Destination: Moet & Chandon Tom Munro Book Launch

8445 Melrose Place

Los Angeles, CA

Inspiration: CAA Agent Michael Kives “The number 10 tennis player in the world, Fernando Verdasco, is in LA this weekend, what event should we send him to?”

Actualization: Of course I always try to help Kives, but wasn’t overextending for their tennis player….until I clicked on his wiki page and saw that not only he was the number 10 tennis player, he was adorable and worth some time spent.

After passing along the event invites, I forgot about that heartthrob athlete….until I walked into Tom Munro’s event and he caught my eye.  I couldn’t focus on the walls covered by giant photos of celebrities (some of my faves being Leo, Jude Law and Ashton) and went over to ask if he was Fernando Verdasco.

Fernando is officially now my favorite tennis player and he gave me a new appreciation for his sport.  I mean tennis players get to travel EVERYWHERE! Spain to Venice to Australia to Vegas to Palm Springs to Miami….

Quote of the Night: Across the art show we watched another CAA agent flirting and after I told Fernando their love story, with raised eyebrows at the agent and said “Ooooh he wants to KEESS her!”

Do you want to see Fernando? This might be better than tennis - Calvin Klein ad

Realization: I need to watch more tennis.  30 Love Michael Kives. thanks for getting me back in the game.

Kives remember this halloween? ha

Your Moment:

Tom Munro

Guest of a Guest

Radar Online

X17

Socialite Life

Destination: Hot Tub Time Machine

Arclight Cinema

6360 W. Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA
(323) 464-4226

Inspiration: E!’s Film Critic Ben Lyons

“The movie is hilarious, and the screening will be a lot of fun (i.e, boozing encouraged) so I hope you can make it.”

Actualization:

Kick Some Past:

Hot Tub Time Machine follows a group of best friends who’ve become bored with their adult lives: Adam (John Cusack) has been dumped by his girlfriend; Lou (Ron Corddry) is a party guy who can’t find the party; Nick’s (Craig Robinson) wife controls his every move; and a video game-obsessed Jacob (Clark Duke) won’t leave his basement.  After a crazy night of drinking in a ski resort hot tub, the men wake up, heads’ pounding, in the year 1986.  This is their chance to kick some past and change their futures- one will find a new love life, one will learn to stand up for himself with the ladies, one will find his mojo, and one will make sure he still exists!

If you had a Hot Tub Time Machine what year would you go back to revisit?  Would you change the course of your life or find something out?

I can think of a few hot tubs I might revisit….hmmm….I think I prefer to focus on the ones I’ll be stepping into in the future.

Watching John Cusak and friends go back to the 80s via hot tub was a trip.  Hot Tub Time Machine was hilarious and reminiscent with songs like Salt N Pepa’s Push It and Motley Crue’s Home Sweet Home.

Craig Robinson was my favorite hot tub-er, partially because of the red onesy he wore out of the tub AND partially because he plays Nick Weber, a name shared by my college crush.  Nick Weber goes back to play out his dream as a musician. Craig Robinson/Nick Weber can we please karaoke Jessie’s Girl together?

Clearly I don’t review movies. Do a shot, hold your breath and dive into Hot Tub Time Machine.

Realization: “Embrace the chaos.  Life just might astonish you.” – Hot Tub Time Machine

Your Moment:

Release Date: March 26, 2010

Kick Some Past

Destination: The Female of the Species

Geffen Playhouse

10886 Le Conte Avenue

Los Angeles, CA 90024-3021

(310) 208-5454

Inspiration: The ever-inspirational David Arquette and his charity of choice Feeding America.  David is Chairman of Feeding America’s Entertainment Council.

David and Joel

Actualization: I went to go see David in his play with my friends from Feeding America, including Joel Goldman, my favorite boss.  The Female of the Species

Here’s a quick recap of what this female has to say about The Female of the Species:

1. David Arquette plays a dufus hedge-fund investor with a fun twist of physical comedy.

Side note: I googled “physical comedy” and the first video that came up was:

Zach Galifianakis on physical comedy

PS You’ll see the irony in our friend Zach later.

2. One of my favorite lines in the play and just one example of David’s character’s comedic misquotes: Bryan (David Arquette) “I love you Tess. You know I’ve always mounted you on a pedestal.”

3. