*Absolut Elyx Events in Hollywood*

Our awesome Bar Lubitsch family has been invited to the Absolut Elyx Mansion on a few occasions now for different events, along with other liquor experiences to help push certain brands.  Absolut Elyx is definitely moving up the list to becoming one of my favorite vodkas, the more I learn about it.

New York Vibes in Hollywood

Absolut Elyx is a wheat vodka that's crafted in copper stills resulting in a pure silky smooth flavor that I think has a hint of sweetness.  It definitely beats out my old go-to, Ketel One.  They're trying to re-brand since this is more of a luxury vodka on the level of Grey Goose and Belvedere.  Plus, Absolut Elyx donates a week's supply of clean water to people in need for every bottle sold.  That sells me on it even more!

Rach and I had just gotten back from our trip to New York a couple days earlier so we decided to keep the fun going!  There was an open bar with amazing cocktails that were almost too pretty to drink and served in fancy copper drink-ware, BBQ (even Johnsonville brats), and good people at the event.  Plus, each room in the Mansion up in the Hollywood Hills was prettier than the next.  My favorite had cherry-colored wood, a stunning emerald couch, and copper accents.  We tried all the different types of cocktails, and before we knew it, we'd been there for a few hours.  After snapping some pictures in the photo booth we knew it was time to call it a night!

*Cheers...Our Bar Lubitsch Family, lovely hand-crafted Absolut Elyx Cocktails, Bae & I...Skal*

We had another event earlier this month and I wanted to spread the love around so I invited Kristina to join me for a 70's Disco Party (themed clothing was encouraged) at the Mansion.  There were 70's inspired cocktails, Fondue for everyone, the Disco Ball room was playing the jams.  I got to catch up with some co-workers at the event, and it's always so nice to see everyone outside of Lubitsch. I couldn't drink anymore so Kristina and I took an Uber to Bigfoot West to catch up with James who was back in town and DJing with Sum that night!  It was a little Saint's & Sinner's reunion, seeing Charlie and Steve behind the bar as well.

Kristina and I at the Absolut Elyx Mansion for the 70's Disco Event!

I was bummed to miss the Gin Lab we had a couple weeks ago, where people got to make their own gin using botanicals and there was a Tequila Tasting and Dinner tonight as well.  It's awesome to get to check out these events and push something we really believe in!  Thanks Committed Inc...so proud to be working for such a great company :D

May Karaoke

After getting back from New York, I knew I'd be jumping into rehearsals for "Nothing Bad - A Werewolf Rock Musical" for the upcoming Fringe Festival in June.  We were finishing up Season 12 of "Supernatural" and just delving into "Real Housewives of New York" at Afterbuzz TV so May was a crazy busy month!

Celebrating a successful
'Supernatural' season at Gabe's
with Mario!

Pat Benatar - 'Heartbreaker'

Shania Twain - 'Any Man of Mine'

Sara Bareilles - 'She Used to be Mine'

No Doubt - 'Spiderwebs'

Destiny's Child - 'Say My Name'

Rihanna - 'Umbrella'

En Vogue - 'Don't Let Go'

Nancy Sinatra - 'These Boots are Made for Walking'

Journey - 'Separate Ways'

Pat Benatar - 'Promises in the Dark'

Dido - 'White Flag'

The Eurythmics - 'Sweet Dreams'

Cassadee Pope - 'Wasting All These Tears on You

Dolly Parton - 'Jolene'

Natalie Merchant - 'Jealousy'

Les Miserables - 'I Dreamed a Dream'

The first week back at Karaoke I had to sing 'She Used to be Mine' by Sara Bareilles after seeing her perform the week before in "Waitress" on Broadway.  I love the song so much and the lyrics are just incredible.  Surprisingly, my new song in that second week was 'Umbrella' by Rihanna which has been around for forever.  I kept it an R&B night singing Destiny's Child and my favorite En Vogue song.  I sang some fun songs in the third week and my new song was Dido's 'White Flag.'  As I no longer had 16 hour Thursday's and now 10 hour Wednesday's, I even went out to get a late night bite with Kenni and Ace that night.  The closing week of May was an all-female week.  My new song was Cassadee Pope's 'Wasting All These Tears on You' which I'm glad I took down one full note; it was much better for my voice.  Since Kenni was there we decided to close out with our Musical songs. 

