SGN Sep 25, 2009 - Section 3

Seattle Gay News

Issue 39, Volume 37, September 25, 2009

section 3 Fall travel

How to: A long weekend in San Francisco

by Jessica Price SGN A&E Writer Everyone knows San Francisco is one of the top travel destinations in the US every year, but it also has a special place in the hearts of Gay and Lesbian travelers.

There’s a rich history of LGBT equality, and San Francisco is a city where offbeat events, amazing restaurants, diverse neighborhoods, and breathtaking views are around every corner. The variety of options to explore varies so greatly that it’s hard to decide where to begin. If you’re short on time and want to pack in as much as possible, here are my top picks for how to spend a long, adventurous weekend in beautiful San Francisco.

TRANSPORTATION For starters, direct flights to San Francisco and Oakland are only about two hours long, making a quick trip from Seattle an absolute snap. From the airport,

the easiest and cheapest way to get into the city is to take the BART, or Bay Area Rapid Transit system (www.bart.gov).

Within the city, the Muni rail system runs frequently and is inexpensive; ticketing and making change for passes can be a real headache, so just be sure you carry small bills and quarters.

STAY Located across from the newly renovated Ferry Building, overlooking the waterfront at the corner of Mission Street and Embarcadero, is the luxury Hotel Vitale (www.hotelvitale.com). There’s something to be said for splurging a bit on an amazing room to call your home base for a few days. Hotel Vitale is one of the most elegant, gorgeously lit and indulgent places I’ve stayed in San Francisco, yet the feel is welcoming and unpretentious. Waterfront views and circular suites offer a panoramic 180-degree view of the Bay and can be enjoyed from

your bed or from deep-soaking tubs.

All rooms feature large spa-styled bathrooms, plentiful windows, and soothing, modern colors and décor. Additionally, 24-hour room service, complimentary car service to downtown, complimentary WiFi and high-speed internet access, LCD flatscreen television, and top-notch Fresh line bath products make this hotel a must. Spa Vitale is housed on the penthouse level, and offers full massage and body care services. On-site restaurant Americano offers up a menu packed with ingredients from the nearby Ferry Building Farmers Market.

If modern quirkiness is more your style, my pick is Hotel Americania (www.jdvhotels.com/hotels/americania). Open for just under a year in the up-and-coming South of Market (SOMA) district, the 143-room hotel’s fun, retro look includes vibrantly colored furniture, Warholesque artwork, and amenities that pay tribute to the past. Nostalgic board games

and whimsical touches – such as a lobby jukebox and Jelly Belly jellybeans – are fun and available upon check-in. The property is affordable and convenient for leisure and business travelers, given amenities such as complimentary wireless internet, refrigerators in most rooms, and a heated outdoor swimming pool and sundeck. An on-site lounge and restaurant are open late nights as well.

EAT Weird Fish (www.weirdfishsf.com) in the Mission is a tiny, lovely little restaurant that serves locally grown vegetables and prepares fish that is farmed sustainably. Although it appears a bit trendy and tables are in high demand, the food is worth the wait. Clever vegan options such as seitan tacos as well as Dijon-almond encrusted rainbow trout or sautéed see san francisco page 13

John C. Douponce

Le Parc

West Hollywood a glam, Gay mecca

by Scott Rice SGN A&E Writer

es of its neighbor to the west, Beverly Hills.

The best way to see WeHo is on foot.

Walking along Sunset Boulevard between North Doheny Drive and North Fairfax Avenue – about a two-mile hike – takes you past such WeHo landmarks as the Whisky a Go Go, Viper Room, Comedy Store, Laugh Factory, Chateau Marmont Hotel, ANdAZ West Hollywood (formerly the Riot Hyatt) and the Director’s Guild of America.

A short cab ride will get you to Santa Monica Boulevard and the center of WeHo’s Queer community. You’ll find a number of Queer bars and excellent restaurants. Be West Hollywood Marketing and Visitors Bureau

West Hollywood – WeHo for those in the know – is a revolver-shaped 1.9 square mile patch of land tucked between the pretentious flamboyance of Beverly Hills and the charmingly seedy vestiges of the glory days

of Hollywood. It’s also perfectly situated to serve as home base for your Los Angeles area vacation.

However, saying you are going to Los Angeles for a week’s vacation is akin to saying you are going to the Pacific Northwest for a week’s vacation. You wouldn’t expect to see Portland, the Oregon coast, the Olym-

pic Peninsula, Seattle, the Cascades, Mt. Rainier, Mt. St. Helens, Victoria, B.C. and Vancouver, B.C. in a week. Similarly, you shouldn’t expect to see all that L.A. has to offer in a week. That’s why we decided to focus our short vacation on WeHo. In 1894, Moses Sherman bought up the farmland between Los Angeles and Santa Monica’s beaches in order to put a rail link between the two destinations. Shortly thereafter the movie industry blossomed, and by the early 1920s a burgeoning counterculture had sprung up along Sunset Boulevard. This was largely due to the area’s less-restricted

Pacific Design Center

status as an unincorporated community between Hollywood and Beverly Hills. In other words, the LAPD had no jurisdiction over the area lying a scant 10 miles from the heart of Los Angeles. The Sunset Strip was thus created as the epicenter of the anything-goes Hollywood party scene. The community officially changed its name to West Hollywood in 1925.

As Queer individuals became more visible in the 1960s, Queer communities began to coalesce. One of the first established itself in WeHo with the Queer influx of the late 1960s and 1970s. WeHo was incorporated as a city in its own right in 1984. Today the police cars sport rainbow flags and the southernmost sections are a mecca of design known collectively as the Avenues of Art and Design.

WeHo is a unique, educated, and understated community, with average temperatures that range from highs in the 60s during the winter to highs in the 80s during the summer. WeHo is also a sophisticated and glamorous center of culture and style that in many ways eclipses the ostentatious excess2

Seattle Gay News

September 25, 2009

sure check out The Abbey Food and Bar, a local favorite hangout that started as a small coffee shop over 15 years ago. The Abbey, constantly expanding, recently added a new bar and lounge to its engaging mix of open air and indoor seating. The spaces flow nicely from one to another, and the décor is earth-tone chic gray and brown with lots of leather and stone.

Also along Santa Monica Boulevard you’ll find O-Bar, another WeHo local favorite.

The décor is an understated avant-garde milieu that, upon close inspection, gently suggests an undersea fantasy. The food was good, but the overall impression was marred by the fact that my filet mignon was slightly over cooked. The Classic Caesar Salad was excellent. The house-made dressing had a pleasant tartness accented with a black peppery spice. Though my steak was a tad past medium-rare, the accompanying horseradish-chive mashed potatoes with roasted onions and sautéed broccoli – topped with blue cheese compound butter and a red wine reduction – were over-the-top tasty. Steven ordered the spicy penne and beef tenderloin

Celebrating 36 Years!

West Hollywood Marketing and Visitors Bureau

2009 - 2010

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NOV 28 - DEC 20, 2009 GUEST STAR BETTY BUCKLEY

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pasta, which he found to be an odd combination of Italian and Asian flavors, but that I thought was excellent.

Overall, the experience was positive largely due to the service, the atmosphere, the local crowd, and the amazing music by a live band playing a subdued brand of jazz fusion. I’d return in a minute for the music alone.

Marix was also a hit when it comes to food. Unabashedly Tex-Mex and unbelievably inexpensive, this was the hit of the WeHo food scene for us. Restaurants are like wine. If I’m paying a lot, it better be good. But what gets me excited is finding something amazing at a great price.

The fresh guacamole starter served with salsa and chips was unpretentious and exactly correct for $5.95. Steven ordered the Tres Enchiladas Combo. It will set you back a mere $11.50. For that price you get a chicken, a beef, and a cheese enchilada smothered in an earthy chile Colorado and served with rice and beans. I decided on the Macho Stacked Chicken Enchiladas.

The layered corn tortillas were stuffed with grilled chicken breast, melted aged cheeses, poblano chile tomatillo sauce, and crema Mexicana served with black beans and rice for $10.25.

If the food wasn’t enough to send two self-proclaimed Tex-Mex aficionados (hey, we met in Austin, Texas for crying out loud)

and The Sunset Tower Hotel. There are also new players like London West Hollywood.

Though all could be described as loosely defined boutique establishments, one of the best of the best is Le Parc Suite Hotel.

