cheating on his partner, Johnny (Samonte Cruse). My character and Jesus then begin a journey of understanding, acceptance, and love, showing that being diagnosed with HIV isn’t the end of the world.

After we sent our movie all over the world to be considered for film festivals, the 25th annual British Film Institute’s London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival asked us to hold our world premiere at their event. Thanks to the generosity of the community, business owners on Broadway, and family, Max, Billie, and I were able to make the journey to represent our film across the pond.

THE FILM FESTIVAL The next day was the opening of the 25th London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival.

When I received my credentials, it hit me; I was looking at my own picture on my credentials as a filmmaker. It was overwhelming.

I quickly ran back to the house to prep for the opening night party. About two hours later, I emerged as Sister Stella, ready to go, along with Sister Cuminja. We both hopped the train in Waterloo station in full regalia, blessing people we encountered along the way.

When Sister Cuminja and I walked into the party, it was already in full swing. The party did not stop, but rather parted as we came in. Most of these people had never seen a Sister of Perpetual Indulgence before, let alone a 7’6” one covered in glitter and feathers, like me. It was a great feeling for both of us, because as everyone laid eyes on us, the biggest smiles came across their faces.

After the party, we headed to Lewisham

Westminster Abbey

david macdonald

EXPLORING LONDON We were met at Heathrow Airport by Sister Cuminja Wrasse. Meeting Sister Cuminja was like connecting with a family member, even though we had never met. She greeted me with a metro card, a local prepaid cell phone, and a can of gin and tonic. We felt like Edina and Patsy coming home from holiday.

After a quick stop at Sister Cominja’s house, it wasn’t long before it hit me: I was walking in London! I could not believe I was standing in Trafalgar Square surrounded by landmarks and history and pulsating energy. We ended up in Soho, the Gay center of London. We stopped into old Comptons of Soho pub, the oldest Gay bar in London. On a Monday night, the place was filled with gorgeous men drinking pints and having a great time.

The next day, my other London host, Andy Markham (aka Sister Dire), took me to see Parliament, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey, which I had dreamed about visiting for as long as I could remember. It was more enormous than I could have ever imagined. Though we had to pay 19 pounds sterling (almost $31!) to enter the Abbey, it was worth it.

I decided not to take the audio tour (I hate being one of those people glued to a headset and not really taking in the grandeur of the place), and I was glad I did as I do not think we would have noticed everything otherwise.

First, the place is one huge tomb. There are burial sites everywhere – all over the floors, up the walls, and there are even

grand tombs overlapping not-so-grand tombs. I knew there were a lot of people buried in Westminster Abbey, but this was crazy. There are more than 3,000 people buried there!

While walking through the Abbey, I noticed a staircase leading up to a raised chapel area with a sign that read “By appointment only.” I asked one of the tour guides if I might be able to see what was up there, and a lovely Scottish lady by the name of Pat obliged us. She took us to the top of the stairs and promptly welcomed us into the holiest of spots in Westminster Abbey and the reason for the Abbey being built: the tomb of Edward the Confessor.

I was overwhelmed with the energy in this space. The ornate stone carvings that surrounded me had been there for 1,000 years, and scores of people have made pilgrimages to see them. Surrounding Edward’s tomb are the tombs of Henry III, Edward I, Eleanor of Castile (arguably the most beautiful effigy in the Abbey), Edward III, Philippa of Hainault, Richard II with his queen Anne of Bohemia (the first double tomb in England), and, of course, Henry V. After spending about an hour in the chapel, I decided to wander the rest of the Abbey. Every chapel was awe-inspiring and breathtaking. I rounded a corner and came upon the tombs of Mary, Queen of Scots, and Queen Elizabeth I. I ran into Pat again, and she showed me the tomb of Sir Isaac Newton and the incredible Coronation Throne, better known as King Edward’s Chair. It was just next to the exit doors of the Abbey in a climate-controlled glass room, as it had been painstakingly restored – after all, this throne was commissioned by King Edward I in 1296.

Over the next few days, I explored the city. We headed out to the beautiful Tower Bridge, which had just been restored and had a fresh coat of paint which glimmered in the sun, all beautiful blues with black trim. We entered the Tower of London, and immediately were transported almost 1,000 years back in time. I recommend that you visit at the end of the day, when it can just be you and the castle (and not a million tourists and school kids); the power of the space and all of its rooms is best felt in small numbers.

You can almost hear the sound of horses in the courtyard and people in the hallways.

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and hit up the local Queer pub called Bar 286, where I had already spent a few late nights since I had arrived. When we walked in, the owner greeted us with open arms. He was about to close up for the night, but when we showed up he decided to let us stay and drink the night away!

We fired up the karaoke machine and had a blast until about 3 a.m. If you ever get the chance to go to London, I recommend you venture to Lewisham and hit up the Bar 286. Tell Josie that Sister Stella says hello!

OFF TO PARIS The next morning, I headed to the train station. I was off to Paris to celebrate my birthday weekend with the Paris order of the Sisters. I chose to take the rails because I did not want to have to fight my way through the airports in both cities, and I wanted to see the countryside of England and France. The trip took only two hours (at speeds of 200 mph) and before I knew it we were pulling into downtown Paris!

I got off the train and met with Sister Extasia, who took me to Sister Innocenta’s place, where I would be staying.

We emerged from the subway on Boulevard Beaumarchais, and the first thing I noticed was the beautiful architecture.

To my right was a huge monument to the

Bastille with a gold-winged statue atop the highest point. Everything was beautiful – the buildings, the doors, the people, the light poles, everything.

That night, Sister Extasia took me on a little walking tour of le Marais, the Gay center of Paris, and through the Place de Vosges. Seeing Paris at night was amazing; you feel so romantic and in awe of your surroundings. The streets and some of the buildings were over 1,000 years old, and everything was gilded and carved to perfection.

My guide made sure I knew the way back and left me to wander the streets of Paris alone, and I was stunned by the city’s overwhelming beauty.

The next day Innocenta took me on the sightseeing journey of a lifetime. Our first stop was the Eiffel Tower, which makes the Space Needle look like a child’s toy. As we walked along the park, watching all the people enjoying the sun, I was so overwhelmed I started to cry.

Our next stop was the Arc de Triomphe. It was built to commemorate all of Napoleon’s victories – for such a small man, he had one hell of a giant arch.

It was truly a sight to behold, then we took a turn and we walked down the ChampsElysees. Alas, this was the most commercial part

of our tour. Sister Innocenta explained that the Champs-Elysees is now a giant shopping district for big chain stores, and not the romantic avenue it once was. I was still happy to be here but I had to agree, this was a place to lighten your wallet for overpriced everything.

After lunch, we visited the Paris Opera House. Even though it was being restored and covered in scaffolding, it was still one of the most beautiful buildings I have ever laid eyes on. With all the people milling about on the steps, street performers doing their thing, and the city traffic buzzing about, it was magic for a performer like me.

We moved on to our next destination, Notre Dame Cathedral. This place is massive; the doors seemed over 50 feet tall. The crowds were herded through like cattle in a constant flow, passing the main prayer area and being moved along the corridors that surround the sanctuary.

Strangely, I was standing in one of the most famous churches ever, and I felt nothing. At Westminster Abbey, I felt the power resonating from everything despite all the tourists, but for some reason Notre Dame did not

have the same feeling. It was cold, dark, and foreboding, even though it was sunny and warm outside.

THE PARISIAN PARTY SCENE After all that sightseeing, we headed back to the house to rest before going out that night as Sisters to a few parties.

I woke up to a house full of Paris Sisters, and we had a lovely dinner and then set up to manifest. Soon we had four Sisters all made up and ready to head out.

We walked over to the metro and got on the train. By now it was midnight, and it had just become my birthday. The Paris Sisters broke out into song, singing “Happy Birthday” to me on the train. It was very sweet and I got all emotional (as I am sure you could have guessed).

After a bit of a train ride, we arrived at a party for the Gay Paris Olympic Swim Team. As soon as we arrived, it was like getting onto a roller coaster – just get in and hold on. We were greeted by the hosts of the party and ushered in. They treated us like queens – VIP everything, cocktails flowing, men clambering to touch us, and paparazzi everywhere.

I have been in crazy crowd situations before, but this was very different, mainly because I did not speak French as well as I would have liked, and the crowds had see london page 22

file photo

The Eiffel Tower

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Finally, A New Gay Bar in West Seattle!

Coming Summer 2011 4

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www.outwestbar.com June 17, 2011

Celebrating 38 Years!

s g n i r p S alm

Why we love

P

by David Luc Nguyen SGN Contributing Writer

Visiting Palm Springs makes you feel like Edward and Jacob from the Twilight movies have teamed up, ditched that whiny Bella girl, married each other, and retired in a chic ’70s retro home in the California desert. The Twilight theme is also fitting because the stereotype of older Gay men migrating here isn’t exaggerated – they come to live out their twilight years with their significant other. With so much to do, it’s no wonder that Gay and straight alike flock to visit and end up staying.

The warm reception we get here isn’t just from the desert winds. According to many different sources, the LGBTQ population outnumbers the heteros in this desert paradise. With such an overwhelming number of fruity citizens, it’s no wonder that the city offers a refreshing and wide range of options for visitors and residents alike.

GETTING THERE Palm Springs has been the stomping ground of celebrities and socialites for decades, and this Seattle celebutante and his closest friends got to experience the opulent hotels, delectable restaurants, bars, cultural experiences, and sun-filled activities the town had to offer.

Getting to the fabulous desert city is only a three-hour flight from Seattle, and you can get there on a round trip non-stop for less than $250 with a little planning.

ACCOMMODATIONS The Hyatt Regency is the most decadent and lavish hotel in Palm Springs. It’s a far cry from what many Gay couples choose as accommodations (as Palm Springs is known for having many clothing-optional resorts), but we chose to accentuate the glamour rather than our love handles.

The Hyatt Regency was so fabulous, we ran into the prima donnas from Logo TV’s A-List.

As the elevator door closed, we heard a high, screechy voice whine, “OMG [the actual letters, not the words], they don’t have an upgrade? Do they know who we are? They don’t have the presidential suite?”

All I can say to that is, “Honey, you don’t need the presidential suite. You need the princess suite with extra-insulated walls and an extra room for your big egos and oversized Gucci man purses.”

The giant marble foyer was the perfect setting for the most outrageous diva fit that those “ladies” could come up with. The hotel oozes urbane sophistication and is fresh from a $15 million transformation.

