Thursday, January 31, 2008

Today's Reason To Drink

Another event you should come out to -- the Literary LEO live readings. It's chill, cool and hip. The winners of our annual poetry, short story and flash fiction contest read from their works at the Jazz Factory tonight. I'll be there, will you?

Literary LEO Readings
Thursday, Jan. 31
The Jazz Factory
815 W. Market St.
992-3242
Free; 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Today's Other Reason To Drink


Oops -- almost forgot. It's my younger brother Doug's birthday today. Happy 26th!

(Yes, he was born in the 1980s. Sheesh.)

Today's Reason To Drink

Check out this event tonight. Learn how to save the environment, one drink at a time. Baby steps ...

GREEN DRINKS COMES TO LOUISVILLE:

WHAT: The worldwide *** Green Drinks *** Informal, self-organizing network that is now active in 200+ cities worldwide!

WHEN: 6.30 'til late

RULE: Last Wednesday of every month (starting on January 30)

WHERE: Carly Rae’s (corner of First and Oak, http://tinyurl.com/38jz3w).

HOW: Can you get here without driving? Walk, cycle, bus, carpool?

WHO: Anyone who incorporates their passion about environmental issues into their work or studies.

WHY: Fun, networking, alcohol, info, gossip, inspiration, business and pleasure… really, why not?

NEW: Just go up to someone and say "are you green?", and you'll be made welcome.

REMIND: To get on this email circulation list, send an email to: greendrinkslouisville@gmail.com

PRIVACY: This email list is ONLY for Green Drinks reminders. We will not give your email address to anyone else

URL: www.greendrinks.org

Still have questions? E-mail greendrinkslouisville@gmail.com or check out this NYTimes article (http://tinyurl.com/yql97t) or this CNN video (http://tinyurl.com/2adosg) for an idea about what we can do together…

Bar Belle from 1/30/08 LEO

The Bar Belle
BY SARA HAVENS

BAND over beads or balls

Generally, this week’s column would be about the two big events in the next few days — Super Bowl (Feb. 3) and Mardi Gras (Feb. 5). I’d probably tell you the best spots in town to go. I’d most likely dig up some crazy beer specials. Perhaps share some sordid stories of past parties, maybe unearth a photo or two. And I’d promise you the first round is on me. Well, none of that’s happening this time. Number 1: My 2001 Mardi Gras memories are hazy at best — flashes of trolling for beads, chugging hurricanes and navigating through a crowd of nakedness. And Number 2: I just haven’t had the time to do the research.

There’s been this recent obsession of mine occupying my every waking moment. I don’t want to drink because then I’ll have to stop to go to the restroom. I don’t want to eat because then my hands will be slippery. I don’t want to talk because then I’ll miss a beat. The devil with which I dance is known in larger circles as Rock Band. He is devouring my soul … and I kinda like it.

First there was Guitar Hero. Simple enough — play lead guitar to a video game by using a “joystick” that resembles a guitar. I was intrigued. And hooked. Now comes Rock Band — adding in three more players to virtually form a band and play along to selected songs. Drums, lead, bass and vocals are all up for grabs for anyone who has sat idly on the sidelines for years, watching musicians dazzle with innate abilities. “I can do that!” you say as you air-drum the beginning beats to Pat Benatar’s “Heartbreaker.” Well, no you can’t. I tried. But you can “pretend” to do it with Rock Band.

If your friends aren’t cool enough to have Rock Band, then get yourself over to the Pink Door (2222 Dundee Road, 413-5204), where they have it set up in the back room for play just about every night of the week. Go forth, jam hard but be forewarned — Rock Band will cause you to lose sleep.

Hit me with your best shot at shavens@leoweekly.com or go to leobarbelle.blogspot.com

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Today's Reason To Drink

"All excess is ill, but drunkenness is of the worst sort. It spoils health, dismounts the mind, and unmans men. It reveals secrets, is quarrelsome, lascivious, impudent, dangerous and bad." —William Penn

I think dismounting the mind is hot, but I do agree with the revealing secrets part. That's probably my worst habit -- spilling too much information at inappropriate times. Every secret I've ever tried to keep comes right out into the open after a little bourbon. Is this a good thing or a bad thing? You tell me. It's nice to be free from hiding something, but it leaves you vulnerable and sometimes ends friendships.

Monday, January 28, 2008

Today's Reason To Drink

Bush's State of the Union tonight? Ugh. I'll be watching Gossip Girl instead.