Le Parc is situated in a quiet residential neighborhood between Melrose and Santa Monica Boulevard. It’s within easy walking distance of the Avenues of Art and Design, the Pacific Design Center, and all the food, drink, art, and shopping you might desire along those famous thoroughfares. And the Sunset Strip is just a short cab ride up the hill.

Le Parc is topped by the quiet rooftop sky deck with pool, hot tub, comfy cabanas, and tennis courts. Knoll at Le Park offers intimate dining with a Mediterranean slant and a fully stocked bar.

Perhaps the best part about Le Parc is that it’s pet-friendly. In fact, Le Parc is more than pet-friendly; Le Parc has its own Director of Pet Relations. His name is Jackson Oscar and he’s a Basenji mix on a mission.

Steven and I had our own little 14-lb. ruler of our universe, Ellis, along for the trip. Ellis, an ancient Italian Greyhound, was surprised to find a sweet note and a bottle of Bowzer Beer waiting for him in our room.

Bowzer Beer is a tasty libation made especially for canines. It is hops- and alcoholfree and made with 100% beef broth and malted barley. When we returned later that

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The Abbey

over the edge, the margaritas finished the job. The sweet and sour was perfectly balanced with fresh lime juice and a healthy dose of tequila, just the way it should be.

Follow my usual advice and order them on the rocks for the best flavor. My final comment: Marix rocks.

There are 14 hotels within the 1.9 square mile confines of WeHo. Some of the most famous names in the business are there including the aforementioned Chateau Marmont and ANdAZ, along with Mondrian

day, the hotel had left a fruit plate for the bipedal members of the party.

I think L.A. gets a bad rap as a vacation destination partially because travelers just don’t realize what a vast space it is. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Los Angeles metropolitan area has a total land area of 4,850 square miles. I think the sweetest place to be within this mega-metropolis is a tiny little pistol-shaped city all its own called West Hollywood – or WeHo, to those in the know.

Visit us online www.sgn.org

September 25, 2009

Seattle Gay News

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file photo

United States Capitol

The monumental Washington, DC

by Eric Andrews-Katz SGN A&E Writer

wallpaperweb.org

Washington, DC has been called a city of museums and memorials, but the nation’s capitol will also instill pride in the most pessimistic of patriots. There’s so much to do in DC that a week’s time is barely enough to get the sightseeing surface scratched. Alaska Airlines makes two daily direct flights to National Airport, located in the heart of the city. From there, it’s a simple Metrorail ride to anyplace you want to go. While DC is a great walking city, the Metro system makes getting around even easier with rechargeable fare cards.

With a wide selection of hotels and guesthouses, there’s something to fit everyone’s taste. The newly renovated Dupont Hotel (www.doylecollection.com) is centrally located on Dupont Circle. This nine-floor hotel boasts a welcoming concierge, several meeting centers, and free WiFi to make business completely pleasurable. The rooms begin at $225 and include such luxuries as comfortable beds, iPod-adaptable alarms, and beautifully etched glass bathrooms to make your stay enjoyable. The Dupont Hotel has worked with the GLBT community, hosting pride celebrations and monthly “Homo Hotel Happy Hours,” similar to Seattle’s Gay pub-crawls. In preparation for

the Equality March from October 10-12, they offer a special rate of $179 a night.

The DC Guesthouse (www.dcguesthouse. com) offers a less formal setting. Tom, Mike, Randy and Ron joined forces to transform an old 1876 building into a home away from home. A 15-minute walk away from Capitol Hill, the guesthouse hosts seven rooms (five with private bathrooms) beautifully decorated with ornate artwork that makes one feel welcomed and relaxed upon entry while giving off a sense of style, taste and personal flair. Rooms range $175-$300,

has no shortage. The Smithsonian museums (most are free) vary to encompass all tastes.

The Museum of Natural History contains the infamous Hope Diamond, while the National Art Gallery has works by Raphael and four by Vermeer. The Portrait Gallery contains paintings of each president, from George Washington through the “Hope” portrait of Barack Obama. The American History Museum houses Oscar the Grouch and Judy Garland’s ruby slippers. The most recent inductee is Julia Child’s kitchen set.

For a different take, try the News-eum. Although not free, it is worth the entry price for a comprehensive look at the media.

Headlines from the 1300s to present declare the world’s news and events. Exhibits include “Tanya’s” (Patty Hearst) uniform and gun, wreckage from the 9/11 attacks, and pieces of the Berlin wall. The museum’s roof offers one of the most impressive views of the Capitol building. For the more somber, the National Holocaust Museum is an extensive look into the darkest period of modern history. The Ford Theater holds a basement museum dedicated to the Lincoln assassination, showing the gun used by John Wilkes Booth, Lincoln’s theater clothes, and a bloodstained pillow that held the head of the dying president. Through protected glass, the scene of the infamous event can be viewed, giving a chill to any viewer.

Foodies can find a plethora of paradises for any palate. Try the Commonwealth Gastro Pub (www.commonwealthgastropub. com) for a taste of British lagers, a great pulled-pork sandwich, or some of the best fish ‘n’ chips in the city. If American food with a twist is your style, then Zola’s (www. zoladc.com) can’t be beat. Adjacent to the Spy Museum, one-year-old Zola’s plays up on the theme, decorating with comfortable colors and Bond-like spy holes. Cocktails can be had in the bar or at dinner while enjoying house-specialties of grilled fish or a cured/smoked pastrami sandwich. Potenza (www.potenzadc.com) is an Italian food lovers dream. The younger sister-restaurant of Zola’s cures their own meats to make delicious salumi platters and some of the best pastas outside of Italy. Homemade gnocchi in garlic pesto sauce never tasted so good,

Kok Leng Yeo

White House

Lincoln Memorial

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Seattle Gay News

September 25, 2009

which includes an incredible home-cooked daily breakfast served at a community table.

The hosts take notes on any food allergies or limits and accommodate these into the meal, eliminating any concerns with dietary restrictions or allergies. Complimentary beverages are provided for the guests’ needs.

If something special is required (flowers, champagne, a lit fireplace), all you have to do is ask and these wonderfully welcoming men will provide, making it feel like a visit with friends instead of staying in a strange city.

When it comes to sights, Washington, DC

and if your sweet tooth yearns for satisfaction, then the connected bakery will satisfy with homemade pastries.

It is impossible to go to DC and not be aware of the political structure of the United States. The National Archives holds original copies of the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights, among other works documenting the forging of a new country.

Self-guided tours through the Capitol, Congress and the House of Representatives are available. For the further-out planner (2 to 6 months), ask for a White House tour. A 20-minute self-guided tour through the East Wing is a fascinating look into the most famous address in the nation, but since 9/11, only a member of Congress can arrange it for you. A tour of the monuments at night is well worth the time. To see these historic places lit up allows a completely different view of the famous structures (www.viator. com).

One can’t help but get a lump of pride in your throat as you look at the newly restored original Star Spangled Banner, or Lincoln’s stovepipe hat. No matter what your political affiliation, it is easy to get a sense of pride as you gaze at our country’s historical artifacts.

If asked if you can be proud of your country, you can answer “Amer-I-can” without hesitation.

Celebrating 36 Years!

by Shaun Knittel SGN Staff Writer The bright lights and promise of winning millions have lured travelers to Las Vegas, Nevada for nearly 70 years. The desert oasis, brainchild of Mafioso Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel, of casino businesses, earned the city the title “Sin City.” In the ‘60s and ‘70s, legends Frank Sinatra, Barbara Streisand and Elvis Presley turned Vegas into the “Entertainment Capitol of the World.” Little has changed since the days of Siegel and Presley; if you’re lucky, “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.” Adult entertainment is alive and well, there’s still a jackpot or two with your name on it, and some of the world’s most celebrated entertainers perform before adoring audiences. There is, however, one noticeable change: The famous Las Vegas Strip has gone Gay. Fueled by the economy’s downturn last year and the realization that Gay dollars are real, the major hotels along the most famous two-mile strip of land in the country are now actively courting the Gays. It’s a stark change from the days when only two types of Gays blew into town: those who traveled with family and stayed at one of the major resorts, and those who checked into their hotel and made a beeline for the Fruit Loop (Sin City’s Gayborhood). Bottom line, onseason or off-season, the hotels in Vegas are offering specials for LGBT couples, singles, or group Gaycations.

WHERE TO STAY AND PARTY Las Vegas is home to some of the largest hotel and resort properties in the country.