As it's already half-way through June and I've been busy with Fringe, Karaoke has also been busy and fun!  Since it's my Birthday month we'll be celebrating that soon enough ;) 

New York! Part 4.

Before we knew it, it was our last day in New York and we only had 24 hours to cram as much of Manhattan into that short time-frame.  There were so many things we didn't get to see, some of which I saw when I was 17 and on my high school choir trip, but more that we missed out on.  We filled that last day with as much as possible...though I wish we would have been able to check out a Yankee's game!  Next time!

Chris, Old Man Charlie Buckets and me
in Central Park :)

Sam had picked out a deli near Central Park that we stopped at on our way to meet my friend, Chris and his pup, Old Man Charlie Buckets, there that afternoon.  We met by MOMA (the Museum of Modern Art) and found a spot at the park to enjoy our sandwiches and Lunch.  Chris played music from the radio station he works for and we were able to catch up.  He goes by D.J. Baron and you can find the station right here: http://www.acpl.lib.in.us/home/using-the-library/start-here/access-fort-wayne/95-7-welt The gals all loved Old Man Charlie Buckets, and he loved our sandwiches!

After Lunch, Chris went on his way (so great to see him), and while Rachel and Giana went to the Zoo, Sam and I made our way back to Broadway so we could rush a show that evening.  I walked over to the theater 'Wicked' was at but the man at the ticket window said getting a lottery ticket would be very slim since it was so beautiful outside and a Friday, so my best ticket would be $100 and that would be at the back of the house up in the balcony.  I met back up with Sam and we decided we wanted to see Miss Saigon.  I can't figure out where I had heard the music prior, maybe Karaoke, but music is a huge selling point on seeing a show for me!  I picked up some gifts from one of the Tourist Shops and Sam and I also went into the M&M Place before heading back to the Hotel for Happy Hour before Dinner.

Central Park

We had Dinner plans near Broadway since Rachel and Giana were seeing Avenue Q and we had our Miss Saigon tickets.  We went to Ageha, a Sushi place that had a menu that rivaled Cheesecake Factory.  Thankfully it had pictures which made it much easier to go through since the names of things were totally different than your traditional sushi place. We all got fun cocktails and ordered food.  I got a Sashimi Platter, Rock Shrimp Tempura, and a Happy Mango Roll with Spicy Tuna.  It was so much food we actually took it with us and gave it to some people in need on the walk to the theater. 

Sashimi from Ageha

And now...Miss Saigon.  Our seats were in the aisle on the left side fairly close up and we got them at a great price, less than the balcony 'Wicked' tickets.  In all honestly, I prefer being in the balcony; I'd rather look down at the stage than crane to look up.  The show is lead by the Engineer, played by Jon Jon Briones and he was incredible.  He kept the energy of the show going the entire time and was so talented.  Gigi sang one of my favorite songs in the show, "Movie in my Mind," and I loved seeing her in the final scene.  As soon as Kim (Eva Noblezada) started singing, it was breath-taking.  She performed so effortlessly, and even though she's petite, her presence spoke volumes.  By the end of the show, her character has built so much and the anger and frustration is felt by everyone.  Alastair Brummer who portrayed Chris was another integral part to the show; he and Eva worked so well together, especially singing "Last Night of the World."  After hearing it, I can't wait to sing it at Karaoke.  The love was there the entire time, during "Sun & Moon" as well and you see him torn between Kim and his wife, Ellen (played by Katie Rose Clarke).   I was torn in my emotions with Ellen potentially being my favorite character.  "I Still Believe" sang by Kim and Ellen was my ultimate song in the whole show (I put all these songs on a playlist as soon as I got home).  The helicopter scene was definitely neat, and the secondary characters, Chris' boss, and the showgirls, and ensemble were all really incredible.  The choreography was very impressive and the lighting for the show was the best I've ever seen in any production.  Overall, I was glad to see the show and it brought all the emotions out!