Friday, January 25, 2008

Today's Reason To Drink

Rock Band has changed my life. Going on four hours of sleep, but it was worth every minute.

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Today's Reason To Drink


If you watch VH1 in the mornings (when they actually play videos), you should know about singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles. She's this month's "You Oughta Know" artist, and her current single "Love Song" is slowly climbing the charts.

She's stopping through town tonight at ear X-tacy at 7pm for a free in-store performance. Next on her schedule is a U.S. tour opening for James Blunt. It's your chance to see an artist before they make it big ... and it's free, for god's sake. What are you waiting for? Free beer?

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Today's Reason To Drink

Wanna stay warm but not dry? Head over to the Back Door for happy hour and order a Gunner from bartender Maryanne. It's made with coffee and lots and LOTS of other goodies, then topped off with whipped cream. Makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, both literally and figuratively.

OK, I talked myself into it -- I'll head that way tomorrow after work for a Gunner. Twist my own arm.

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Today's Reason To Drink


It's a lovely day for a snow job.

Monday, January 21, 2008

Reba/Kelly Concert A Blast



The Reba/Kelly Clarkson concert at Freedom Hall Friday night was one of the best I've seen in a long while. The two musically-inclined divas took the stage together and took turns singing each other's greatest hits for more than two hours. No wardrobe changes. No special effects. No background dancers. Just pure vocal talent from a country music veteran and a pop music American Idol.

Reba highlights: "And Still," "How Blue" and "The Greatest Man."
Kelly highlights: "Since U Been Gone" (of course), "Walk Away" and "Behind These Hazel Eyes."

General observations:
-Beer was aflowing, but the bathrooms didn't seem overly crowded, thank god
-Reba remained cool, confident and composed while Kelly hopped and strutted around stage; reminded me of an old dog interacting with a new puppy
-it was nearly to capacity -- saw a few sections of open seats in the back two corners
-traffic afterward was a bitch, until we found a secret way out

Good tunes. Great performances. Amazing show!

Today's Reason To Drink

This weather is truly unacceptable. Who can I talk to about this matter? It's not good for my car, my skin, my mood, my sanity, my fingers and toes, my condo, my fish living in my condo, and my spinal column. (The last one is for effect.)

Friday, January 18, 2008

Today's Reason To Drink

"Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most."

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Today's Reason To Drink

More than halfway through a shitty week. How come a bloody mary sounds so delicious? I may have to pay a visit to Outlook soon.

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Big Al's Beeritaville




Maybe not the coolest name, but it works for what it is.

And look at these cool bar stools and tables! Sweet! Makes drinking the buckets of 5 Coronas (for $11) all the more better.

And, my favorite feature, look at these handy purse hooks underneath the bar! Genius!

Dublin's Cellar



Here's the view from the outside looking in. Guess what ... you can now use the front door! Not sure why you can use it now, and not when it was Willy's, but who cares! No more scary alley!

The other image is of the fancy booths they've added in place of those awfully uncomfortable rock tables and chairs.

The Menu on the River


Here's a shot of the Louisville money shot from The Menu, formerly Jimmy's. Ain't it perty?

Bar Belle column from Jan. 23, 2008 LEO

The Bar Belle
BY SARA HAVENS

New bars, familiar spots

When I asked Santa last month for more bars in more places, he met me halfway. He delivered three new bars to town, but they merely fill in for defunct establishments. Say goodbye to Jimmy’s On The River, Willy’s and Mac’s Point. And give a grand ol’ River City welcome to The Menu On The River (100 W. Riverside Drive, Jeffersonville), Dublin’s Cellar (942 Baxter Ave.) and Big Al’s Beeritaville (1715 Mellwood Ave.). Here are some initial observations (to look at photos, go to leobarbelle.blogspot.com).

When Jimmy’s closed last month, I knew it wouldn’t take long for another business to snatch up that ideal Jeffersonville location. Jimmy’s had one of the best views of Louisville and was known for cheap happy hour specials and decent pub grub. The Menu in New Albany quickly relocated its bar business, and last Friday’s grand opening was quite the party. Two bands rocked a crowded house, and beer specials were aplenty. What’s good: An upstairs paint job is nice. What needs work: Take that plastic off the balcony! You’re covering up a glorious Louisville money shot!