Gone are the days of overpriced accommodations; many of the main hotels offer twonights-for-the-price-of-one promotions, among other discounts and comps. Wherever you stay, be it on the Strip or Downtown (the cluster of casinos that share Las Vegas Boulevard and Fremont Street), you can rest assured that everything you could ever

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Gay Vegas moves to the Strip Lounge on Closet Sundays, “For Boys who Like Boys and Their Girlfriends.” The ultralounge is an evolutionary journey. The music and interior create a psychedelic sensory environment in the comfort of an LGBT crowd.

One of my Vegas favorites is the AAA Four Diamond Award-winning Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, where excess is the norm. Besides great eats and a 60-acre property that houses a wave-pool, the resort is practically dripping with nightlife. But it’s Mandalay’s latest venture, “Elevated at the Foundation Room,” that has me hooked.

High atop the Mandalay Bay, the Foundation Room provides a breathtaking view of the Las Vegas Strip. The exotic lounge features a fireplace, plush sofas and a hip attitude every Sunday night beginning at 11 p.m.

The MGM Hotel & Resort has something to offer Lesbian travelers. Aside from being one of the city’s most celebrated landmarks, they’ve brought one of the sexiest shows to the Strip six nights a week. Direct from the Crazy Horse Cabaret in Paris, the show celebrates the beauty and sensuality of women through the interpretations of beautiful dancers who combine sensuous choreography, stunning light displays, and film to portray the female form as art.

Las Vegas’ 30-story black glass pyramid, The Luxor Hotel & Casino, makes its presence known by shining the world’s strongest beam of light into the sky. On Sunday nights, the beautiful CatHouse Loungerie is transformed into “Kitten,” a Gay party.

Rich, dark woods and dim lighting give the room a definite mystique. They let you dance on the tables and feature a full bar and dining.

For a true Gaycation stay, you can never go wrong staying at The Blue Moon Resort.

You can read a full review of Vegas’ first and only Gay resort by Scott Rice elsewhere in this SGN travel section.

A few tips from a local: bring sun block file photo

Mandalay Bay

dream of will be at your fingertips. Nearly every hotel has a spa (sometimes two), world-class dining, the finest entertainment, and slot machines and card tables as far as the eye can see. Most of the Gay parties on the Strip take place Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, inside some of the city’s most celebrated lounges.

The Mirage Resort & Casino is one such property. The Mirage is one of the city’s most beloved hotels. When you book one of the 3,044 hotel rooms, you’ll also have the opportunity to visit The Beatles Revolution

(seriously, people, the summer temperatures rival the scorching heat that can only be found in the Middle East), explore the hotel where you choose to book a room (you’ll be surprised at all of the high-end shopping, dining, and entertainment that exists inside of every property on the strip), walk if you’re able (the Las Vegas Strip is roughly two miles long, and you can walk it in place of paying a $10 taxi fare), and have a blast.

After all, Vegas exists for you!

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Frank Marino

SEE A LEGEND Throughout the years, Las Vegas has had many local talents who’ve burst onto the show business scene to critical acclaim. But no one has made quite the same splash as the beautiful and talented drag sensation Frank Marino. More than 20 years have passed since the legendary La Cage first opened at the Riviera Hotel & Casino in 1985. Marino, who was the show’s headline act, catapulted to fame with his beautiful costumes and Joan Rivers impersonation. Today, Marino holds the title of Las Vegas’ longest-running headliner and, as of 2006, the Las Vegas Mayor proclaimed February 1 to be “Frank Marino Day.” Late last year, La Cage was cancelled at the Riviera and Marino decided he was going to revamp the classic La Cage, rename it the Frank Marino Show, and make it current. Boy, did he ever! Marino invited the SGN to one of his Labor Day weekend shows at the Imperial Palace. From start to finish, the Queen of the Strip was sassy, funny, and gorgeous. The female impersonators that Marino has cast are top-notch; from Britney Spears to Lady Gaga, the show has it all – not to mention the flawless, halfnaked male backup dancers that share the stage with the girls.

Currently, Marino is touring the Strip, bringing the show to different venues and audiences. So, when planning your trip itinerary, make sure you find out where the Frank Marino Show is booked and be sure not to miss one of drag’s legendary performers. You’ll kick yourself if you miss a chance to see the reason why this queen is king.

KRAVE ON THE STRIP Several years ago, when Gay was not “in” on the Strip, Krave pushed, shoved, and kicked its way to Las Vegas Blvd. Since then, there’s been no looking back. Connected to the Planet Hollywood Hotel & Casino (but with a private, exterior entrance), the nightclub is located in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip. With world-class DJs, sexy go-go boys, and regular special events, this venue has become the hotspot for Gay tourists and locals alike.

Equal parts nightclub, theater and lounge, Krave has everything you could desire. The nightclub is open every night of the week except Monday. The décor is part posh, part circuit party, with different themed nights that include strip competitions, weekly liquor and beer bust, and fashion event giveaways. Also, because of the sheer size of the place, there’s hardly ever a wait to get inside.

September 25, 2009

THE FRUIT LOOP’S LATEST MAKEOVER The Gay bars, ultra-lounges, and nightclubs that make up the Fruit Loop (Las Vegas’ Gay center) have survived the best and worst of times. Even though the Strip is courting the LGBT community with reckless abandon, I still encourage anyone visiting Sin City to drop by the Gayborhood for a drink or two.

The largest Fruit Loop club is Gipsy. At one time, it was the biggest and brightest Gay discothèque in town. You can always count on Gipsy for a good drag show, a stiff drink, and shirtless boys dancing to the thumpa-thumpa played by a resident DJ. FreeZone is a beacon of 24-hour fun. Always open and always Gay, FreeZone is the place for cheap drinks, pool, and beer pong.

FreeZone has a weekly ladies night and a drag show on Friday and Saturday nights.

The bar-top poker machines are considered some of the loosest in the city.

Buffalo is a bar right out of the Gay ‘70s leather and Levi scene. Buffalo is frequented

by Gay bikers, bears, and the more mature men of the Gay community. Like FreeZone, Buffalo is open 24 hours and features cheap drinks, beer on tap, and pool tables. Buffalo is a bar, so there’s never a DJ, but they do play music videos or sports games on TVs above the bar.

Piranha nightclub and 8 ½ Ultra Lounge are the best thing to happen to the Fruit Loop since poppers. A breath of fresh air, 8 ½ is always fun and employs some of the hottest male and female (scantily clad) bartenders in town. Music videos play as a DJ spins top 40, pop, rock, and hip-hop. At the back of the lounge, at around midnight, Piranha nightclub opens and the party really begins.

Britney Spears and Janet Jackson have been spotted in the upstairs VIP booth, hot gogo boys dance for tips atop pedestals, and the drinks are always doubles. Be it Latino night or just a sweaty dance night, the club has a pretty even mix of girls and boys, so there’s always someone to cruise, regardless of who you fancy.

Las Vegas is a nonstop, never sleep, go until you drop town – if that is what you want.

It can also be a romantic getaway for couples who want to be pampered in a spa or have sex and room service all weekend. Regardless of your motive, bank account, or entertainment expectation, Vegas is your town.

Like most things in life, Vegas is something everyone should do at least once.

Seattle Gay News

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A three-day guide to exploring and partying in St. Louis

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September 25, 2009

by Albert Rodriguez SGN A&E Writer There’s more to St. Louis than corn-fed, all-American boys, although that’s reason enough to visit this Midwestern jewel because the men do fit the proportions. While it continues to rise from under Chicago’s shadow, St. Louis has found a niche as a comfortable, less crowded, and functional city with a bevy of new restaurants, hotels, and nightclubs. A rapidly forming Gay district on Manchester, coupled with Gay hotspots in two other neighborhoods – not to mention a growing Pride festival – has undoubtedly expanded St. Louis’ GBLT community. Most of the metro area is Gayfriendly, but there are pockets to avoid at night. The Soulard and Central West End districts and the Manchester strip are the best places to party and hook up, should that be your game plan.

St. Louis itself is having a resurgence, since losing a dash of glitter when TWA Airlines folded nearly a decade ago. George Clooney recently filmed a movie here (Up in the Air), two museums listed in this piece are drawing national visitors, and Jon Hamm of Mad Men fame is said to come home for regular visits. Daily flights to Lambert-St. Louis International Airport are available from Seattle on American Airlines (www. aa.com), and having taken this flight twice I can say it offers the least amount of hassle and a convenient path to anywhere in the Midwest. Should you be headed to St. Louis in the coming months, I’ve put together a three-day itinerary for your visit.