Its giant oversized atrium-style ceilings inspire a feeling of greatness. The modern and opulent resort-like hotel offers the city’s best views of the surrounding mountains and cityscape from six floors

of expansive balconies and terraces.

The rooms are luxurious and decorated with rich dark chocolate, coffee bean, and creamy vanilla walls encasing an inviting white suede designer sectional and chaise lounge. Orange accented chairs bring punches of bold color to a tranquil earthtone palette. Other features include giant balconies, flatscreen TVs, and plush hypoallergenic beds. It’s like spending the night in a Pottery Barn showroom. After a peaceful night’s sleep, guests can enjoy drinks at the poolside bar in the exclusive cabana suites.

If you want a more unique and/or inexpensive lodging experience, try one of Palm Springs’ 28 Gay and Lesbian resorts. These resorts are what make Palm Springs such a special Gay destination.

DINING Conveniently located within walking distance of the Hyatt Regency, you’ll find a slew of restaurants downtown, but two shine exceptionally brightly and offer very different but equally enjoyable dining experiences.

TRIO RESTAURANT If you’re looking for a place to enjoy a scrumptious meal and a bottle of wine with your friends from Bellevue (or Beverly Hills) in a not-so-stuffy environment, try Trio Restaurant Palm Springs.

It offers tasty modern American fare in a desert-casual atmosphere at an affordable price. When entering Trio Restaurant, you’ll be greeted by friendly (and handsome) faces against a backdrop of sleek, contemporary elegance. A trio of cascading seashell chandeliers softly illuminate the dining room and full-service bar, setting the perfect mood for patrons to enjoy the food and company on a warm desert night. The tangerine accents and the mod graphic fabrics blend seamlessly, allowing attention to be paid to the undeniable star: the cuisine.

I’d recommend starting with the strawberry salad, which includes shaved fennel, baby spinach, and spicy walnuts, topped off with a rosemary and strawberry vinaigrette. For a cocktail, try either the peartini (Grey Goose pear, amaretto, lemon juice, and a lemon twist) or a Palm Springs punch (Coruba spiced rum, triple sec, cream de

Get your mind out of the gutter, people; this isn’t a Kate Moss snorting cocaine incident. We literally got high up in the mountains! We got on at Valley Station (starting at 2,643 feet) and went all the way up to the top at Mountain Station (8,516 feet). The views on the way up are incredible as you enjoy the sheer cliffs of Chino Canyon in the 360-degree rotating compartment, but they are positively spectacular at the top. Don’t forget your jackets, folks, because we went from shorts, T-shirt, and flip-flop weather to ice-cold AZUL TAPAS LOUNGE AND PATIO snowy mountaintops within minutes. It’s At the Azul Tapas Lounge, we were treat- an awe-inspiring nature wonderland. ed to a secret recipe that any establishment THE FABULOUS PALM SPRINGS would envy. The recipe calls for the perfect combination of strong cocktails, good com- FOLLIES Don’t miss this world-famous, Broadpany, excellent service, healthy portions of food, and a perfect balance of two Palm way-caliber celebration of music, dance, Springs quintessential ingredients: a witty and comedy of the ’40s, ’50s, ’60s, and drag queen and a piano bar. Combine these ’70s with a cast old enough to have lived and you have the recipe for a memorable through it. Venerated guest stars and international vaudeville acts join the evening in the desert.

This establishment features a classic yet Follies’ world-renowned line of Longinviting decor. You’ll repose in chocolate Legged Lovelies and Follies Gentlemen, leather seats before crisp white table linens, all ranging in age from 56 to 81.

Highlights of the show included fantasall richly pulled together by the mahogany columns. Your eyes will be drawn to the tic showgirl costumes that would make restaurant’s centerpieces, which include the La Femme Magnifique International an oversized piano bar and tinsel beaded contestants green with envy, a truly amazdrapes that would make any Las Vegas ing juggler (I know juggling sounds lame, showgirl giggle with delight. The feel of the but trust me, it’s an awesome and underlounge is perfectly topped off by mocha col- appreciated art), and all of the beautiful ored bead and crystal stem-candle votives harmonies and group numbers. that glitter like the hostess’ disco ball outfit OTHER MUST-DO ACTIVITIES and bedazzled fascinator.

Each year, Palm Springs hosts the Rudy de la Mor, the evening’s hostess, was a joy to watch while we enjoyed great White Party. It’s a fabulous event where service and excellent food. She was even so everyone dresses in white (and often in kind as to welcome my friends (of Asian de- crazy costumes) and dances the night cent) and me to America. We’d usually be away. This year featured a performance offended by the insinuation that we’re im- by Robin S., and in the days preceding the migrants based on the shape of our eyes but main party, people got to enjoy the sun at there’s something endearing about this sing- the legendary pool parties.

If hot, scantily clad men aren’t your ing and piano-playing muse that is simply charming. She entertained the crowd with thing, check out the Indian Canyon Tour, Gershwin’s “Swanee” and a rousing version the Palm Springs Art Museum, gambling, shopping at the outlet malls, and my faof “Mame.”

After enjoying a great dinner of succu- vorite activity: the Palm Springs street lent salmon and mouth-watering scallops fair. It was incredible to walk the crowded on a bed of butternut squash, we washed it streets with the faint smell of kettle corn all down with strong mojitos on the hopping in the air while enjoying the different arts and crafts and the warm weather and and very popular outdoor lounge. clear skies. It reminded me of the nights we Seattleites would spend enjoying the ACTIVITIES There is so much more to do in Palm Torchlight Parade during Seafair. Palm Springs than I ever imagined. Before I Springs has the personality and charm had the opportunity to see the sights, that we love in the Northwest, without I only thought that Palm Springs that Southern California attitude we ofwas good for hosting the annual ten hear about. I can definitely see myself White Party (which is a must- helping to grow the ’mo population here do), golfing, and finding a sugar in the future.

Most importantly, make some time to daddy. Thank goodness I was wrong, because you’re missing sit by one of the many pools and work on out if you don’t capitalize on your tan, because we Northwesterners are all the different opportunities vitamin D deficient (aka pasty and pale after our long sunless winter). this city offers.

For information on planning your memorable vacation to Palm Springs, check AERIAL TRAMWAY While visiting Palm Springs out visitpalmsprings.org. during White Party, it isn’t a secret that we got high. We even have pictures!

noyaux, pineapple juice, and sweet and sour). For the main course you must try the Australian sea bass (oven roasted with parsley, capers, lemon zest, and breadcrumbs, drizzled with butter, on a bed of couscous).

Another must-try is lamb shank braised in burgundy, rosemary, and garlic, served with great northern white beans.

Also don’t forget to try the fantastic desserts. If you order the lemon meringue, some of the proceeds benefit local charities.

zeusbox

Joshua Tree National Park

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by Albert Rodriguez SGN A&E Writer Summer is roadtrip season – think downtown hotel and muddled cocktails, not sleeping bags and mosquito bites. If you’re not into roughing it in the woods, try an overnighter to a less remote destination – perhaps an urban getaway to Portland.

Getting to the Rose City is as easy as gassing up the car, finding a friend to ride shotgun, and loading the iPod with summer jams from Katy Perry and Death Cab for Cutie. When you arrive in PDX, this is how you might spend the next 24 hours.

ALL-DAY HAPPY HOUR Did I say all-day happy hour? Yes, I did!

The Driftwood Room (www.hoteldeluxeportland.com/hotel-deluxe-restaurant-bar) inside the glamorous Hotel deLuxe serves happy-hour drinks at happy-hour prices all the time. The darkly lit lounge, where Jennifer Aniston hung out while filming something forgettable, is wedged into a corner of this Pearl District hotel, which pays homage to Hollywood legends and cinema mavericks (Billy Wilder, hello?). New to the Driftwood Room is the Elizabeth Taylor signature cocktail, made with creme de violette and champagne – it’s classy, refreshing, and diva-inspired. The $6 croque monsieur was sinful, while the $4 bowl of smoked chicken chowder was hearty and delivered piping hot. Unless you’re a truly big eater, the portions at the Driftwood Room (the portabello burger is a meal) should provide enough fuel in the tank for the evening. Service is friendly – the bartender even printed out a list of movie times for me – and the sleek ambiance woos Portland’s cool cats nightly.

stev e mor gan

Summertime means a road trip to Portland

signed with gorgeous chandeliers, pistachiocolored drapes, huge framed mirrors, plush booths, and fine cloth-topped tables, gives the impression of being expensive, but it’s not. Five varieties of eggs Benedict, ranging from classic to seafood (Dungeness crab and Oregon bay shrimp cakes) are $14 or less, and come sided with a sautéed mix of traditional and sweet potatoes.

The highest-priced item on the breakfast/lunch menu is “The Elvis,” a fitfor-a-king stack of pancakes with peanut butter, bacon, and bananas for $17. Everything else, including omelets, hashes, waffles, and egg plates, falls somewhere between $9 and $15.

Another affordable hotel eatery is the Original (www. or igi na ldi nerant.com), on the ground floor of the Courtyard Marriott. Billing itself as a “dinerant,” this laid-back joint with hints of an old school diner, has excellent

breakfasts all priced under $12. I had the breakfast burrito filled with eggs, braised pork, green chilies, and potatoes, then finished with dollops of guacamole, cheddar cheese, and queso fresco. It ranks as one of my favorite breakfast meals. The Original’s atmosphere is youthful and hip, yet unpretentious and comfortable.

RECOVERY Two things help put you on the road to recovery, and the road back home after a long night out: massage and shopping.

The Avalon Hotel & Spa (www.avalonhotelandspa.com) is 10 minutes from downtown Portland, resting waterside and giving its guests a bit of privacy from the city bustle. The spa offers a basic menu of massages, body treatments, and reflexology, which should help restore your energy and get the blood circulating properly again. Something to note, the Avalon’s male clientele – from my observation and from those I met in the locker room – is a healthy, attractive bunch of guys that includes college athletes, firemen, and business travelers. The whirlpool, steam room, and wet sauna in the men’s area are recommended post-massage, or if you’d rather work out, a fitness area upstairs is available (inquire about use). The Avalon Spa is 13,000 square feet in size and has its own hair salon.