I guess the new owners at Willy’s decided that if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em. So they bet on the luck of the Irish and changed the bar’s name to Dublin’s Cellar, making it the fourth Irish pub on Baxter Avenue. Gone are the frozen daiquiri machines, rock tables and crawling reptiles underneath the bar. A new red oak bar and more comfortable booth seating now fill the brick interior. Staying is the popcorn machine (thank goodness), 68 beers on tap and Willy, the lizard underneath the dance floor who now watches over, I can only assume, a pot of gold. What’s good: The menu is sprinkled with Irish fare like Shepherd’s Pie. What needs work: Happy hour specials to get people in before 10 p.m. And no covers until you get a staple of regulars.

Perhaps the most dramatic bar makeover is at Big Al’s Beeritaville, where the new owners poured in time and money to convert an old beer-dive into a fun, relaxing atmosphere — it’s like you’re hanging in a friend’s basement. Daily specials include a bucket of five Coronas for $11! What’s good: Great hot wings and convenient hooks underneath the bar for your purse. What needs work: There’s one unisex bathroom, but the men’s restroom, I hear, is almost complete.

I’m broke. So tell me about drinking for cheap at shavens@leoweekly.com

Today's Reason To Drink


The Back Door came out with a new drink menu, honoring their regulars, and I'm not on it! Where's the love? Where's the loyalty? Well, since I only drink either draft beer or gin & soda, I guess it's not worth the ink on the page. I gotta start drinking more creative concoctions. Damn.

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Today's Reason To Drink

"American Idol" starts tonight.

K-Fed is on "One Tree Hill" tonight.

The stars are indeed aligning. For what? I'm not really sure.

For most, these are probably two reasons to get out of the house tonight and drink.

Monday, January 14, 2008

Who dat dog?


Not sure where my little logo went, so beer with me here.

Today's Reason To Drink

Indy's out. Go Packers!

Friday, January 11, 2008

Today's Reason To Drink

If the Metro Council members and the mayor cared so much about what I'm breathing when I'm at a bar, why haven't they bought me a drink yet? Not even some tater skins. Go figure.

As it stands now: No Smoking In Louisville Bars or Restaurants. Period. End Of Story ... for now ...

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Today's Reason To Drink


It's a hazy shade of winter today, even though it feels a bit like spring ... or maybe late fall. January and February are the most depressing months around Louisville, don't you agree? Nothing to do. Crappy weather. The sun barely ever peeks behind the clouds. The only things we have -- good TV starts back up (although it will be short-lived b/c of the writers' strike, read: only one more new episode of Grey's Anatomy left!) and our nightlife. It's always sunshine and rainbows in our city taverns. Drink up!

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Today's Reason To Drink

Season premiere of "One Tree Hill" last night was great! They jumped the characters four years into the future, skipping all the college bullshit.

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Absurdity

I found this story about a town that's considering banning swearing, table dancing and drinking contests in local bars.

It is still uncertain whether bathroom blowjobs will remain legal.

Today's Reason To Drink

Well hell, OSU lost last night. But guess what -- I almost got into a fight! Or at least I almost tried to break one up. First off, I don't give two shits if my team is winning or losing. I just like an excuse to go to a bar, drink beer and yell loudly at the TV. So anyway, I was sitting with my best friend and an acquaintance of ours, who is really, really into Ohio State. He's from Ohio, as am I, but he has a penis, which makes him obsessed with his team. We were losing, of course, and this guy playing the Golden Tee kept rooting for LSU. Finally our friend stood up and was chest to chest with this guy -- screaming at him.

My friend and I were giggling at the whole situation, until she said, "Get up and stop it! Go do something!" I was like, "Me?? You want ME to do something? What am I going to do?!" So I screamed and got out of the way. Luckily the bouncer broke it up. We couldn't stop laughing at the thought of me trying to break up a fight. My friend explained, "Well, you work in a bar, so ..." Yeah, I work the Sunday day shift in a bar -- the only thing I'm breaking up is ice in the bin for the night bartenders. Sheesh.

It was quite funny, indeed.

Monday, January 7, 2008

Hard Lesson Learned

Found out the hard way -- it's not smart to consume Jagerbombs before going to bed. Finished up bartending; took one (OK, maybe two) Jagberbombs because I thought I was going to a party; party plans fell through; went home and watched both season premieres of "The Wire" and "The L Word"; afterwards, climbed into bed and attempted sleep; heart continued to race until about 3:30am; I layed there completely awake the entire time!; alarm rang at 6:16am for the gym -- needless to say I didn't make it there.

Tired as hell. Damn the Red Bull!

Today's Reason To Drink


Go Buckeyes! Let's root them on against LSU tonight at 8pm. Where should we watch it? Wick's on Baxter?