Seattle Gay News

courtesy of team mitchell

Day 1 STAY: at the Moonrise Hotel (www. moonrisehotel.com) in the Delmar Loop, a 20-minute ride from the airport on the Met-

down-home fare, such as toasted ravioli, butter-roasted breast of chicken, and trout a la plancha – if you’re in an adventurous mood, try the $20 burger (ground chuck, pancetta, fried egg, black pepper foie gras).

Mac stations with free hardwired internet access, fitness center, and complimentary self-serve parking are a few of the out-ofroom amenities at the Moonrise Hotel.

DRINK: at Pin-Up Bowl (www.pinupbowl.com), a retro-cool bowling alley and lounge on the same block as the Moonrise Hotel. This is a drinker’s paradise, a bar with everything from pretty cocktails to local draft beer. Start with the Antifreeze (Absolut Vodka, Midori, Blue Curacao, pineapple juice), then move on to a pint of St. Louis-made Schlafly Pale Ale, and exit with a Dutch Chocolate (Van Gogh Dutch Chocolate Vodka, Stoli Vanilla Vodka, Crème de Cacao, cocoa). This is such a fun place to hang, whether you bowl or not, and the jukebox always plays good tunes.

EXPLORE: the Delmar Loop, home to vibrant nightlife and great dining spots.

Begin your trek at Pi Pizzeria (www.restaurantpi.com), worshiped by locals as the best pizza in town – deep dish or thin crust, everything here tastes as good as it smells.

Watch a movie at the Tivoli Theatre (www. landmarktheatres.com), often used for cinematic festivals and independent film series, and then head to the legendary Blueberry Hill (www.blueberryhill.com), where rock ‘n’ roll icon Chuck Berry still plays to soldout audiences. Shop for vintage threads at Avalon Exchange (www.avalonexchange. com), grab a bite to eat at Fitz’s American Grill & Bottling Works (www.fitzsrootbeer. com), famous for its original root beer and juicy burgers, and end the night with a live The St. Louis Arch and the Old Court House show at The Pageant (www.thepageant. ro light rail. The Moonrise is the city’s new- products, iPod docking station, and nightly com), a live music venue that has hosted est boutique property; hip lodging with the turndown service. Decor is modest chic – bands like Death Cab for Cutie, Silversun most active rooftop bar east of California. It glass-enclosed shower stalls, artsy lamps Pickups,, and Foo Fighters. was packed each night during my visit, with and mirrors, angled daybeds, sliding batha clientele ranging from college students to room doors, and an earthy color palette of Day 2 40-something professionals. Rooms at this browns, greens, and blues. Rock bands are SIP: coffee at Forest Perk Cafe, a tiny cofnifty hotel are average size – not too big, not regulars at the Moonrise, many of who per- fee/deli shop inside the massive 1,300-acre too small – with sensible amenities; comfy form down the street at The Pageant. The Forest Park (www.forestparkforever.org), bed, work desk, flatscreen TV, upscale bath hotel’s signature restaurant, Eclipse, serves featured as the center point for the “Meet

Celebrating 36 Years!

Me in St. Louis” 1904 World’s Fair. Grab your coffee and a bagel to go, and enjoy a lengthy walk through the park, which houses the Saint Louis Zoo, Municipal Opera (or “Muni”), Science Center, Art Museum, and Missouri History Museum, aside from tennis courts, playing fields, and a lake. Bicycle and iPod tours are available.

TOUR: the Motomuseum (www.themotomuseum.com), a small but impressive col-

DRINK: at The Fountain on Locust (www.fountainonlocust.com), an ice cream shop situated on the historic Automotive Row, once a street occupied by auto showrooms. Ice cream martinis, anyone? Try the Wicked (vodka, dark Creme de Cacao, chocolate ice cream), or perhaps a Dark Stout Beer Float (Collins chocolate stout, vanilla ice cream). Food, beer and wine are also available, and the service is top-notch. courtesy of moonrise hotel

Day 3 EAT: at Soulard Coffee Garden Cafe (www.soulardcoffeegarden.com) in the historic Soulard neighborhood, home to another patch of Gay bars and dive restaurants.

Muffins, pastries, and darn good coffee in a cheery, simple setting is what you’ll find here – enjoy full breakfasts or brunch if you have a bigger appetite.

TOUR: the Contemporary Art Museum (www.contemporarystl.org) and Pulitzer Foundation of the Arts (www.pulitzerarts. org), two incredible inner-city museums next-door to each other that shouldn’t be missed on a trip to St. Louis. Neither takes a long time to go through, both are pristine and interesting, and it’s a great way to show your support to the local arts community.

Visit each museum’s website for current and upcoming exhibitions – incidentally, this is where to meet young intellectuals in St. Louis, who flock here for social events.

DRINK: at the Loading Zone (no website), a fashionable Gay bar in the ever-popular Central West End district. This video,

karaoke and dance lounge is a favorite amongst upscale non-heteros, some of who prefer the posh surroundings of this neighborhood to the rustic ambiance of Manchester Avenue.

EAT: at Herbie’s Vintage 72 (www.herbies.com) in the Central West End, a St. Louis landmark for its amazing food and upbeat environment. The restaurant’s loyal customers sit down to full course meals or celebrate a Cardinals victory in the lively bar area. I enjoyed a savory piece of halibut with two commendable wine pairings, and I found the service to be on par with Herbie’s continuous reputation for high quality.

ATTEND: a performance at the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis (www.opera-stl. org), near the campus of Webster University. While it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, it provides an elegant finish to a long weekend and the company’s renowned productions, like its edgy interpretation of The Ghosts of Versailles, are worth the steep ticket price.

Again, not recommended for everybody, but opera fans should make a beeline for it.

Moonrise Hotel

lection of motorcycles from various parts of the world. Even as a non-motorbike enthusiast, I found it fascinating to see the progression of this recreational vehicle. Jay Leno and Dan Akroyd are two celebrities who’ve come to the Moto Museum for tours.

EAT: at Triumph Grill (www.triumphgrill.com), adjacent to the Motomuseum and one of the best places to eat simple American favorites in St. Louis. The buttermilk onion rings and flash-fried asparagus were out of this world, and my Billiken Burger with blue cheese and bacon on a brioche roll was heaven.

PARTY: on Manchester Avenue, unofficially known as the “Gay Strip.” Just John’s (www.justjohnsclub.com) has a pub-like feel with an outdoor patio and draws Gay men of various ages, Rehab (no website) attracts a younger crowd with a pinch of attitude, while Erney’s 32 Degrees (www.myspace.com/erneys32) is a trendy dance club with hot guys. My favorite of the bunch, and there are several other Gay bars on Manchester to party at, was the Atomic Cowboy (www.atomiccowboystl.com) – a mixed bar with killer food and hearty draft beers, and a cool spot to meet alternative types.

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Seattle Gay News

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Chuck Koehler

Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta guys as hot as the weather

by Albert Rodriguez SGN A&E Writer

ACCOMMODATIONS If you want to be near the Gay district, referred to as Midtown, you want to stay at the W Midtown (www.starwoodhotels.com) – it’s just a skip away from many popular bars, cafes, and retail shops. I stayed at the

RESTAURANTS / LOUNGES Parish Food & Goods (www.parishatl. com) tops my list of places to eat in Atlanta, a bi-level restaurant within the hipster area of Inman Park. The cuisine is New Orleans homestyle, well executed by its use of andouille sausage, chorizos, peppers, and Cajun spices. The upper half of Parish is an immaculate and ornate dining area with full bar, where diners can feast on creole frites, Mississippi stuffed catfish, and crispy eggplant etouffee. The bottom portion is divided into a “to-go” counter, offering tempting choices such as gulf shrimp po’boys and fried green tomato BLTs, and the popular “Market,” a splendid coffee shop with imaginative pastries like Froot Loop squares and made-from-scratch Pop Tarts. A giant communal table and outdoor patio gives locals and irregulars a space to socialize. You can taste the love Parish puts into its food, and I loved every morsel of it in return.

Another dining attraction worth noting is MF Buckhead (www.mfbuckhead.com), a lavish Japanese restaurant on the main floor

straight, but it’s Gay-friendly throughout the hotel. On a higher end of the spectrum, the St. Regis Bar at the St. Regis Atlanta (www. starwoodhotels.com) is recommended for an all-out splurge. The Bloody Marys here ended my search for the best ever; they were spicy, flavorful, and so addictive. The hotel and lounge are tony to the nines, therefore dress the part.