As for shopping, somewhat new to the scene is an H&M store at Pioneer Place in downtown (340 S.W. Morrison St.). The flagship UnderU4Men shop at 507 S.W. Broadway is great for browsing the latest fashions below the waistline. And, how can you visit Portland and not stock up on reading material with a pit stop at Powell’s Books (1005 W. Burnside)? The mega bookstore’s café is a nice spot to sip a latte and people-watch before returning to Seattle.

Martini (www.vault-martini.com), both of which draw significant Gay crowds, or for a mixed scene go to the Gilt Club (www. giltclub.com), also in the Pearl District. Just southwest of downtown, the Escape Nightclub (333 S.W. Park Ave.) is the spot to release your inner dance freak with music that ranges from industrial to new wave to house, and it’s definitely more Gay than straight.

Stripper withdrawl? The boys at Silverado (318 S.W. 3rd Ave.) will gladly take it all off, and take your dollar bills at the same time. Should you desire an artsy setting, Valentine’s (232 S.W. Ankeny St.) caters to straight, young hipsters, but there’s usually a good band playing or visual art project on display – its loft-style digs with community tables on the main floor provide a great way to blend in with PDX scenesters.

OVERNIGHT The Courtyard Marriott or Courtyard Portland City Center (www.marriott.com/ hotels/travel/pdxpc-courtyard-portlandcity-center) is right downtown and within walking distance of party zones, restaurants, and department stores. This sort-ofnew 16-story property incorporates boutique features into what would otherwise be a standard corporate hotel, starting with its lobby decked out with suede chairs and couches, nifty lamps, dark wood paneling, and cream-colored carpet to match the furniture. My room was spacious with wonderful views of the city and a tastefully decorated interior: wall print of local scenery, windowside reading chair, and extended work desk with slide-out tray. The concourse level includes a foyer, a place to mingle away from the lobby fuss, and it provides four hard-wired computer stations with free internet. Convenient and slightly upscale, the Courtyard Marriott is suggested for those who want a little flair at minimal cost.

CLUB HOPPING The usual Gay suspects are still there – C.C. Slaughters, Boxxes, Eagle, Hobo’s BREAKFAST – though I prefer Embers (110 N.W. BroadAn interesting thing about Portland is that way) for some unexplainable sloppy reason. some of the best restaurants are inside hoIf you’re feeling loungy, check out Tear- tels, such as Gracie’s (www.graciesdining. drop (www.teardroplounge.com) or Vault com) at Hotel deLuxe. The dining room, de-

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New Orleans is a food lover’s paradise, and is definitely not for the light eater. No matter what the meal, allow sufficient time to enjoy yourself. Remember, this is the South, and they don’t rush anything. As I’m not one to eat seafood, I thought dining here would be difficult, but New Orleans rose to the food challenge with many surprises.

One of the most traditional breakfasts in the French Quarter begins at Brennan’s (www.brennansneworleans.com), which opened in 1946. Their “Typical New Orleans Breakfast” begins with either a Creole Bloody Mary or brandy milk punch.

The punch is a mixture of milk, brandy, and spices that were delicious, and would (I imagine) ease anyone into the morning following an adventurous night. The meal continues with one of the house’s claims to fame, Eggs Hussarde: poached eggs with Canadian bacon, Marchand de Vin sauce, and hollandaise. Bananas foster is available, as this now world-famous dessert was created at Brennan’s. Bananas, sautéed in butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and liqueur, are topped with rum and lit aflame at your table. Not only impressive to watch prepared, but delicious with ice cream and not to be missed. Don’t be surprised if people eat soup at breakfast; either the French onion or the turtle soup (with sherry) are excellent!

For breakfast with a jazz band, try the buffet at The Court of Two Sisters (www.

courtoftwosisters.com), another French Quarter tradition. Four flags line the restaurant walls, representing different periods in Louisiana’s history. Serving as the official entrance way are the Charmed Gates, wrought-iron decorative doorways that were originally blessed by Queen Isabella to bestow charm to all those who touch them.

Seating is outside in the courtyard, under entwined branches and decorative latticework and among running fountains. The meal is buffet-style where you can enjoy the omelet bar, or a large assortment of fruits, vegetables, and salads. Breakfast meats include the usual bacon and ham, but also Cajun stewed chicken and Creole prepared sausages.

All this is enjoyed with spot-on service, and the wonderful light sounds of a live jazz band.

Dinner is an event in the South, and New Orleans is no exception. Expect two to three hours for a proper meal, excellent service by wait staff in suits, and wonderful ambience at some of the French Quarter’s best restaurants, Antoine’s and Arnaud’s. Antoine’s

atz

by Eric Andrews-Katz SGN A&E Writer

eri c and rew s-K

Taking a bite of that New Orleans flavor

Bananas Foster at

(www.antoines.com) boasts 14 dining rooms and stretches down the street. Established in 1840, it’s the oldest family-run restaurant in America. Its fame was established upon the creation of oysters Rockefeller, a dish that has long been imitated although the original recipe is a closely guarded secret. Daring to broaden my culinary horizons, I started with the potage alligator au sherry, a wellseasoned, sherry-laced alligator bisque. It was delicious and unlike anything I’ve tasted. Creamy with light seasonings, this soup was a fantastic introduction to the surprises New Orleans has to offer. For a main course I chose the poulet sauce Rochambeau, a grilled chicken breast with Rochambeau sauce over baked ham and a rich béarnaise.

After a single bite, it was easy to see why this restaurant has served presidents, Hollywood notables, esteemed authors, and even Pope John Paul II. Arnaud’s restaurant (www.arnaudsrestaurant.com) is another place of established history. For appetizers, I suggest the sensationally seasoned alligator sausage: a little gamier than pork sausage, but definitely a different if not stronger taste. Puffed sweet potato fries were absolutely incredible.

Light without being overly fried, these little finger foods had perfect flavor. The turtle

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soup is another delight. It has the thickness of a gumbo, but the flavor of well-seasoned minestrone. The added sherry brings out the more delicate flavors of this New Orleans culinary classic.

The main courses are excellent and you can’t go wrong no matter what you choose.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try the Cornish game hen, oven-roasted with a classic Véronique sauce. Be warned, though, the bones are intact, and while they may not be big enough to kill you, they are large enough to cause discomfort. As an after-dinner drink, try the café Brûlot for two. As much an after-dinner show as a drink, this concoction of cinnamon, cloves, lemon peel, sugar, and brandy is heated tableside for you. With great caution, the mixture is lit and poured down an orange rind into cups of hot coffee.

It is truly the perfect finish to a wonderful meal.

Less expensive tastes and midday meals are easily found. New Orleans spins on pizza, salads, and sandwiches such as po’ boys and mullulettas are everywhere. And, of course, there are the signature foods of New Orleans: beignets and pralines. It all awaits discovery.

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eric andr ews -Kat z

The spirits of New Orleans

by Eric Andrews-Katz SGN A&E Writer

eri c and rew s-K

the French Quarter can be served “to New Orleans. The Big Easy. The city con- go” from any jures images of dark magic and desired for- bar, and with a tunes waiting to be revealed, or sultry dra- simple transfer mas about to unfold. The Crescent City has to a plastic cup, a rich history in both this world and others, you can walk, as well. explore, and Mark Twain labeled it “The City of the drink. Bourbon Dead,” and for good reason. Venturing into Street is infaNew Orleans (at least the French Quarter) is mous for both like going to another country, away from its its straight and conservative neighbors, but without need of Gay clientele. a passport. Diversity is the ruling monarch, Such notoriety and hauntings are not only part of the his- as Tennessee tory, but also a large part of the culture and Williams, Truthe city itself. There are two kinds of spirits man Capote, in New Orleans: the seen, and the unseen. and William The first scary thought is that there are no Faulkner fredirect flights from Seattle to New Orleans, quented bars so be prepared for a stopover. Your choices here; ma ny are limited to early-morning departures or buildings will late-evening arrivals, and cabs from the air- have a plaque in port to the French Quarter cost about $40. tribute. The NaAnd while there’s not much to see on the poleon House is flatland, the drive is pleasant enough. one such place The horrors of Katrina are still evident with a name that in the boarded-up buildings and homeless- explains its history. The Hotel Monteleone ness in parts of the city. The current exhibit has the famous Carousel Bar & Lounge (ho“Before – (During) – After” at the Presby- telmonteleone.com/dining-entertainment), the “only carousel you need to be 21 years old to ride.” Enjoy drinks as the bar slowly turns.

Stories of departed spirits in New Orleans are about as common as Starbucks in Seattle.

The French Quarter is allegedly heavily populated with spirits from other worlds. Fortunes can be read from a plethora of tarots, palms, tea leaves, or playing cards. This is the home of voodoo in America, and it is still a vibrantly practiced religion here. There will be many offers to help you commune with the dead should you wish to.

One of the most haunted hotels in New Orleans is the Bourbon Orleans Hotel (www. bourbonorleans.com).

Centrally located on Reputed grave of Ma Rue Orleans, between rie Laveau Royal and Bourbon tere, on the horrors of Hurricane Katrina, is Streets, this comfortable not to be missed. In the lobby, Fats Dom- hotel is nestled in the heart of the French ino’s piano is lying on its side with the lid Quarter; far enough from Bourbon to deter ripped off its hinges – the same position it the noise of debauchery, but close enough was when found (although cleaned for the to stumble home when finished with the museum), it sets the tone for the rest of the same. The haunted history dates back to exhibit. Audio stories record the voices of the Civil War and the yellow fever epidemic people who survived, remembering the fear that swept the city, especially the orphanand helplessness of those who did not. Ga- age where the hotel now stands. I was on rerage doors can be seen with red spray paint, portedly the most haunted of the six floors, markings for hazmat workers to note if any and while I never saw any manifestations, animals survived, how many people were several peculiar things did happen. Water alive, and how many dead bodies could be moved across my bathroom floor in a serfound inside. Save the second floor for last; pentine pattern – water doesn’t move like it’s the exhibit on Mardi Gras, and will help that, and it wasn’t a leak. My digital picture to alleviate some of the experienced grief. frame turned on and off at random times, Wandering the streets of the French Quar- and the digitally set, climate-controlled ter, spirits can be seen frequently. You see room changed temperatures – of its own acquite the variety of lifestyles, and for the cord – to the same degree each time, three most part, nobody blinks. Debauchery of all out of four nights. Visions of departed gentypes can be witnessed at all times of the tlemen, nuns, or phantom children playing day along Bourbon Street. Drinks within with balls have all been reported.