After Miss Saigon with Sam

After our shows were over we all met up and decided to go to Latitude, a roof-top bar, where we climbed three flights of stairs to a quaint roof-top, greeted by a very handsome bartender, Charles.  Rachel wasn't a fan, probably because he was cocky as all get-out, but he did get us all shots before we left to head over to the Gansevoort Hotel, where bottle service was waiting for us.  It was quite a production at the Hotel but we danced and enjoyed a couple cocktails and the awesome go-go dancers.  Before it was too late we wanted to hit up one more bar, so we walked over to Churchill Tavern to get a beer before heading back to the Hotel.  Our new friend, Tony, regaled us on Manhattan activities and walked us back to the Hotel but not before getting a Street Dog (Rach and I needed to have one before we left New York) at 4 am!  It was delicious and the perfect close to the evening.

The Gansevoort Hotel in Manhattan!

Bye Bye New York

And that's how we closed out our trip to New York.  A wild night on the town, culture and talent, great food, beautiful scenery and good friends, old and new.  After a terrific four days there it was really hard to say goodbye.  I was bummed to be leaving the next morning but we took advantage of our Continental Breakfast included in our hotel stay and then packed our suitcases before heading to JFK and Giana back to the Upper West Side.  The best part of the flight to LA was my discovery of 'Jane the Virgin' and Justin Baldoni!  Whew.  Look him up!  It's a good thing he's married ;)  The worst part about the flight back was realizing as soon as I stepped into LAX that I felt like something was missing.  I realized it was the same feeling I had whenever I left Winona, Minnesota (where I went to College) or when I'd head back to LA after being back in Wisconsin.  These places felt like home and Manhattan had that same effect on me.  I have no idea what that means, I only wish I could be bi-coastal and live on the West Coast and have a place near Manhattan, at some point in my life, but for now, I'll stick with California...or Arizona, or Texas (Dallas or Austin) or Nashville, Tennessee...  I haven't settled on a place just let, but don't worry, I'll let you know.  The important thing to remember is what a wonderful trip to New York that we had and I can't wait to go back as soon as possible <3

New York City! Part 3.

Early to bed, early to rise...more like late to bed, early to rise, to make the most of our time in New York!  As I look back upon our trip, a month after we've gotten back, it reminds me all over again, how much we did while we were there!  Even though I would have loved another week or two, we really accomplished a lot!

Our third day started out with a subway ride for Rachel and I past Greenwich Village, and then walked a few blocks to DO Cookie Dough Confections.  It's been very popular since it's opening a few months ago (made sense since it's right by NYU) so we wanted to be sure we wouldn't have to wait in line too long.  Just a few people ahead of us gave us time to decide on what we wanted.  I tried a couple things but ended up choosing the Salty & Sweet which was incredible.  I ate the leftover when I got back to LA and I wish I had gotten a bigger scoop. We took our DO to Washington Square Park where we sat and people-watched, including seeing Paul Rudd with one of his kids on a Field Trip to the park.  So many field trips, so many birds, so much fun.

Washington Square Park and Cookie Dough for Breakfast!

White Roses at the 9/11
Memorial signify that
person's Birthday.

After our early dessert we walked to SoHo where the scenery and people changed; definitely more upscale, even the shops.  We had Brunch reservations at Balthazar (I think the gals from Sex & The City went there) and it was beautiful.  They had a whole wall of wine and got us seated right away.  Rachel and I split the Avocado Toast with a Poached Egg and Tomato & Jalapeño Salsa and also Scrambled Eggs in a Puff Pastry with Asparagus and Mushrooms.  Both of them were delicious and decadent, and after the DO, my tum was filling up fast.  Talk about a neat place to check out!  I actually would have loved to have stayed to have a cocktail or coffee but there was more to do!