GAY NIGHTLIFE / EVENTS When it comes to stepping out for a night of fun, Atlanta boys are always ready to get their cocktail on. Midtown is the party zone with several bars aimed to please every type of Queer. Woofs (www.woofsatlanta.com) attracts the jocks, Blakes (www. blakesontheparkatlanta.com) woos the younger set, Bulldog Bar (no website) draws Gay hip-hop fans, and Club 708 (www.legendaryclub708.com) satisfies a large black clientele. And if dancing is your thing, try The Heretic (www.hereticatlanta.com) or Chaparral (www.chaparralatlanta.com). All of these bars are in or near Midtown, though ask the concierge at your hotel for exact addresses and directions.

Events to put on your calendar include the Atlanta Black Gay Pride Celebration, one of the largest in the US, over Labor Day weekend, the Out of Film Festival in late May, the Southeast Leatherfest in early June, Mondo Homo on Memorial Day weekend, OutlantaCon (Gay DragonCon) in November 2009 and April-May 2010, AIDS Walk America in mid-October, and the annual Pride festivities (dates yet to be announced).

Sylvia Beach Hotel A literary bed and breakfast in a gorgeous setting

kate

Despite cloudy skies and sudden downpours on my trip to Atlanta, my neck was sore from spotting lots of eye candy – from the airport to my hotel, there were beautiful guys everywhere. And let’s not forget this is the South, so that warm hospitality and those sexy accents are in full effect here, with half a million inhabitants in the urban area and another 4.5 million scattered throughout its suburbs. This was my first venture to Atlanta, and I was floored by its sophistication and its warmth – not the temperatures, but the friendliness on the street, at shopping centers, and at bars. These were talkative locals, proud of their city and eager to learn about mine. Atlanta has tremendous history, the birthplace of civil rights pioneer Martin Luther King, Jr. and soft drink giant Coca-Cola. It’s also home to one of the largest African-American populations in the nation, and you really see the integration of black residents, specifically those in the GLBT community, in the city’s landscape. What you should know about Atlanta is that it’s gradually becoming a more upscale destination with boutique hotels and swanky restaurants, yet it’s retained an oldschool charm with soul food kitchens, gospel churches, and southern culture. With the exception of a few rainy days when I was there, Atlanta is well known for its sunny weather – and from me to you, the men are even hotter. Delta Airlines (www.delta.com) offers daily flights to Hartsfield-Jackson airport from Seattle, a four-hour-plus nonstop jaunt. Here’s what I suggest doing when visiting this great city.

W Buckhead, a newly opened sister property in an affluent part of the city. Like most W hotels, the rooms here are nothing short of trendy – animal-print throw pillows, colorful bedspreads, framed photographs on the wall, wide flatscreen TVs, and Bliss bath products (I’m a sucker for the face wash).

Two items I found disappointing were no inroom coffee (you had to fetch it in the lobby) and expensive hardwired internet access. Is it too much to ask for a free computer station for guests who opt not to carry their laptops 1,500 miles across the country? Aside from this, my overall experience was wonderful.

On-premise amenities include an outdoor heated pool, rooftop bar, and complimentary car service. Also, the city’s light rail system, MARTA, has a station a block away.

A final suggestion for accommodations is Hotel Midtown (www.luxehotels.com), in the heart of the Gayborhood.

of the new Terminus Building. The freshest seafood, some of it flown in from Tokyo, makes for fabulous sushi and fish plates – from yellowtail rolls to miso-blackened cod, the food here is to die for. A mango creme brûlée was exquisite, and the list of imported sakes goes for miles. MF Buckhead is dazzling in decor; softly illuminated dining room, long sushi and bar counters, sleek tables, and Asian-style light fixtures make it a destination for both puppy-eyed couples and elite cocktailers.

Flip (www.flipburgerboutique.com) is a burger joint unlike any other. It completely thinks outside of the box with burger selections in the form of spicy chorizo, turkey, fried lobster and wild mushrooms. If this isn’t daring enough, try the diner’s exotic milkshakes in flavors ranging from Krispy Kreme to chocolate mole to foie gras (yes, weird). The staff is adorably cute, and the walls are splattered with kitschy mountings and sassy wallpaper. I’m an old-fashioned burger guy, so Flip didn’t hit the spot for me.

However, Atlantans are bending over backwards for it.

For cocktails, Whiskey Blue atop W Buckhead is for scenesters and cool out-oftowners. Designed by Rande Gerber, husband of supermodel Cindy Crawford, the lounge provides balcony views of the city skyline in a polished setting reminiscent of a vintage desert lodge. DJs spin contemporary hits, original cocktails like the raspberry “mangorita” are concocted with fresh ingredients, and the elevator is adorned with a white leather couch. The clientele leans

Sylvia Beach Hotel

by Marian Michener SGN Contributing Writer The Sylvia Beach Hotel in Newport, Oregon, has attracted attention in the 22 years since it was opened by friends Goody Cable and Sally Ford. It is a beautiful and large 8

Seattle Gay News

September 25, 2009

19th century building. Each room is named after an author, with the decorations inspired by his or her work. It is named after the woman who ran the bookstore Shakespeare and Company in Paris, which published James Joyce’s Ulysses. Her name, Sylvia Beach, puns nicely with the fact that it is a

Celebrating 36 Years!

beach hotel.

My partner and I drove down there for a three-night honeymoon. The five-hour drive makes it a bit of a distance for shorter visits, though the charms may be great enough to entice you down for a weekend.

The hotel is on a cliff over the surf, so the restful sound of the ocean is a big attraction.

Many rooms have views of Nye Beach and Yaquina Bay Lighthouse.

We stayed in the Melville room – not because we are fans of the author, but for its king-size four-poster bed with its nice cotton sheets and blue and white comforter. Naturally, there were toy whales, boats and whalers. Paintings of boats and harbors hung on the walls, along with a nautical clock that was stuck at 17 minutes to midnight.

The room had a brass chandelier and nice, deep 1910s style wooden furniture. The bookshelves were full of Melville’s books, of course. A round mirror over the sink in the room was reminiscent of a porthole. The private bathroom had a nice bathtub and sink.

On the walls were paintings of Melville

and a placard with information about his career. It also said that the room was designed in Portland in 1987 by Nathan and Sara Cogan and Penny and John Flenniker. It was clear that they had had fun.

We also looked in the Hemmingway room, which had a stuffed deer head, fish designs on the bedspread and a poster that said, “One cat leads to another.” That rule seems to have inspired the owners of the B&B, since cats roam happily. The door of the Agatha Christie room has a small magnifying glass. A peek in the Alice Walker room showed us a zebra-striped comforter. There are dorm-style rooms, but each of the others has its own bathroom.

There is a large common library space on the third floor with beautiful views and comfortable ripped furniture you don’t have to worry about. There is a fireplace and lots of books. Also shared on the third floor is a room people use to put puzzles together or play games, with coffee and mulled wine out at different times of day.

The breakfasts were generous and delicious. One table in the dining room, which

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also has a wonderful view, was laden with lemon bars, apple kugle, berry bars, cheesecakes, fruit and fruit juices. Our first day, they served a tasty bacon, mushroom and olive frittata. The second day’s pancakes went down happily. We raved about the third day’s tomatillo and green chili frittata.

Their dinners are also famous, but we got distracted by the fish and chips at the Chowder Bowl and shepherd’s pie at Nana’s Irish Pub, so we never made it there.

Sylvia Beach Hotel is close to some fun bookstores and shops, the Newport Visual Arts Center, and Newport Performing Arts Center. The Art Deco district, also nearby, includes the Ark, which shows old movies and has ballroom dances.

A friend who lives locally recommends not walking barefoot on Nye Beach, because it can gather trash. Other friends showed us nearby Moolack Beach, which has dramatic angles on the surf.

My partner points out that it might be time for a change in which authors are represented. She says it would be fun to have an all-woman literary B&B. Jane Austen and

September 25, 2009

Agatha Christie are a start. I think an allGay one would be fun. By the way, there are now rooms for Gertrude Stein, Collette and Oscar Wilde.

Explore the Sylvia Beach website at www. sylviabeachhotel.com. You’ll notice there are lower prices off-week and off-season. It can be fun to be at the coast when it is wintery and stormy. We’re thinking of going back for Valentine’s Day.

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Celebrating 36 Years!

Dreaming in paradise: Three places to stay in Waikiki

by Scott Rice SGN A&E Writer I have only recently realized how important a hotel can be. In the past, I tended to think of it as a place for sleeping and locking up stuff I didn’t want to carry around.

