Wednesday, April 04, 2007

leaving las vegas

There is, as always, good news and bad news. The bad news for Las Vegas is that Justin Mabardi is heading out of town. After a serious stint whipping the Dragone show La RĂªve into the greatest show on the strip, practically taking residence at my personal Mecca, Wynn Las Vegas, Justin is cashing in his chips and is going (going) back (back) to Cali (Cali). Serious bummer for you Las Vegas. At least Las Vegas is full of hookers, money, and big hair so the city will likely survive.

The good news? For all my faithful readers in California, Justin is continuing his relationship with the world of Dragone and going to work on the new show, Carmen, at the La Jolla playhouse. Click here to read the press release and learn more about the production. All theater lovers, Justin fans, surfers hitting San Diego, or those who should just do what I say (I think I have pretty much encapsulated everyone I know now) should all head down to San Diego and check out the show which will run June and July. Hurry, because Justin (and the show) are likely to be swept of to Broadway. Glimpses of this man are rare and precious in California. If Justin's past stage ventures are any indication, this show will be spectacular.

Monday, April 02, 2007

when good gringos go bad


Heather and Taylor joined us in the middle of Friday morning's thunderstorm. I promptly spent a day tromping around the city in wet socks and shoes (which I am convinced is responsible for my fever chills and scratchy throat this morning) and feeling like I was in high school all over again. They have spent most of the weekend on the Sarah Howell tour of Buenos Aires and celebrating Sarah's birthday in proper worldly style - with food and friends.



Paul and I did our very best to entertain by whisking the group to Carlitos, a Peruvian restaurant in the heart of Almagro. We ordered up a Peruvian favorite, Papa a la Huancaina, and giant plates of rotisserie chicken, french fries, and fresh salads. We ate ourselves sick until our final dish arrived an hour after we ordered it, and an hour after we were assured that the waiter forgot about it.



I had to include the photo of what was left of the table after Taylor, Sarah, and Paul were finished with the beef noodle dish. This, my friends, is what happens when typically good, well-mannered gringos are confronted with piles and piles of delicious Peruvian delicacies.