St. Patrick's Cathedral

That afternoon, Sam, Rachel and I made our way to the 9/11 Memorial.  It was really overwhelming to be in the presence of all the lost souls.  I didn't even try to hold back tears but found it really strange that so many people were taking photos at the Memorial and smiling.  I understand it's a tourist attraction but it just felt wrong.  Sam had done the tour recently so she was able to fill us in on all the info for the Memorial and I was glad to learn more about it.  Rachel had afternoon plans so Sam and I walked over to St. Patrick's Cathedral.  I stopped at every Saint, and took a few moments at the one that Mom prayed to most recently, St. Jude, the patron Saint of Hopeless Cases.  The Church was stunning and I know how happy she would be that I had gone to see it.  I was on my own after that so I took a stroll and totally got lost trying to find the Subway, but it was actually really fun because I was able to explore and had to figure it out myself.  Once you realize it's a grid and Avenues go North/South and Streets go East/West, it's much easier.  

Everyone had things planned for the evening so I decided it was the perfect night to take myself out for a fabulous steak Dinner.  After talking to the locals, everyone agreed on Keen's Steakhouse.  I actually walked there from the Hotel, sidled up to the bar, got myself a seat and ordered a glass of wine, the Potato Leek soup and a Filet Steak cooked Medium Rare with a side of Glazed Carrots.  The steak was good but I'm not sure if it would get into my Top 5.  BUT this will be one of my favorite dining experiences for a long time because a gentleman sat down next to me.  As Howard and I started chatting I found out his wife was from Little Shoot, Wisconsin, she is the love of his life, and he can't believe how lucky he is every day that they are spending the rest of their lives together.  We spoke about our parents, he lost both of his, I talked about Mom, and I felt like I made a new friend.  He suggested I join him in drinking a glass of Scotch (I had recently found that I actually like one) so I said the only one I like is Glenfarclas 25 but that I was happy with my wine.  He promptly ordered two, saying he liked that one but Bunnahabhain 25 was his favorite.  I like the Glenfarclas because it's a little sweeter, really smooth, a clean finish and ZERO peatiness.  After I finished the first one, he said I had to try his favorite (and let's be real, we all know how Lyndsey does when she drinks whiskey - if you don't, I get really sassy, start to swear like a sailor, and there's usually a badass side that comes out); I tried to decline but there was no saying no to my new friend, Howard.  

The Filet at Keen's Steakhouse in Manhattan

At this point, I knew we had reservations at Please Don't Tell, a Speakeasy in the East Village, so all the gals, and Rachel's cousin, Evan, met us over at Keen's, and joined us for a drink while I finished my Scotch.  I definitely still would choose Glenfarclas over the Bunnahabhain as that one had a stronger more complex flavor that lingered.  Howard was so generous and I'm so glad to have met him and look forward to my next visit to New York and grabbing Dinner with his whole family.  Our crew got over to Please Don't Tell just in time for our reservation.  You enter through a Hot Dog Shop into a back room and they escorted us to a nice big booth.  I ordered a Negroni that I sipped the entire time I was there and never finished.  I blame the Scotch!  Everyone else ordered specialty cocktails or beer and also some Tater Tots.  There needs to be more places like this in Los Angeles!

LA invades Please Don't Tell in the East Village

After PDT, Rachel, Giana, and I walked to Times Square from our Hotel (it was about 10 blocks or so) in search of a fun bar to grab one last cocktail before the night was over.  We were living it up for each and every moment because we may not ever have this opportunity again.  We found a bar and I got a Fruity Martini while G and Rach got beers.  It was us and a group of guys in the bar and they bought us a round of shots so at that point, we knew it was time to head back to the Hotel.  We still had one day left in New York and another action-packed time ahead of us!