However, after my recent trip to Oahu, I’ve changed my mind.

Waikiki is a small place – about 1.5 square miles. I figured such a definitive place would, by virtue of its size, be fairly homogenous. I was wrong. At the north end is ritzy shopping, upscale food, and some of the best accommodations in the world, anchored by the renowned Royal Hawaiian Hotel. The south end is all about the beach, and the central area just inland is a mix of small hotels, condos, and residential apartments. To get a clear idea of how different the three areas are, I had to stay in three different hotels.

On the north end of Waikiki, between the unfinished Trump Tower and landmark Royal Hawaiian, is the Embassy Suites Hotel Waikiki Beach Walk. The rooms are huge – mine, on the 21st floor, had wraparound balconies with views of the Pacific, Diamondhead, Waikiki, and the mountains behind Honolulu. Aside from the views and location, the room was pretty much what I expected from Embassy Suites: comfortable and clean with nice amenities, but nothing special.

So, what did I love about the Embassy Suites in Waikiki? You walk out your door and you are in the midst of world-class shopping. American tourists have taken this shopping area for granted over the last 20 years, but travelers from Hong Kong, Australia, and Japan have been scooping up the goods the entire time. You can buy everything from Nike to Chanel, and never be more than a few hundred yards from your bed.

The courtyard has a beautiful saltwater pool with waterfall and quiet lounging area, where they serve complimentary mai tais on select afternoons. The Aqua Bamboo is a lovely, little boutique hotel and a perfect

place to get away, a place of respite where the guest service is exemplary. It doesn’t matter that the shopping is lame and the restaurants are boring because you will not want to leave the hotel.

You’ll also enjoy walking along the beach a few blocks to Rumfire Grill for tapas and drinks. Or, if you’re looking for a more formal meal, check out Azure, the new restaurant in the newly remodeled Royal Hawaiian that blends an easy island charm with fine dining. For something more mobile but just as nice, try Giovanni Pastrami, a stylish deli style shop with sandwiches to die for.

Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel is a high-rise establishment just across Kalakaua Avenue from the beach. The rooms are small, but the views are huge whether you’re looking north toward the beach and beyond Pearl Harbor, or looking south toward the iconic profile of Diamond Head. If staying at the Waikiki Beach Hotel, you shouldn’t be in your room anyway; you should be on the beach.

If you get tired of the beach, you’ll have easy access to H1, Oahu’s main highway and the only way out of Honolulu. The rooms are reasonable and so are the restaurants and shopping. Upscale vendors are replaced by ubiquitous ABC stores, locally owned shops and family-friendly dining.

Lastly, I spent a couple of magnificent nights at Aqua Bamboo and Spa, located about four blocks from the beach in the heart of Waikiki. The neighborhood is a mix of local inhabitants and tourists looking for less expensive accommodations. The price may be what drives someone to Aqua Bamboo, but the sweet surroundings and awesome service will keep them coming back.

The Aqua Bamboo is an older hotel that’s just been given an Oprah-worthy makeover.

The rooms are gorgeous with flatscreen televisions, large balconies, sliding glass doors, and king-sized beds. The bathroom had a bath built for two (or three) and a separate shower. The views are less glamorous than those closer to the beach, but the breeze blows just as fresh.

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A Gay man’s resort destination

Jay W.

Swimming pool and water fall

by Scott Rice SGN Contributing Writer The Blue Moon Resort is at the intersection of Sahara Avenue and I-15. Las Vegas Boulevard, known as The Strip, lies a couple of hundred yards to the east, just beyond Industrial Road. Smart visitors use Industrial Road to get from one hotspot on The Strip to another as traffic on The Strip can slow to

a maddening crawl at virtually any time of day or night.

This means the Blue Moon is tucked into a quiet little corner of one of the best spots in the city, with easy access to everything Vegas has to offer – and I-15 is right there in case your latest trick turns out to be a stalker and you have to get to the airport quickly.

Speaking of tricks, the Blue Moon offers day passes so gentlemen staying elsewhere

12

September 25, 2009

Seattle Gay News

Courtesy Blue Moon Resort

The Las Vegas Blue Moon Resort

and local folks can enjoy the resort’s amenities such as the video lounge, weight room, pool and sundeck, Jacuzzi grotto, steam room, and WiFi internet lounge.

The Blue Moon hosts parties throughout the year. Check the website, www.bluemoonlv.com, for upcoming events. The T-Dances are especially popular, typically bringing in up to 300 guys looking for fun. Live DJs spin, go-go boys dance, and bartenders serve up icy drinks from a full bar.

The Blue Moon recently completed a terrific remodel. The rooms, suites, and common areas have all been professionally upgraded. Most rooms are huge, with leather couches, refrigerators, flatscreen televisions, garden tubs, king size beds (yes, size does matter), and closets that could easily sleep four. Though you shouldn’t expect nice views from the windows, the clothingoptional policy means you can hope to see some nice sights around the pool.

I’ve been visiting Vegas regularly since the late ‘80s, and while the original Sin City is still wallowing in plastic and neon excess, things have changed. The cheap buffet isn’t a thing of the past, but they aren’t as ubiquitous or as bountiful as they were in the spending spree ‘90s. Many hotels don’t even offer breakfast or lunch spreads and don’t ring the dinner bell until 4 p.m. The best deals were always the medium-priced venues anyway, and my suggestion would be the World Carnival Buffet at the Rio. Prices range from $12.99 to $22.99, depending on the time and day. Service is from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. Monday-Friday and 7:30 a.m. un-

Blue Moon Resort lobby

til 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. I’ve never been disappointed.

Another side effect of the economic downturn is the lack of people. There are simply fewer folks on the strip. This may be a bonus or a drag, depending on your priorities.

I kind of like it. There are still plenty of fat tourists to gawk at and a diverse mix of international visitors, too. The heaviest tourist action on the strip these days runs between Treasure Island and Mandalay Bay. If you’re looking for trendy hotspots with the beautiful and famous, try The Playboy Club at The Palms Casino Resort, The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, or Pure nightclub at Caesars Palace. However, the Blue Moon Resort is so self-contained and convivial that you may not want to leave anyway.

Celebrating 36 Years!

san francisco

around scenic Golden Gate Park.

tilapia are your best bets. Or, take a chance on what’s called the Suspicious Fish Dish (or substitute a vegetarian dish) to see what the chef might prepare for the day’s surprise delicacy. And, tucked away at the far end of Haight Street lies The Citrus Club (www. citrusclubsf.com), an Asian fusion noodle house and bar. Known for its inexpensive offerings such as top-notch currys, noodles, and a great selection of sake-based mixed drinks, this friendly little café is worth a stop. Though it’s not much to look at from the outside, the cozy interior is stylish, and the staff is extra-helpful. On weekends, there may be a slight wait for a table – I’d advise going early before taking a walk

NIGHTLIFE/SHOPPING No trip to San Francisco is complete without a bit of shopping and clubbing in the Castro. The heart of the LGBT universe, you can find everything from fantastic boutiques, bookstores, underwear shops, movie theaters, and clubs here. For a warm-up, start off at video bar Midnight Sun (www. midnightsunsf.com), where you can chat with friends during happy hour while watching music videos, clips from Sex and the City, Ugly Betty, or Desperate Housewives any night of the week. Follow this with some hardcore dancing at Badlands (www. badlands-sf.com), where the boys are cute, well-dressed, and the music a mix of modern and classic pop gems. The Castro has no shortage of cool dive bars and places for a good cocktail, but these two are standouts

continued from cover

Courtesy crucible

courtesy hotel vitale

Hotel Vitale's penthouse terrace

worth visiting.

During the day, a little shopping can be done at Rock Hard (518 Castro) for the usual toys, videos, clothing and gifts, or at Good Vibrations (www.goodvibes.com), San Francisco’s oldest women-focused retailer, similar to Seattle’s Babeland. Both stores feature extremely polite, knowledgeable, gender-friendly staff only too happy to help answer any questions or lend opinions when making a naughty purchase for yourself or someone else.