Sunday, January 6, 2008

Bartending blues

Off to bartend today -- if you're bored, come visit. But don't order something I can't make and that no bartender north of Florida has ever made.

I work at R Place Pub on Sunday afternoons (well, every other Sunday afternoon to be exact). No Steelers today -- they lost last night. So hopefully it will just be my regulars and a few Giants fans.

Word.

Saturday, January 5, 2008

WTF?

I've got nothing to do tonight. What's up with that? Bummer. Just started "Hard Candy." Need to catch up on "Dexter."

Would much rather be at a bar watching the game ... well, I guess it's over now anyway.

Wanna get a drink?

Friday, January 4, 2008

Today's Reason To Drink

Go John! Just got this e-mail release:

Yarmuth Donates 2007 Congressional Salary to Louisville Non-Profit Organizations
Freshman Congressman Fulfills Election Year Pledge

(Louisville, KY) In 2006, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) pledged that he would give his entire post-tax Congressional salary back to the Louisville community. Today, he released the names of the organizations that received contributions.

"We have a lot of wonderful charitable organizations in Louisville that work to fulfill some of our most important needs," Congressman Yarmuth said. "I wanted to represent Louisville in Congress so that I could contribute to the community, and I feel very blessed to be in a position to pitch in a little extra personally."

Yarmuth's 2007 contributions totaled just over $120,000. Contributions of varying sums were made to the following 38 organizations:
Alzheimer's Association
Boyshaven
Brain Injury Association of Kentucky
Bridgehaven
Brooklawn
CASA
Cedar Lake Lodge
Center for Women and Families
Children's Hospital Foundation
Christian Care Communities
Community Health Charities of Kentucky
Dare to Care
Elderserve
Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana
Historic Homes Foundation
Home of the Innocents
Jewish Community Center
Kentucky African-American Heritage Center
Kentucky Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression
Legal Aid Society
Louisville Deaf Oral School
Louisville Fund For the Arts
Louisville Urban League
Louisville Waterfront Development Corporation
Harbor House
Maryhurst
Metro United Way
NAACP
New Zion
Planned Parenthood
Simmons College
The Bingham Clinic
The Fairness Campaign
The First Tee of Louisville
The Kentucky Humane Society
The Library Foundation
Wellspring
Youth Alive

Thursday, January 3, 2008

Today's Reason To Drink

Coffee Enemas.

Had a cup of Starbucks today and haven't been the same since. Crap, indeed!

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

Bar Belle column from Jan. 2, 2008 LEO

The Bar Belle
BY SARA HAVENS
Hangovers & Resolutions

Why do hangovers get worse the older you get? It should be the opposite. At 21, your body was new to processing cheap vodka and piss-ass beer. But you got right up after two hours of sleep and made it to your 8 a.m. class. No problem. Maybe you skipped a shower, but that A in astronomy was well earned. And even to this day you can recall all nine (or is it eight now?) planets.

But now. Things. Are. Quite. Different. Two glasses of wine and you’re hitting the snooze button more than six times. Four beers and you’ve got the head-spins and dry sockets the next day. Hell, you don’t even do shots anymore! What gives? Your liver should be excelling at its game — not fumbling on every carry.

At www.hungover.net, they recommend everything from bananas to Midol to Gatorade. I’ve personally found that a late-night snack at Twig & Leaf consisting of mashed potatoes with brown gravy softens the blow, as does a McDonald’s value meal the next day. Still, the older you are, the harder you fall — and it takes longer to get up.

***

I don’t usually make New Year’s Resolutions, but it makes good column fodder, I suppose. Here are some that come to mind: 1) Leave with the ones who brought you. 2) No more drunk dialing and/or texting. 3) No more than two sidecars (bourbon on the rocks) a night. 4) No bourbon on weeknights. 5) No more stumbling over to the Pink Door from Dundee Tavern alone and scaring the owners. 6) Be adventurous — hang out at new places. 7) Stop repeating your stories. 8) Drink to have fun, not to forget. 9) Pay it forward — buy drinks for your friends more often. 10) Don’t give your number to strangers … it’s annoying to screen calls when you’re sober.

Got any resolutions of your own? Any bars I should check out? Want me to buy you a beer? Drop me a line at shavens@leoweekly.com or check out leobarbelle.blogspot.com

Today's Reason To Drink

Ugh. If you can drink today, you are a far better drinker than I. Still wrecked from the champagne. That stuff is a mind eraser.

Diet starts today. Back to gin & sodas and bourbon & diets. Goodbye my beloved beer.