A wrought-iron balcony in New

Orleans’ French Quarter

Building graves above ground is a city necessity due to the water table. Graveyard tours are offered during the first half of the day at Saint Louis Cemetery #1. Here you can visit the pre-built pyramid of Nicholas Cage’s final resting place, or the gravesites that Peter Fonda climbed in the film Easy Rider. For the more serious, the grave of

Homer Plessy (as in Plessy v. Ferguson) is found here, as is the grave of voodoo queen Marie Laveau – next to Kennedy’s, it’s the second most-visited gravesite in the United States. Guided evening ghost tours are also offered through the French Quarter.

Whatever your spiritual quest, there’s something for you in New Orleans. It’s a place to be discovered and rediscovered.

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Celebrating 38 Years!

: s l l a F a r a g a i N Not just for honeymoons

by Eric Andrews-Katz SGN A&E Writer Niagara Falls has always been a destination for honeymooners, but it is far from being restricted to the newlywed.

The falls are legendary, but there is much more to do and see in the region. Wineries abound, making Canada a leading contender in the field. Bike tours around the falls and smaller towns surrounding are wonderful options and for those wanting the arts, the internationally renown George Bernard Shaw Festival makes its home in nearby Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Niagara Falls is collectively divided into three sections: The American Falls, the Bridal Veil Falls, and the Canadian/ Horseshow Falls. Entering Queen Victoria Park (Canadian side), any driver will

immediately see parking options for $20 per day. If you are planning to spend all day here, that is a fair price. But if your desires are to spend only a few hours, you may want to drive about half a mile further down the main strip, where decently priced hourly parking is available.

To get back to the Horseshoe Falls, your choices are either to wait for the shuttle or just take the pleasant walk along the bank of the falls. Once there, options are varied.

Walking along the bank is picturesque and free of charges (aside from parking). It’s a beautiful way to spend the day enjoying an incredible natural sight. If you want to see the falls up close, there are several options.

Boat trips on the famous “Maid of the Mist” will provide a wet, waterfront view of the falls as the boat drives close to the thunMar ioma ster 1589

derous water. Plastic ponchos are included to avoid getting wet from the heavy misting.

Another choice is the self-guided walking tour behind the falls. Several concrete tunnels – lined with informational plaques and displays – allow people to go underneath the lips of the plummeting water allowing for an interesting point of view. Eventually, it exits to a viewing deck allowing an impressive look at a majestic sight.

Nearby Niagara-on-the-Lake offers an excellent and romantic getaway for those wishing to spend the night. Only a 10-minute drive away, this quaint hamlet has many attractions. Check in at one of the several accommodations, in particular Riverbend Inn & Vineyard (www.riverbendinn.ca).

Comfortable beds and good food in the restaurant allows anyone to easily relax just after checking into the friendly inn.

While restaurant choices mainly range from casual to romantic, we accidentally stumbled into one of the best sports bars I have ever come across. Mostly a local hangout, the Butler’s Sports Bar and Grill (284 Mary Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake) is the perfect place for finger food and pub grub.

The pizza was fantastic (and I consider myself to be a connoisseur) and there is no better place to get various types of wings

(Niagara is located just “across the way” from Buffalo). Chicken wings are not my favorite, but these were excellent. The staff was friendly without being overly attentive, and yet we waited for nothing. I prefer to look at our visit there as less accidental and more serendipitous.

The George Bernard Shaw Festival (www.shawfest.com) is an internationally recognized theater and the second-largest Repertory Theatre Company in North America. Established in 1963, the festival has now converted four buildings to house several simultaneous productions of wonderful theatre, both established and yet to be discovered. Traditional shows such as Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard or Clare Booth Luce’s comedy The Women are performed with excellent talent and stage/costume designs.

Any choice of the several shows is bound to deliver an excellent way to finish off a wonderful evening.

For a day of fun and education, schedule an appointment for a tour and tasting at the Inniskillin Winery (www.inniskillin.com). Canada’s premier estate winery, Inniskillin has been opened since July 31, 1975. Taking a tour of the vinyard and tasting the wines can be wonderefully educational. Being taken through the wine process, from growing to picking and fermentation, is a great way to understand wine for either the experienced or the novice. The tasting was revealing as we found out the size and shape of the glass really does make a huge difference in the flavor of the wine. As Canada is one of the few countries that can produce icewine (a cold climate is needed, with a harvest in the winter months), the taste and education are both uniquely Canadian.

Canada’s East Coast holds a basket of delights waiting for us to explore. Niagara Falls is a wonderful attraction, but to spend the weekend can be the difference between wonderful and extraordinary.

Comforts and pleasures wait among the superb visuals in this romantic getaway.

Niagara Falls at night

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Maid of the Mist at Niagara Falls

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June 17, 2011

Seattle Gay News 11

ligh tpa inte r

The best Gay nude beaches in North America

by Jesse Monteagudo SGN Contributing Writer

while Marshall’s Beach is still as Gay and as nude as ever, more unsuspecting straights Gay men are humanity’s great adventur- are ending up there. ers: We venture where others do not dare to go. For almost a century, Gay men have been San Gregorio at the vanguard of the naturist movement, Beach glorying in the joy and beauty of the naked San Mateo County, male body – our own and those of others.

California Thus, it is no surprise to find that clothingSan Gregorio Beach (not optional beaches are largely frequented by to be confused with the adjaGay men. None of the nude beaches listed cent state beach of the same in this article are exclusively Gay, but they name; stay north of the “hazare all popular with Gay nudists and have ardous surf” sign to avoid Gay sections. Where is the Gay section? park rangers) is America’s Just look for the absence of women and chil- oldest nude beach, dating dren. back to 1967. It is also the Gayest, especially at the Black’s Beach northern end. On any givLa Jolla, California en day there may be 200 California’s recent campaign against pub- people (mostly Gay men) lic nudity in state parks has put a damper on searching for the perfect nude sunbathing in the Golden State. For- spot to disrobe. San Gretunately, it’s still tolerated in the northern gorio is privately owned, section of Black’s Beach, America’s most which allows it to ignore popular nude beach. (The southern section, the state’s anti-nudity within the City of San Diego, is less toler- laws. It boasts two miles ant.) Though Black’s is by no means a Gay of soft sand strewn with beach, it is frequented by Gay nudists who driftwood, tide pools, and are turned off by the current crackdown a lovely lagoon, all of it against nudity at San Onofre State Beach. framed by dramatic cliffs.

Black’s Beach is also hard to reach, which seems to keep away gawkers and law enHaulover Beach forcement officials alike. (Directions to Miami-Dade Black’s Beach are long and complicated.

County, Florida Visit blacksbeach.org/routes.html for deMy hometown favorite, tailed instructions.) the clothing-optional section of Haulover Beach Marshall’s Beach is the most popular nude San Francisco, California beach in North America.

Perhaps the closest thing we have to an It is also one of the most all-Gay nude beach is Marshall’s. It’s right accessible gathering next to Golden Gate Bridge and is mostly spots for naturists, with unknown to the pedestrians who stroll none of the hair-raising along the sidewalk on the eastern side of cliff-side hikes one must the bridge. Marshall’s Beach is on the west endure to reach some of the side, reached via a sidewalk reserved for bi- other nude beaches. Just take Florida State cyclists. Four years ago the federal govern- Road 826 east from I-95 until it ends at ment refurbished the area and added walk- A1A, turn right, go south for a mile or so, ing paths to the water. This, we are told, and then turn into Haulover Park’s North has been a bit of a mixed blessing, because Beach parking lot. (A walkway that goes under A1A will take you from the parking lot to the beach.)

Only the northern end of Haulover Beach Park is clothing-optional, and only the northern end of the clothing-optional section is Gay. Nevertheless, on a warm, sunny day, Haulover is what heaven would be like if God were a Gay nudist: friendly naked men, almost-idyllic weather conditions (except when it rains or overheats), a wellkept beach, and the reassuring presence of folks from South Florida Free Beaches, who made it all possible. Just remember to wear a hat and apply sunscreen.

Playalinda Beach and Apollo Beach Brevard County and Volusia County, Florida Playalinda Beach and Apollo Beach are part of Canaveral National Seashore and both are attractive and popular naturist hangouts. Playalinda in particular has been a popular naturist playground for nude sunbathers, Gay and otherwise, since the

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1960s. Unfortunately, Playalinda is in Brevard County, which in 1995 passed a strict anti-nudity ordinance that it had since done its best to enforce. Not surprisingly, many nudists moved their beach-going activities to Apollo Beach, located in the more tolerant Volusia County. Though Apollo is only an unofficial nude beach, it is the Sunshine State’s most nudist-friendly beach outside of Haulover.

Gunnison Beach Sandy Hook, New Jersey Gunnison Beach, part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, is the Jersey Shore’s only legal nude beach. The largest nude beach on the East Coast, Gunnison is headover-bare-feet above other nearby beaches.

In addition to its nude recreation opportunities, Gunnison Beach offers fishing, hiking, bird watching, and views of the New York City skyline and the Statue of Liberty. Gays hang out at the southern end of the beach.

As in Haulover, the powers that be put up signs warning tourists, “Beyond this point you may encounter nude sunbathers.” On any given weekend you will indeed encounter up to 5,000 nude sunbathers of every shape, color, and sexuality.

is a naturist paradise. Located on a rather steep slope above Lake Travis, Hippie Hollow attracts visitors from all over the world.

It has a steep, rocky shoreline, nature trails, and designated swimming areas. It is also the protected habitat for endangered bird species like the golden-cheeked warbler and the black-capped viero. Though every day is Gay day at Hippie Hollow, the best time to visit is during “Splash Days,” held on the first Sunday in May and on Labor Day weekend. To get to the Gay section, make a left turn at the parking lot. It is a 15-minute walk, but one that’s well worth the effort.

Wreck Beach Vancouver, British Columbia According to Michael Boyd (writing in Naked Places), Wreck Beach is “perhaps the best-known nude beach on the globe.” It’s located in Pacific Spirit Regional Park, at the foot of the cliffs that surround the University of British Columbia. The clothingoptional section stretches four miles from Acadia Beach south to Booming Grounds Creek. Though the cold Pacific waters are not for the faint of heart, the ocean breezes keep the summer temperatures down. As at other nude beaches, the Gay section is off Lake Union, the beaten pathOn – in this case Seattle the remote area south of Trail 6. Keep an eye out for Hippie Hollow the naked vendors who, in G. T. McCallan’s 18 miles west of words, “ply the beach offering water, beer, Austin, Texas Though not technically a beach, sandwiches, and a surprising array of narMcGregor County Park (its actual name) cotics.”