ART To top off your next outing to San Francisco, check out the annual Fire Arts Festival or the calendar of events at industrial arts school The Crucible, in Oakland (www.thecrucible.org/events/fire-artsfestival). Any event put on by The Crucible is sure to be interesting, and definitely not something we here in Seattle get to see every day. The school itself offers classes in blacksmithing, ceramics, enameling, fire performance, glass, welding, woodworking, and other industrial arts, with an average of 5,000 students each year. In July, the four-day Fire Arts Festival takes place, featuring a towering, spinning “tornado of fire” as well as other live fire arts demonstrations. Throughout the year the school puts on fire operas, a fire ballet, and a burning version of Homer’s Odyssey, among other things. The art installations are truly amazing – not to mention scorching if you stand too close. Think of the Fire Festival events as a mini-Burning Man, but with better parking and much more convenience.

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Fire Arts Festival

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Tulalip Resort Casino a fourstar hotel minutes away courtesy tulalip resort and casino

Tulalip Resort and Casino

by Albert Rodriguez SGN A&E Writer Want a splash of Las Vegas for less than half the cost? Pack an overnight bag, gas up the car, and take a short drive to Tulalip Resort Casino. Just 35 minutes from Seattle, this 370-room luxury hotel is turning heads and wowing upscale travelers with its modernly executed design, spacious accommodations, and top-of-the-line amenities. I expected something on a more basic level when I visited two months ago, not thinking I’d be comparing it to the finer hotels I’ve stayed at in recent years. It’s incred-

ibly chic, yet minimal enough that you don’t feel intimidated by its grandeur. The lavish main entryway to the resort, complete with jumbo orcas and freshwater pond, is a teaser of things to come. There’s a classy ambiance to Tulalip Resort Casino which would appeal to a high-end clientele, and there’s also a hip factor that could potentially woo boutique clients to this woodsy region in Snohomish County – it isn’t Vegas, nor is it downtown Seattle, but it’s the best form of sophistication within a 50-mile radius of the big city, and it’s a splendid place to rest the night en route to Canada. Plus, casino entertainment, great dining, full spa, and even an

indoor pool are within steps – and for shoppers, a premium outlet mall (Banana Republic, Calvin Klein, J Crew, Nike, etc.) is a five-minute walk or free shuttle ride away. A few weeks ago, Tulalip Resort Casino was awarded the prestigious “Four Diamond” rating by AAA. Take note that the hotel is planted on a native reservation, therefore smoking is permitted in the gaming sections of the casino (not in the hotel itself). Allow me to introduce this surprisingly cool property to you – visit www.tulalipresort.com for more details.

ACCOMMODATIONS Room sizes begin at 500 square feet, almost equivalent to a Capitol Hill studio, large enough for a deluxe king bed, giant headboard, desk, armchairs, lamp tables, 47-inch flatscreen HDTV, and bathrooms with double sinks, granite counters, rainhead shower, vanity bench, private commode, and towel shelves. Floor-to-ceiling windows would be better appreciated if they didn’t face out to the hotel’s parking lots, which is my only note of disappointment.

Fine coffee and tea (Tully’s, The Republic of Tea), along with two bottles of water, are offered complimentary in each room, not to mention WiFi service at no extra charge.

Single-cup coffee makers reduce your wait time to a few minutes for morning caffeine.

Beds are firm, decor is tasteful, closets and drawers are spacious, and the espresso-colored slippers are a nice touch. If celebrating a special occasion, consider an upgrade to one of the casino’s 18 Orca suites or uniquely themed specialty suites – each of the latter is 1,000 to 1,500 square feet and includes an array of appropriate amenities, such as a

Hawaii. We had dinner in the wine room, tucked to one side of the elegant dining area – booked for special occasions, it features a large, wheel-shaped table with a stunning Chihuly-chandelier overhead. A fried ravioli appetizer was marvelous, followed by a tender ribeye with well-seasoned lyonaise potatoes, climaxed by a decadent chocolate cake – a knockout meal at a higher price point, yet one that left me salivating for days later.

The mpulse Lounge is a roomy, art decoish nightclub that really draws the crowds on the weekends, primarily because you’ll find nothing like it between Seattle and Vancouver BC. With lush, contemporary furnishings, outdoor patio, intimate nooks for parties of four or more, and DJs spinning everything from ‘80s pop to modern hip-hop, mpulse has become a hotspot for fashionable 20- and 30-somethings. The only drawback to this schmancy bar-lounge is that it leans very straight, almost to the point in which macho patrons question your presence with obvious stares. Still, I didn’t encounter any conflicts, and the outdoor area – with comfy couches and circular fire pit – seemed to attract a more open-minded, college-aged, and particularly attractive set of laid-back minglers. Canoes Cabaret is another lounge on the premises, and less glitzy than mPulse.

SPA Like the hotel itself, T Spa trumps its competitors with its 14,000-square-foot quarters. My 30-minute massage was all too brief, but it did loosen some kinks that had formed on my shoulders and neck prior to my arrival at the casino, and my therapist

courtesy tulalip resort and casino

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September 25, 2009

mpulse Lounge

pool table in the “Player’s Suite,” or iMac computer in the “Tech Suite,” or umbrellashaped light fixtures in the “Grand Asian Suite.”

RESTAURANTS / LOUNGES In total, Tulalip Resort Casino boasts five separate dining attractions on its massive compound, all indoors and each satisfying a specific budget. If a cup of java and good pastry is what you need for a kickstart, try Killer Coffee. Canoe’s Carvery is a quick, easy, and affordable spot to grab a bite – from pre-made sandwiches to individual pizzas, a meal for under $10 is guaranteed.

Eagles Buffet is a self-serve eatery with offerings that include carved meats, fresh seafood, international dishes, and house-made desserts. Blackfish Wild Salmon Grill & Bar is a casual restaurant, meant for those wanting a full dinner without having to change out of their street clothes. It’s here where you’ll find “salmon on a stick,” a thick filet smoked in traditional native style – it wasn’t as flavorful as I’d hoped, though the fish was cooked perfectly. Apple and ale-glazed rotisserie chicken, filet mignon, and a miso-basted black cod were other tempting menu options. Cedar’s Cafe is a mix of all the above, and caters to night owls with its 24-hour service. Tulalip Bay is the casino’s signature formal restaurant, headed by Dean Shinagawa (formerly of Roy’s in Seattle), who infuses Northwest fare with Pacific Island flavors, a gracious bow to his native

worked a bit of magic on my always-tight calves. The usual treatments, from facials to pedicures to body waxing, appear on TSpa’s menu of services, and can be reserved for individual, couples, or group sessions – think birthday or anniversary treat. Local products, including soothing CDs made by regional musicians, are sold at the front desk and are a great way to support our local economy.

AMENITIES Besides the in-room amenities, guests at the resort casino can enjoy an indoor pool with hot tub, 24-hour fitness center, complimentary work stations with internet access and standard office machines, plus shuttle service to the nearby shopping mall. The hotel lobby provides a cozy, lodge-like atmosphere, where you can relax or read a book.

An uncommon addition to the hotel is the bridal waiting room, a private space included in wedding packages, that can be used by brides and her bridesmaids – or grooms and their groomsmen in these advanced times – to get dressed and chill out before saying “I do.” Traditional artwork by local artists and craftsmen should not be missed, located on each floor of the hotel and throughout the casino’s ground level – the hand-carved totem poles near the reception desk are remarkable. And, of course, a casino wouldn’t be complete without blackjack and craps tables, slot machines, roulette wheels, lottery ticket counters, and poker rooms.

Celebrating 36 Years!

Go to Vancouver, BC before the Olympic frenzy

by Albert Rodriguez SGN A&E Writer Vancouver, BC is about to become crowded, very crowded and likely chaotic – thus, go now and avoid being stuck in traffic or standing in one-hour lines just for a cup of coffee. The reason for this forthcoming madness is the 2010 Olympic Games which touch down on our northern neighbor in five months. Major streets will be closed, all downtown hotels are completely booked, many of the top restaurants are reserved for VIPs and international media, and expect prices for the common breakfast muffin to be higher, which indicates that the best time to head across the border is between October and mid-January. Whether you’re going to shop, party, relax, or catch up with friends in the near future, here’s what I recommend adding to your Vancouver, BC itinerary – and don’t forget your passport, as it’s mandatory now for border crossing.

L’Hermitage Hotel www.lhermitage vancouver.com So nestled is L’Hermitage Hotel on one of Vancouver’s side streets that I walked past its entrance door twice, assuming I’d written down the wrong address. If a lowprofile visit is what you desire, this is where to enjoy it. The boutique property has the appearance of a luxury apartment or condo building from the exterior, which is essentially what it is, and there’s no illuminated signage to pull you in from the street. Inside, the lobby functions as both a receiving area for hotel guests and building tenants, though long-term residents are in more private quarters and utilize a separate elevator.

