Cheers – Where Everybody Knows Your Name

I used to think this old adage, made popular by the famous show Cheers, was a lovely state of being - one I have experienced many times over. It was always quite like the show itself - walking into my favorite little bar, Rip Rocks, being greeted by name by everyone from the door man, to the patrons, to the bartender. By the time I had made my way to the back, they'd have my signature drink waiting - margarita on the rocks with salt, two olives, two cherries, and a twist of lime. My favorite dart board would always be waiting and one of my best friends would happen to walk in soon after I did.

Every Cheers experience I had ever had - was just as happy, joyful, and full of laughs as the show itself...until just recently...when it turned into one of those famous Snickers commercials...Wanna get away?

It all started when I received an invitation to a local Crawfish boil. I had been to a clam bake, a lobster cook-out, and even a scallop party...but never a crawfish boil. I excitedly called my favorite plus one, or at least my favorite plus one for this week, and informed him of our fabulous date-to-come.

As we approach the entrance, I notice the crawfish boil sounds more like a rockin' New Year's Eve party than a small get together - and sure enough we quickly became one couple in a sea of hundreds.

Moments later I hear my name being shouted over the speakers by the DJ who is also singing along to the lyrics of "Independent". It was as if someone snapped their fingers and BAM instant star of the party...and yes at that point, everybody knew my name.

Enjoying my new found fame, I begin mingling and working the crowd - one of my specialties - about 30 minutes into it I find myself talking to a kind gentlemen who was the editor of a local magazine for 4 years before going solo. He mentions to me his friend is going to place a bid on the penthouse of the building who had hosted the crawfish boil. Out of my mouth pops, "Why? I just took a tour of them last week - not impressive at all. The flow is horrible, the space is WAY too choppy, and the natural lighting is all wrong. You should recommend Cirque to your friend - their penthouses are amazing."

Pleased with my architectural review, I looked at the man and smiled - he, however, was not impressed. "My best friend designed the penthouses here."

Wanna get away? Try a snickers...or make your way to the nearest exit and move on to the next fabulous party on your itinerary...which is what I recommend.

Interested in learning more?

How to have a Crawfish Boil...

http://www.greatcajuncooking.com/tips/crawfishboil.php

Architecture...What makes a great space?

Cirque at Victory Park...