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Seattle Gay News 13

It’ s Vegas, baby!

Viva ARIA at CityCenter Vegas is back! Towering high above the gigantic CityCenter property sits ARIA Resort & Casino, and for all you size queens out there, the proof is in the numbers. Joining the city’s collection of spectacular hotels and decadent residences – Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas, Vdara Hotel & Spa, and Veer Towers, to name a few – ARIA boasts 4,004 guest rooms, including a whopping 568 suites. But that just barely scratches the surface.

ARIA is a city within a city. The property, designed by the world-renowned firm Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects, contains an exhilarating casino floor (designed to provide intimate gaming spaces), 300,000 square feet of meeting and pre-function spaces, three primary pools with 50 cabanas (one adults-only pool retreat), 16 restaurants, and 10 bars and lounges, including a nightclub – and so much more.

ARIA is a Gay couple’s dream. I experienced firsthand the professionalism and care that the staff had to offer, from the knowledgeable concierge desk to restaurant and hotel managers.

The term “Gay-friendly” doesn’t even begin to describe the knowledge the staff and management has of our community. There is no doubt: ARIA Hotel & Resort welcomes the LGBT community with open and luxurious arms.

The sleek and sexy ARIA has received the highest lev-

courtesy mgm resorts international

by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor

Julian Serrano Restaurant

el of recognition, five Green Keys, from the Green Key Eco-Rating Program, the largest international program evaluating sustainable hotel operations. After all, ARIA officials say they understand that “going green is about conserving today to protect tomorrow.”

THE ROOMS The accommodations offered by the hotel come in four styles: deluxe room, deluxe room city view, suite, and ARIA sky suite. There is no wrong choice as each guestroom is fitted with advanced technology that allows you to customize the lighting, room temperature, and music to transform your room into a sanctuary of relaxation.

When my boyfriend and I arrived at our deluxe room with city view, we were in for a nice and futuristic surprise as the key card opened the room and simul-

taneously turned on the TV (playing soft music and welcoming me by name), and opened the oversized floor-to-ceiling window drapes to reveal a stellar view of the famous Las Vegas Strip. It set the mood for what would become the best hotel stay a Gay couple could ask for.

Our 520-square-foot, one-bedroom deluxe room with city view featured an array of amenities and contemporary custom furnishings including an entry foyer; dressing area with dual closets and granite-top dresser; custom ARIA mattress with triple-sheeted, 300-threadcount linens; plush robes; a stocked minibar; a 42” LCD HD television that allows you to connect your laptop, control room automation, and plug in devices such as game consoles, cameras, or MP3 players all bedside; a 7” touch-screen that allows for easy navigation of room settings; a workstation with high-speed wireless and wired internet connections; and a laptop size in-room safe. No detail has

14 Seattle Gay News

June 17, 2011

VIVA ELVIS Throughout the 1970s, Elvis Presley ruled not only as the king of rock ‘n’ roll, but also as king of the Las Vegas Strip. So it is fitting that his world has collided head-on with the Cirque du Soleil. You can catch the acrobatic, dance, and vocal tribute to Elvis inside the custom-built 1,800-seat theater that houses the phenomenal Viva ELVIS. “Created in the image of the king of rock ‘n’ roll – powerful, sexy, whimsical, truly unique, and larger than life – the show highlights an American icon who transformed popular music and whose image embodies the freedom, excitement, and turbulence of his era,” say the show’s producers. “Significant moments in his life – intimate, playful, and grandiose – blend with the timeless songs that remain as relevant today as when they first hit the top of the charts. Viva ELVIS focuses on the essential humanity of the one superstar whose name will forever be linked with the history of Las Vegas and the entire world of entertainment: Elvis Presley.”

I thoroughly enjoyed the show. It was high-energy, didn’t poke fun at the idol, and is absolutely stunning. The talent is top-notch and the showroom is gorgeous – all fit for a King. Whether you are a fan of Elvis himselvis or a fan of the acrobatic genius of Cirque du Soleil – or both – Viva ELVIS is a show you won’t want to miss.

courtesy mgm resorts international

The ARIA Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada

been overlooked, and preferences are remembered every time the guest is inroom.

The bathroom is equally as impressive with a private water closet, granite dual sink vanity, 100% cotton bath linens, and a shower with bench adjacent to a soaking tub.

Celebrating 38 Years!

THE CASINO A trip to Las Vegas would not be complete without some serious casino time. The ARIA casino is, without a doubt, unique.

Offering 150,000 square feet of gaming, the layout and design allows guests to enjoy

the energy and excitement of their favorite selections in a “more personal and intimate setting.”

I found the casino floor to be less chaotic, and therefore a lot more fun, than most Las Vegas properties. The lighting is adequate, the slots are ample, and the poker and other table games are well-played, but not too full.

that matter, travel to the city in the desert, the casino at ARIA is a breath of fresh air when it comes to poker, slots, sports, and table games. Lady Luck has never looked so good.

DINING In the old days, Las Vegas casinos had a Ethan Miller

THE SPA The spa and salon at ARIA is a getaway within the hustle and bustle of the casino.

When you enter the spa, you are entering another world that seems thousands of miles away from stress.

“If there is a way to pamper, indulge, or spoil you, we’ve found it,” boast hotel officials. And they are right.

The 80,000-square-foot, two-level spa and salon, with 62 individual spa treatment rooms and 55 salon stations, is a vacationer’s dream. Also included is a full-service salon, barbershop, deluxe fitness room, group exercise studio, meditation and relaxation rooms, and separate men’s and women’s spas with eucalyptus steam rooms and redwood saunas.

The spa offered everything you could imagine. Hotel officials graciously recommended that my boyfriend book the Thai poultice massage. He took their suggestion and was very pleased. The Thai poultice treatment is a muscle-relieving massage based on centuries-old Thai healing practices. The massage soothes away tension with warm traditional poultices infused with lemongrass, ginger, and prai extract.

The steamed poultices are then rhythmically pressed into areas of muscle tension and incorporated into a warm oil full-body massage.

In addition to singles spa treatments, the spa at ARIA offers couple’s massage and much more. It is not uncommon, according to spa attendants, for same-sex couples to book such treatments.

Viva ELVIS

In other words, if you are looking to gamble, there is no need to leave the property. The cocktail waitresses were attentive as well and the race and sports book was bustling with activity.

For high-end players, exclusive salons offer high-limit slot and table games in private environments.

While the casino floor might not be the main reason why Gay couples, or singles for

steakhouse, a café, and (maybe) a buffet.

That was it. Everything had to do with the casino and the gambling that took place there.

Not anymore. Las Vegas has become a culinary hub where world-renowned chefs open restaurants and tourists looking for food – really, really good food – can find it around any corner. Again, ARIA succeeds here with a collection of specialty and ca-

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sual dining options that will leave you salivating long after your meal.

From Asian to nouvelle to the classic steakhouse, ARIA offers an unparalleled collection of the world’s finest chefs and dining experiences. Concept eateries designed by top chefs such as Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Michael Mina, Sirio Maccioni, Julian Serrano, and Masayoshi Takayama pepper the property.

For specialty dining, it doesn’t get any better than Julian Serrano, located on the main floor at ARIA. The restaurant stretches the boundaries of small plates and introduces guests to delectable interpretations of Serrano’s native Spanish fare.

We loved Julian Serrano so much that we ate there twice – once as a solo couple, and again with our friends, a same-sex couple married for six years. The staff is absolutely amazing, the food comes out with incredible speed, and the quality is top-notch. Julian Serrano at ARIA is one of the best dining experiences I’ve ever had. Although the menu offers entrees, sandwiches, and paella – you must order the tapas to really experience the delight of their signature dishes.

In all, we tried a number of plates but a few stand out: stuffed piquillo peppers, beef and cheese, and mushroom risotto. From the detailed décor to the hot tapas, flavor is abundant at Julian Serrano.

Casual dining is offered at ARIA, and that doesn’t mean a decrease in quality. You will discover an unprecedented range, whether it’s enjoying gelato at Sweet Chill or savoring the exquisite pastries at Jean Philippe Patisserie.

With Café Vettro, ARIA truly got it right. In keeping with the Las Vegas pace, Café Vettro is open 24 hours a day and is see las vegas page 22

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June 17, 2011

Seattle Gay News 15

Eric’s afternoon escape to Bellevue

by Eric Andrews-Katz SGN A&E Writer You may not realize that Bellevue is the perfect place to escape for an afternoon.

There are as many things to do in Bellevue as there are in Seattle, and as it’s only a short 20-minute drive away, it can be a wonderful way to spend the day.

The theater at the Meydenbauer Center looks like any professional theatrical auditorium (www.meydenbauer.com/theatre), yet it has the comfort of an intimate community theater. With fewer than 500 seats, the theater holds every modern acoustic advantage, allowing for proper immersion in stage productions or group meetings. Staging shows from traditional as well as more modern productions, the theater builds upon the foundation of the local ethnic community bringing a range of shows such as Steel Magnolias, a jazz festival, or the virtues of Bollywood in any one of several Pratidhwani productions.

The Bellevue Arts Museum (www.bellevuearts.org) is a little gem waiting for discovery. Currently through the end of June is the exhibit “The Mysterious Content of Softness,” in which different types of cloth demonstrate the connection of our lives to the fabrics around us. It is one of many exhibits, both permanent and on loan, that you can find there.

If you are lucky to catch one of the Northwest’s perfect days, there are lots of outdoor activities available. In the downtown area

alone, there are 79 exhibits of public art: 23 owned by the city and 56 that are privately owned. While the area’s art map is still being perfected, a solid version listing all the sites is available by contacting Mary Pat Byrne, arts specialist (mpbyrne@bellevuewa.gov). Spend the afternoon of a perfect Northwestern day walking around a beautiful city and discovering the impressive works of art.

For the foodie, there are plenty of great restaurants to choose from in the area. Directly across from the Bellevue Westin is Pearl Bar & Dining. The designer made use of grays, blacks, and the darker tones to decorate the space without allowing it to become murky and bleak, and they utilized the space to its fullest extent. Even the less-desirable tables (the ones by the kitchen or the restrooms) have been redecorated to include sliding mesh curtains that serve the dual purpose of creating a degree of privacy while still allowing a translucent observation of what goes on around you. It makes these tables coveted by small parties or anyone who values a more intimate atmosphere.