Still, visitors are spoiled with apartmentlike suites that feature all the bells and whistles of modern living, such as full kitchens, contemporary appliances, ample closets, large LCD-screen TVs, fireplaces, fine inroom coffee, and indoor terraces that double as work dens. Outdoor patio and garden, lap pool, hot tub, steam room, fitness center, and morning newspaper fulfill the out-ofroom amenities, but the most fabulous thing about L’Hermitage is The Library, a gorgeous area in the hotel with dark-wooded tables and cushioned seats where one can snuggle up to a good book, sip on a glass of wine, or jump onto one of two hard-wired computers with free internet. I adored The Library and found myself retreating to this intimate, warm space often during my recent trip. The iced water with fresh mint upon check-in was a sweet welcome, as well. Should you want secluded accommodations, yet still within walking distance to all Gay points and important shopping, L’Hermitage is strongly suggested.

Medina Cafe www.medinacafe.com Eggs with black cod? Cassoulet with grilled foccacia? This must be what the angels eat for breakfast. At Medina Café – a stone’s throw from BC Place, home of the 2010 Olympic Games opening ceremonies – they serve Mediterranean breakfasts fit for a king – or a queen. The intense smell of garlic at 9 a.m., combined with freshbrewed coffee, immediately greets you as you walk in, and from then on it’s an experience that flirts with the orgasmic. The menu is petite, but everything on it is memorable, right down to the waffles drizzled with lavender milk chocolate, raspberry caramel, fig orange marmalade, or mixed berry compote, to name a few. I ordered the Tagine, a hearty dish of two poached eggs resting on a tangy tomato stew with red pepper, merguez sausage, black olives and cilantro, served alongside fried pita bread. It was a meal I woke up missing several mornings later when I’d returned to Seattle. On the day I visited, a local film crew had come in for coffee and the remainder of the seats were filled with hungry trendsetters.

Sanafir www.sanafir.ca Of all the restaurants that have opened in Vancouver within a five-year timeframe, the most buzzed-about and recommended by personal friends is Sanafir, and I finally put the hype to the test when I stopped by this summer. The layout of this Moroccan dining spot is dazzling: high ceilings, extended marble-top bar counter, imported lamps, and an upstairs alcove complete with plush beds, embroidered pillows and leather chairs – it’s sophistication at an unparalleled level, yet the star attraction is the food. The many framed awards by the lavatories prove that Sanafir is acclaimed by critics and everyday foodies alike. I suggest eating at the bar, providing a perfect view of the entire restaurant and kitchen, and ordering a tapas trio – three savory selections of either chicken, beef, lamb, halibut, calamari or prawns for just $14. I went gaga for my chicken plate, especially the drunken chicken with sliced cucumber and a tomato-green onion chili sauce, all washed down with a refreshing Indian beer called Kingfisher. Several pods of upscale Gay men were dining when I was there, so you’ll feel quite comfortable at Sanafir. The overhead music was fun and danceable, a saucy mixture of Moroccan and Middle Eastern songs with a pop flair.

Vida Wellness Spa www.vidawellness.com I can honestly say that I’ve been worked on by a celebrity masseur. You can, too, at Vida Wellness Spa, inside the Sutton Place Hotel. This Vancouver-based chain unveiled

its first Seattle site last year at the Pan Pacific Hotel, and it’s one of only three spas I refer close friends or acquaintances to in the Emerald City. I tried something entirely new – a hot stone massage – mainly out of curiosity and because I’d always assumed this treatment was more of a pampering session than a therapeutic method of massage.

I was wrong. My therapist, often called to work on the bodies of Hollywood’s elite, slid heated basalt stones around my body and unloosed severe tightness in my calves and shoulders that felt like a wonderful tiny miracle had been bestowed to me (I was in pretty bad shape). A former physical trainer/ therapist back in his native Europe, my therapist’s hands were firm and sensitive at the same time. Hot stone treatments aren’t for the squeamish, you literally feel the smooth edges of the rocks glide into your muscles, but if you think you can stand it, I strongly recommend giving it a try. Massages, body wraps, facials, and pedicures are other services performed at Vida, which has a similar setup at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre.

of miso-ginger Soba noodles and seasonal veggies. I blended in easily with the locals here, and the ambiance was lively, clean, and extremely cozy. The interaction between patrons and the bartender was genuine; a pub with lots of cheery regulars usually results in a great experience. Nightly specials, like Theatre Night (Tuesdays), make it more affordable at $25 for a prix-fixe meal. Again, it can get crazy on weekend nights, so come early for that first or second cocktail before the long night ahead.

Opus Hotel / Opus Bar www.opushotel.com The lone hotel consistently racking up accolades from Conde Nast, Travel + Leisure, Forbes and numerous other worldwide destination magazines is Opus, a personal favorite for many years and deserving of its trophy collection. I referred two friends of mine, a young Gay couple from Seattle, to this boutique property earlier this year, located in the chic Yaletown district, and they’re still raving about how well they were treated throughout their weekend stay.

Indeed, Opus’ signature stamp is its top customer service – staff members always greet you with hellos and wide smiles, and the hotel’s complimentary BMW car service is unbeatable. The celebrity-preferred hotel is currently featuring several terrific offers, like 2010 Pre-Games and dog (bed and) breakfast packages. This isn’t a budget-friendly property, but should a splurge be overdue – and, yes, you’ve earned it – here’s where to savor your reward. Opus Bar, in the hotel’s chic lobby, is a great locale for that martini or cosmo before hitting the town, however it does attract the straight crowd as the night progresses, but like most drinking lounges in downtown Vancouver, it tends to be quite Gay-friendly. Visit the hotel’s website for package details and a full list of amenities, including business center with free hard-wired internet access, fitness room, and L’Occitaine bath products.

Chambar www.chambar.com Next door to Medina Cafe is Chambar, a hip Belgian restaurant with abundant seating and a sexy clientele of Gays, straights, and perhaps a fence-rider or two. The decor is lush – wall panels in deep scarlet, decadent chandeliers hanging over a long table, and a backroom with city view. But aside from the interior scenery, the locals really show up for the sumptuous menu, where you can only go wrong if you order too little. My guest and I sampled a variety of small plates, and both the lamb and baklava stick out for me, as does the Kingston Crown cocktail – a sinful concoction of all spice-infused Ghoslins rum, citrus, cinnamon, mango juice and ginger beer (the Canadians love their ginger beer). The one item, however, I didn’t have that’s on my wish list is the Tajine d’aziz a l’agneau – a braised lamb shank prepared for up to 12 hours in honey, figs, cinnamon Voya and cilantro, and served with couscous and www.voyarestaurant.com zalouk. Chambar is down the block from the New and popular in downtown Vancouver SkyTrain-Stadium station and a five-minute is Voya, tucked into the also-new Loden Howalk, if that, to GM Place, so it’s a perfect tel. I had drinks here only in June, though stopping point en route to a major concert. a peek at the dinner menu tempted me with bison ribeye, wild salmon, and house-made Granville Room meatballs. The bar-lounge, highly suggestwww.granvilleroom.ca ed for happy hour or a late night cocktail, If good pub food is what you crave with is classy and seductive with a DJ spinning a cold pint of Kronenbourg 1664 on draft, house-electronic music on weekends. Comthen make a beeline for the Granville Room plimentary cheese sticks were a unique ofon the always-happening Granville Street. fering at the bar, where the comically cute Nearby live music venues, like the Or- bartender showed off his skills – cocktail pheum and Commodore Ballroom, bring the shaker in the air, two drinks made at once, pre- and post-show crowds in, as do hockey and a fabulous mojito that served as my nights. Elegant chandeliers and leather- nightcap. The crowd is mostly young on the upholstered stools might give off a preten- weekends, though hotel guests were among tious vibe, but this place is really a friendly those mingling at the bar counter or on nifty neighborhood bar that caters to a mixed couches – local or visitors, this is a lounge clientele, although it can become a straight for sophisticated urbanites. Consider the meatmarket on late weekend nights. Burg- Loden Hotel for future stays in Van City, ers, chicken breasts, salmon steaks, and beef a centrally located property with spacious tenderloins are on the menu, yet I went for rooms and flattering amenities – you’ll fall the sesame-seared ahi tuna that was cooked in love with their slippers, I assure you. to perfection and accompanied with a tassel

Prepare to play.

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September 25, 2009

Seattle Gay News 15