The food was superb. For a starter, try the house specialties of either hand-cut fries with a parmesan-truffle sauce, or the crispy fried calamari. Not being a fan of seafood, I tried the latter with hesitancy, but found them to be battered perfectly without being heavy or greasy. The meat itself was tender and not rubbery, as (I’ve been told) calamari can easily become, and the spicy sambol cream added the perfect spice for dipping. For main courses, the menu boasted the house specials of Bering Sea sablefish, or a Wagyu sirloin with a demi-glace and fresh herbs. With an excellent wine cellar, the perfect accompaniment is easy to find.

Don’t be afraid to ask your server for suggestions.

If an evening of celebration is called for, then treat yourselves to the wonderful John Howie’s Steak House. In a traditionally darkly wooden dining room (with mood lighting appropriately set), many different cuts of steak are available from domestic Angus to Japanese Wagyu. Wagyu is a purebred cattle breed, thus making the strains of fat thinner throughout the meat. This makes it melt when cooked right and the web-like strands of marbled whiteness develop a buttery flavor that adds to the deliciousness.

The side dishes are à la carte, so do experiment with mixing and matching; you won’t go wrong. The prime tenderloin bites with navel orange, chives, and teriyaki are delicious enough to make an entrée out of, but do save room. The macaroni and cheese may not sound unique, but it is baked to perfection and easily one of the best I’ve tasted.

With an iceberg wedge salad drizzled with Kurobuta bacon, Cerignola olives, and Rogue River blue cheese, the perfect meal is just waiting for you.

Whatever your pleasures, they can be found in Bellevue. It’s a short trip; it’s out of Seattle, and yet close enough for comfort.

If you are lucky to catch one of the Northwest’s perfect days, there are lots of outdoor activities available.

16 Seattle Gay News

June 17, 2011

Celebrating 38 Years!

If you find yourself wanting to get away but don’t want to give up your routine completely, look at the Hotel Bellevue. Formerly known as the Bellevue Athletic Club, the hotel offers more intimate rooms, some with garden patios to sit outside in and enjoy the scenery when weather permits.

Guests can enjoy any of three separate dining areas, rang-

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For some people, going from Seattle to Bellevue is like going to another state entirely. In reality, Bellevue gives Seattleites the opportunity for one of the easiest “stay-cations” that this area has to offer.

After just a 20-minute drive, the hectic world of Seattle fades away as easily.

The Bellevue Westin Hotel is easy to get to and centrally located in the downtown area. The lobby is decorated with a modern design, and intricate mosaics line the walls. Decorative art can be found all around, with beautiful collections of Chihuly glass, especially the lilies in the lobby of the adjoining shopping center. To start your relaxation off right, stop for a drink in the Cypress Lounge and try one of the house specialty potent potables.

The bartenders here created the Leschi lemonade, a drink celebrating the local flavors of the Puget Sound area. Its taste is smooth and it goes down easily (sometimes a little too easily).

The rooms are quiet and comfortable. Free WiFi is included, and the flatscreen televisions and sleek, modern design invites relaxation. The usual amenities are included (hair dryer, room safe, wet bar, cable television) in each room, and some include Jacuzzi tubs.

The special get-away shopping package should not be missed. For $209 per night, complimentary self-parking on Friday and Saturday nights is included along with $100 worth of gift certificates in “Bellevue Bucks,” which The Stump are good at most of the stores and entertainment i n g venues in the area. Whatfrom quick on-the-go foods and casual ever outside curriculum you could desire, you’ll find it within walking lunches to fine dining. Guests of the hotel distance. Thanks to a series of connect- may take advantage of the wonderful ading sky bridges, you can get there (rain or jacent athletic facilities. Tennis courts, lap shine) without getting wet.

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by Eric Andrews-Katz SGN A&E Writer

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Have a stay-cation/ Gay-cation in Bellevue

If more than one drink is your style, pools, and modern exercise facilities make avoid worry and arrange through the it easy to keep your fitness schedule.

If your escape does not include getting hotel to have the property Town Car and driver take you to dinaway from the younger ones, don’t worner. After enjoying a ry; the great meal and wonderful drinks, call the hotel as you’re paying your check, and by the time you get outside, the driver should be waiting. After a restful night of escape, when you are again ready for your own automobile, have the valet called and your car will be waiting for you, idling and warmed up.

One of the advantages of a stay-cation is being close to home in case of an emergency. One of those came up for us during our stay at the Hotel Bellevue. We had to make a quick rush back to Seattle to take care of an immediate situation, and we’d be cutting it close with our dinner 3 Graces reser vat ions.

Calling the concierge from the car, we hotel offers sepa- asked if they could change our reservarate facilities tions for us. They were happy to comply and entertain- and within a few minutes, they returned ment programs our call and confirmed that everything for children, was all set, and not to worry; they’d even all geared to have the Town Car waiting so we could making your relax with another cocktail. Of special stay-cation as note is that the desk didn’t have the phone rejuvenating as number we called from; they took it upon possible. If you themselves to get back in touch and conneed further firm our reservation changes. That’s great r e l a x a t i o n , customer service!

If the weather is not cooperative, there is take advantage of a mas- no need to go outdoors at all. Sky bridges sage or treat connect the Westin to Bellevue and Linyourself to a coln Squares and Bellevue Place. There is “gentlemen’s a 16-screen cinema complex alongside a facial” and bowling alley, and an arcade for any kids let all the in your party (or kids at heart). The hotel tension melt caters to plenty of business organizations away under – Microsoft is a resident of the building the careful – so they have excellent banquet rooms g u i d a n c e for larger parties and major events. Wedof licensed dings book up fast, so if you’re planning p r o f e s - on taking advantage of the Seattle sums i o n a l s . mer, look into the accommodations and Although parking at book ahead.

Whether it is a vacation, stay-cation, or the hotel is not free, it is the same low price to either park yourself or to have the valet Gay-cation, it doesn’t have to be a foreign take care of it. Let them take control of your trip or a major expense. A simple drive car so you can fully enjoy the sense of being across the bridge and you can easily enjoy the pleasures of being far enough away pampered. to forget the stresses of Seattle, yet close enough to put any worries of home to rest.

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Bellevue, Washington

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Seattle Gay News 17

18 Seattle Gay News

June 17, 2011

Celebrating 38 Years!

Flawless: Ashland’s Country Willows Inn

by Marian Michener SGN Contributing Writer I found Country Willows Inn in Ashland, Oregon, listed in Damron’s Guide as Gayfriendly. It certainly was, down to the waiter describing the sand he sprinkled on the icy path as “fairy dust.” This B&B gets all the details right.

The Inn, painted a lovely Williamsburg blue, is a restored 19th-century house on a five-acre farm. A tall pine shelters the B&B, once a working horse ranch. Now there are resident geese and goats.

Innkeeper Kara Burian gave my partner and me a tour. A remarkable grandfather clock stood in the entryway. The living room, with hues of sage, was well-furnished with a gorgeous view of the foothills. The upper hall contained photos of Oregon Shakespeare Festival productions from years past, donated by previous guests. Each of the rooms was distinctively decorated.

There were pretty decks, creating nice outside areas for lingering in the summertime.

Kara showed us to the Pine Lodge Suite.

It had a pleasant patio with table and chairs and faced a barn. Initially, we had trouble getting the gas stove to work, so Kara consulted her husband, Dan, who told us how to fix it within an hour. He is an emergency medicine doctor, which made us feel safer.

Dan joked about breakfast being an emergency.

The Pine Lodge Suite was a large space in a cabin separate from the main building. Very high ceilings had exposed beams and skylights. The king-sized bed had a log frame. The sheets were a luscious high thread count. A beautiful comforter coordinated with the mountain-themed wallpaper.

The pine pattern in the sheets was repeated in the sofa. The placement of The Encyclopedia of Furniture and Creative Japanese Flower Arranging on the bedside table was charming and thoughtful.

The gas fireplace with a big mantelpiece fronted a comfortable sitting area with a TV and DVD player. The mantel displayed a moose, a steer, and some giant pinecones.

The suite included an armoire with a saddle and cowboy boots on top. A horseshoe was on the side of the chest. Western photos decorated the walls. Two small live trees accentuated the generous size of the suite.

The delightful bathroom was spacious, with two showerheads and a deep Jacuzzi.

Slate tile ran up the walls, completed by pine needle wallpaper. Three small trees nestled nearby. The complimentary bathrobes were comfortable. The towels were plush. The inn’s special rosemary cedar and thyme soap was lovely. Large bottles of sweet orange shampoo and rose geranium conditioner were a fragrant addition (likewise the bubble bath, which I went wild with). The bowl of cotton balls and Q-tips was a nice touch.

Outside the main building was a large swimming pool and spa, which we were unfortunately unable to use due to all the snow on the ground.

The warmly colored dining room was well-appointed, with the same view of the foothills on one side and pine trees on the other. My partner loved the different salt and pepper shakers on each table: Dutch windmills, cupcakes, cows, penguins, blossoms, and swans. The coffee cups included an appealing Country Willows logo.

Kara’s cooking was fabulous and the food came in generous portions. Breakfast the first day started with orange and cherry juice in a chilled glass, which had a pretty layered effect. Also nicely presented were citrus sections: grapefruit, oranges, and blood oranges. They were topped with gin-

ger sauce, Greek yogurt, and a walnut. The French toast was light and fluffy with baked apple topping and a delicious sausage. The tea was from a local supplier and came in great variety. I liked the Red Roibos tea. My partner said the coffee was good (and she is picky about her coffee). She found the food to be so scrumptious that she’d recommend the Country Willows Inn for the breakfasts alone.

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Part of the fun of staying at the inn was talking with other guests at breakfast about the Shakespeare Festival plays. One couple had been coming there for 10 years. The Inn is a quick five-minute drive from the OSF theaters.

We were only gone a half-hour at breakfast, but when we returned to our room, it had been nicely freshened.

Breakfast on our second day started with vegetable juice. A pleasing poached pear with cranberry sauce and toasted almonds followed. The next course was crispy bacon and scrambled eggs with roasted vegetables, which made us applaud.

Breakfast our third day started with cranberry raspberry juice. An apricot banana

The Drag Queens Vs. The Dykes

smoothie hit the spot. Then came turkey kielbasa with egg-stuffed crepes topped with béchamel sauce, mushrooms, and spinach, with cherry apples carefully placed at the end of the crepes. We could see Kara really enjoys her work.

Dan is also a classical guitarist. On summer days, he sets up a P.A. system out on the lawn and plays for the guests. Cheese and wine are served during the performance.

Despite the eight inches of snow on the ground and some tricky driving conditions, it was a most enjoyable adventure at the Country Willows Inn. Rates vary from $120 to $275, depending on the season. You can find more information on their evocative website, www.countrywillowsinn.com.

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June 17, 2011

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Seattle Gay News 19

thailand

continued from the cover decorated rooms with fine amenities such as personal coffeemakers and flatscreen TVs. Your breakfast should be complimentary with your accommodations.

GAY NIGHTLIFE Silom is where it’s at. Though the area is easy to find, the exact location of the Gay bars can be tricky as they’re situated on streets that appear more like alleys. On Silom Soi 4, the music starts pumping in the early evening hours, but the clubs don’t begin to fill until a bit later. A good place to start is Telephone Pub (www.telephonepub. com), a double-tier establishment with ample counter space on the main level, a karaoke lounge on the second floor, and a walkup bar outside. The pub has go-go dancers on some nights, Skype video phones, and overhead TV sets (which oddly showed Discovery animal programs when I visited – there’s nothing like seeing a lion devouring a water buffalo while sipping a pint of Singha beer).

Within crawling distance are Nomads Music Bar, Sphinx Restaurant and Bar, the Balcony, and the appropriately titled Bar Bar. Most of these clubs get louder as the night progresses, and hotter – wear light clothing and plan on showering when you return to your hotel. Unless it’s the weekend, you probably won’t be charged a cover fee. Young, cute, flirtatious, and flamboyant Thai men in short-shorts are everywhere, as are Americans, Europeans, and maybe a shy Asian tourist or two. Two blocks away on Silom Soi 2/1, you’ll find the Style Bangkok Sauna for Men. If you’re searching for more tempting nightlife, catch a taxi or tuk tuk to Soi Duangthawee for a cluster of go-go clubs like Golden Cock, Hotmale, Fresh Beach Boy, Classic Boys Club, and Xboys. You’ll also find massage parlors catering to Gay men (with negotiable add-on services, if you catch my drift) and places to eat such as Dick’s Cafe or Maxis, plus a few pubs – try Balls: The Sports Bar. Two additional Gay districts in Bangkok are Ramkhamhaeng and Sukhumvit, both with a take-your-pick offering of bars, massage parlors, and small eateries. To watch “ladyboys” in action, go to NaNa Plaza in the late evening and you might see things you’ve never seen before, but prepare to pay; these girls don’t do anything for free, but for 300 baht (under $10), some are willing to do anything – and I do mean anything.

Should you want an even wilder experience, ask your tuk tuk driver for an adult entertainment menu that has items on it I refuse to say out loud. If you think Tokyo is risqué, you haven’t visited Bangkok.

EAT Imagine authentic Thai food – curries, steamed jasmine rice, tom kha gai, coconut ice cream – at nearly every restaurant. Yes, this is heaven. From the expensive (ritzy hotels) to the downright cheap (street food vendors), local specialties are convenient and loaded with fresh ingredients. The floating markets – Bang Khu Wiang, Damnoen

Saduak, Taling Chan, Tha Kha – are cheap, fun immersions into Thai cuisine; the former two are open daily, the latter pair only on the weekends.

For a sit-down meal, I recommend Thompson Bar and Restaurant (www. jimthompson.com/restaurants_bars), a trendy establishment opened by an American who fell in love with Bangkok and reintroduced the silk industry to the world.

The ambiance is semi-tropical, while the clientele is mostly Western tourists and upscale locals. The food is incredible, including chicken wrapped in banana leaves, spicy catfish, stir-fried greens in plenty of garlic, green curry with vegetables, and rich coconut ice cream that I inhaled in minutes. The restaurant, next to a canal, is nestled into a compound that houses Jim Thompson’s former living quarters (now a museum) and a gift shop. Thompson’s restaurants have now expanded into a small chain with locations in Japan and Singapore.

VISIT Variety shows catering to tourists are almost always cheesy, although the performance at Siam Niramit (www.siamniramit. com) tells the history of Thailand through music and dance in an engaging, colorful, and festive display. The 2,000-seat theater features the largest stage in the kingdom, which even has its own moat. The show is a little over an hour long and no cameras or recording devices are permitted.

The Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha are landmarks worth seeing, if only for an hour of your time. If you watched the 2005 Miss Universe competition held in Bangkok, you might recognize either of these national treasures from the opening scenes. Wear long pants or you won’t be allowed entry; however, they are available for loan at the front gate.

The most talked-about view in all of Bangkok is the one at Sky Bar (www.lebua.com) atop the Tower Club at Lebua, used in The Hangover Part Two. The rooftop lounge on the 63rd floor provides a unique panoramic shot of the city and is open from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. nightly. Reservations are not required.

NEXT STOP: CHIANG MAI In sharp contrast to Bangkok, the city of Chiang Mai – an hour and a half north by plane – is home to a mere 500,000 residents, but it’s far from sleepy. Tourists keep it humming all year long, visiting its temples, elephant camps, tiger farms, night bazaars, and storefront massage parlors. Chiang Mai is, of course, the birthplace of the Thai massage, aside from being the main supplier of two locally grown exports: lychee and sticky rice. Here’s what you might find interesting in Chiang Mai. STAY Le Meridien (www.lemeridienhotelchiangmai.com) is a modern, Westernized hotel a block away from a heavily trodden street, and it’s close to just about everything else. Spacious rooms are beautifully furnished, though not too fancy, and most have views of the city and hills in the distance.

In-room amenities include high-grade bath products, real Thai coffee, and complimentary bottled water, while the hotel itself comes equipped with an updated fitness area

and swimming pool with impeccable views, arrival, followed by a viewing of a morning plus a business center with hard-wired com- ritual, a bath in the river, and then it’s time to puter stations and fax service. be seated in a hut-like grandstand to watch the show. These once-wild animals will GAY NIGHTLIFE perform a 30-minute program for 100 baht Chiang Mai has a dozen or so Gay bars, ($3.50), before guests are allowed to ride restaurants, and cabaret-type lounges scat- atop the elephants through the jungle to a tered throughout, although you’ll find some hilltop village, where you can buy inexpenof these concentrated in the Chang Pueak sive, handmade souvenirs from tribe memdistrict. These include Adam’s Apple Club, bers. The elephant rides cost 800 baht ($26 Metro Club, and the first Gay hotel opened U.S.) per person for 90 minutes, and you’ll in the city, Lotus Hotel and Garden Bar likely ride in pairs. Massage parlors are lit(lotus-hotel.com/garden-bar). The newly tered throughout Chiang Mai, especially on established and nearby Playhouse Theatre the popular Chang Klan Road. You’ll pay features a series of fine arts performances. anywhere from 150 to 200 baht ($6 to $8) In other neighborhoods, you can stop by for a one-hour treatment focusing mostly on La Vie en Rose for a drink or the popular the feet, but with light massage to the neck, restaurant Krits for a bite to eat, and in the shoulders, and back. The therapists aren’t eastern part of the city you can hook up with formally trained, but some do know what attractive locals and foreigners at the Club they’re doing. Expect to be in a room with One Seven retreat (www.cluboneseven. about 20 other tourists. net). All of these are accessible by tuk tuk.

A well-visited attraction is the Wat Chedi For an interesting experience, go to Marina Luang in the Chiang Mai hills. Here, you Bar inside the Lahkorn Thai boxing arena, can receive a blessing from a Buddhist where the ladyboy host and her staff put on a monk, as well as taking in a startling view knockout performance and just might show of the city and purchasing nifty, cheap gifts you, if asked politely, their “stuff.”

(I bought a silver dragon ring for $5). Local tour guides can drive you there and back, EAT or you can ride a bicycle up the steep and I found the food in Chiang Mai particu- winding path if you dare. larly better than in Bangkok, starting with a fabulous lunch at The Whole Earth (88 SriFINAL STOP: AYUTTHAYA donchai Road) that included the usual Thai If the name Ayutthaya rings a bell, it might fare but with charming touches like heart- be because there’s a restaurant in Seattle’s shaped carrots in the curry and fresh fruit Capitol Hill district with the exact name. cut into geometrical and flowery patterns. The actual Ayutthaya is the former capitol The fried chicken with garlic and lemon- of Thailand, until it was burnt down by the grass was loaded with aromatic flavor, while Burmese military in 1767. It’s a quaint town the fresh spring rolls were addictive. Fif- about an hour’s drive from Bangkok with teen minutes outside of the city is the Jirung many of the same attributes as Chiang Mai. Health Village (www.jirunghealthvillage. The old ruins were also used as a backdrop com), which served a whole white fish for the 2005 Miss Universe competition. cooked in garlic, basil, and other harmoni- Here’s what to do in Ayutthaya. ous herbs, plus shrimp donuts, a stomachcalming ginger and lime tea, and vanilla EAT ice cream with chocolate sprinkles on top.

Pae Krung Kao Floating Restaurant (K. The Gallery (www.thegallery-restaurant. 4 Moo 2, U-Thong Road) is a terrific and com) has both indoor and outdoor seating inexpensive spot to have lunch, with a back areas with a romantic back patio and splen- patio that literally floats on water. Overnight did scenery. The food is standard Thai, but I boats headed to Cambodia or Laos pass must give kudos to the handmade rice cakes through as you gorge on traditional favorites accompanied by a peanut dipping sauce. such as cashew chicken, stir-fried tofu with The restaurant shares the complex with an vegetables, and a bold, creamy green curry art gallery and boutique gift shop. with fresh okra. Unusual yet welcome to our A local delicacy is fried insects, and you’ll table were locally caught river prawns, said find them at roadside markets just outside to be the largest in Thailand (they were the the main area. Fried silkworms and crick- size of lobsters), and an entire deep-fried ets are protein-rich, and the Thai people eat pig’s foot. Definitely wash everything down them by the bagful. But if something less ad- with a cold Singha or Chang beer. venturous and more familiar is calling your name, there is a Starbucks, McDonald’s, SHOP and Burger King across the street from Le Next to the old capitol ruins and temple Meridien. (which surprisingly was spared from destruction), there’s a tiny market with perhaps VISIT / DO the cheapest items to purchase for the return Definitely go to the Elephant Training trip home. Everything from brightly colored Center in Chiang-Dao (www.chiangdaoele- hand-held fans to simply-designed bracelets phantcamp.com), a town 40 minutes from and rings to homemade coconut cookies Chiang Mai. Tucked into a hillside jungle, is more affordable here than anywhere in visitors can feed bananas to elephants upon Bangkok, so load up.

20 Seattle Gay News

June 17, 2011

Albert Rodriguez

Elephant Training Center in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Celebrating 38 Years!

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Seattle Gay News 21

aviation world

EVA Air provides great service Seattle to Asia

by Albert Rodriguez SGN A&E Writer

troduce elite class – an affordable upgrade from economy, but not quite business class.

For a long-haul flight, such as Seattle to TaiGetting to Asia from Seattle is much wan, this is definitely recommended for exeasier than you think. Six airlines offer non- tra comfort. stop flights to a variety of major cities across the Pacific, allowing you to reach your desCHECK-IN / BOARDING tination after just one stop, or maybe even Priority boarding means no long lines at none at all. Among these is EVA Air (www. the airport. When I checked in for my 1:50 evaair.com), which began Seattle service in a.m. flight (yes, it departs Seattle that early), June 1993 and provides five weekly flights there was an estimated 45-minute line for to Taipei, Taiwan. With easy connections economy at the south end of the airport, but throughout Asia, this is the way to go. I flew there was no wait for elite class check-in. this route two months ago, choosing EVA’s Elite flyers are also given priority boarding Elite Class for the almost 13-hour journey, privileges just behind the premium (busiand here’s what the experience was like. ness class) passengers and the diamond, gold, and silver card members. The elite OVERVIEW class cabin is between the premium and EVA Air, based in Taipei, flies to several economy cabins. You’ll likely be flying on a Asian countries including Japan, China, Boeing B777-300ER to Taipei, which promVietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, South Ko- ises a smooth trip all the way there. rea, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines, as well as numerous cities in Taiwan.

IN-FLIGHT It was one of the very first airlines to inFlying in elite class (it’s often referred to

as “premium economy”) is comparable to domestic first class. Seats are 18.5 inches wide with seat cushions two inches deeper than in the economy cabin, and come equipped with leg and foot rests, plus extra-wide armrests. EVA’s Audio/Visual on Demand (AVOD) entertainment system has a great selection of blockbuster movies, current TV shows, news channels, video games, geographical maps, and a variety of music from American rock to Chinese pop to electronica, classical, and jazz. While the selection is limited compared to other airlines I’ve flown, I was rather pleased with the offerings. An 8.4-inch touch screen TV monitor is available at each seat.

Economy meals are served in elite class, so don’t expect written menus or pre-departure champagne. But with fewer passengers in elite vs. economy, you will receive more attentive service – one flight attendant went rummaging through a series of carts to find a single can of Taiwanese beer for me. Noticeably, the bathrooms are cleaned throughout the flight, eliminating the overflowing trash and soapy messes that too often accumulate during lengthy trips. A small, cloth-fabric amenity bag is waiting for you upon boarding, and although the contents were minimal (toothbrush and toothpaste, lotion), it was a nice touch.

las vegas

continued from page 15 located on the casino level next to the guest elevators. You’ll enjoy diner food (and then some) in a lush garden setting that provides a relaxing dining experience.

No Las Vegas resort is complete without a buffet. The all-you-can-eat mentality has become as synonymous with Vegas as slot machines. Enticing flavors from around the world are prepared at various live-action cooking stations at the buffet at ARIA. Whatever your tastes, they’ve got you covered. From fresh crab legs and sushi to made-to-order pastas and omelets to delicious kabobs, the buffet offers something for everyone in a fun and friendly atmosphere.

ARIA NIGHTLIFE Whether you are a nightclub or lounge person, it doesn’t matter. The seductive, intoxicating, and exhilarating array of nightlife offerings will entice your every whim.

HAZE Nightclub at ARIA is the latest venue presented by industry leaders The Light Group, and offers a colossal cuttingedge environment that challenges your sense of perception and reality. Boasting a plush interior and superior service (not to mention a one-of-a-kind sound system), HAZE provides a premier Las Vegas nightlife experience.

In ARIA, you are sure to find a bar that is just right for you – some are quieter than others, some trendier. My boyfriend and I decided on Bar Moderno, located on the casino floor next to the guest elevators. It was conducive to good conversation, masterfully crafted cocktails, and the atmosphere was very warm and refined. Bar Moderno is a great pre-game locale before you move on

to HAZE. ARIA HAS GOT YOU COVERED When Gay couples make travel plans, we’ve got to be smart about it. These days it’s about the biggest bang for your buck, and ARIA seems to effortlessly succeed in that practice. It is a trendy property – the new kid on the block, if you will – and they got it right with this one. The location is great – just minutes from the airport – and you can shop among the world’s most exclusive retailers, dine on creations by world-renowned chefs, and abandon yourself to the exhilaration of the most unique casino in a city where that isn’t an easy claim to make.

It has often been said that, with any Las Vegas resort, you don’t have to leave the property. While it may be true that one doesn’t have to leave, you might often want to. With ARIA, that is not the case. YeeShin and I found ourselves transfixed by every aspect of the beautiful and exciting ARIA. The hotel becomes a second home and a sanctuary from reality, the food is to die for, and the experience as a whole is divine from beginning to end.

For years to come, ARIA will be known as a destination for the LGBT traveler looking to get away. Whatever you are looking for – and for those things you might not even know you were looking for – ARIA has got you covered.

For more information, visit ARIA online at www.arialasvegas.com.

london

continued from page 3 never seen a Sister like me before, so it was the perfect storm of happiness and craziness.

When it was time to move on, we tried in vain to catch a cab. It was explained to me that in Paris the people automatically judge you when they lay eyes on you, and they are not shy about snubbing you. They are nowhere near as progressive as I thought they would be, and apparently the heterosexual taxi drivers in Paris do not like the “freaks.”

Just bear that in mind if you go gallivanting in Paris late at night.

The next morning I left the Sisters to sleep until noon (did I mention these Paris Sisters know how to party?) and took a nice birthday stroll through the Place de Vosges. I happened to see a rainbow flag flying outside of a building and a crowd gathering, so I wandered over. I noticed another Sister in the crowd and introduced myself. She screamed and dragged me inside to meet the rest of the Soeurs de Paname, the other order of Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence in Paris. This is the more grassroots, hippietype order. They work closely with the homeless and prostitutes and go out into the countryside while the Paris order works more in the clubs and at big events. They are the perfect yin and yang for each other, covering the entire community.

When the Sisters found out it was my birthday, they insisted that I join them for dinner at home. When I did, we ate, laughed, drank amazing wine, and laughed some more. After dinner, Sister Rose sat at the piano and started to sing. It was beautiful and sweet, and the next thing I knew, the lights were out and they were bringing in a pie with candles and were all singing to me in French. This was a complete surprise, and I just started to cry. This was one of the most touching things anyone had ever done for me. I truly felt like part of their family.

THE FILM PREMIERE The next day, I headed back to London for the premiere of Heart Breaks Open. I met up with Barry Fitzgerald, my contact for the LLGFF (and the sweetest person you will ever meet, while also the most controlled and collected). Barry gave me a rundown of what was to happen that evening, and that

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22 Seattle Gay News

June 17, 2011

Celebrating 38 Years!

was when the butterflies started. The film was done and ready to be screened for its first audience, and all we could do now was watch. I thought live theatre was crazy, but I found myself just as nervous as on opening night of a new show.

When the seating for the premiere was finished, the London Sisters were introduced and they blessed the project in true Sister style, with poetry and ritual filled with love and smothered in glitter. This was the perfect way to set the tone of the film. I was so thankful the Sisters were there – it was like having family at your first recital.

We retreated to the bar during the tense screening and went back when it was time for our Q&A following the film. Joyously, the reception was amazing. The audience liked the film and truly wanted to know more. LLGFF programmer Nazmia Jamal led the Q&A, asking very poignant questions about our motivations and what the process was like. We all had an opportunity to express what the project meant to us and what it was like to make. The highlight for me was the one-on-one interactions afterward, where we could see we had truly affected these people. It was humbling.

THE FINAL PARTY After the screening, we decided to head out on the town to celebrate a bit. I ended up in Soho, hitting up a club called Ku Bar, followed by Ku Bar Late, which was licensed to serve later. After a few celebratory drinks, I found out about the hottest spot in London on Mondays: Heaven nightclub’s “Popcorn,” the city’s largest pansexual party.

Of course we had to check it out. We hailed a pedicab and ended up in a line hundreds of people long. The line moved fast, though, and soon we were going through a metal detector and getting patted down, then ushered through glass doors and down a staircase. We paid our eight pounds and got in just past the main rush.

When we heard the music and looked around, all we could do was smile. There were hundreds and hundreds of people dancing their asses off to some of the most motivating Euro house music I have ever heard.

On the main stage were about 10 hot go-go dancers – eight men and two women – accompanied by two fierce as hell drag queen dancers. The people in the club were not only Gay, but straight, Bi, Transgender, and everything in between, and everyone was having an amazing time, smiles all around.

The club is situated directly under the Charring Cross station, and there was something extremely sexy and exciting about every aspect of the place – it truly was Heaven.

AN UNREAL ENDING At the closing celebration of the LLGFF, we reveled in our successful first film festival. We had completed the tasks we set out to accomplish, and the rewards of those tasks were more than words can describe. We had spent the past year working on Heart Breaks Open, spending time and talent to make it happen. We called on all the talents of everyone we knew and all the grace they would give, along with a lot of blood, sweat, and tears, and here we were, having a glass of champagne celebrating. It was unreal.

Everyone involved with the project worked tirelessly to see this day come to fruition, and now we had to all go home to our normal lives (though hopefully with a few more film festivals to come).

To date, Heart Breaks Open has been selected to be a part of the London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival, the L.A. Asian Pacific Film Festival, the Gender Reel Festival in Philadelphia, the Out Twin Cities Film Festival in Minnesota, and the Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Festival in the fall. Let’s hope this ball keeps rolling.

And if I may leave you with something: Follow your dreams and take chances, because if you don’t, you never know what could have been. Love yourself.

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June 17, 2011

Seattle Gay News 23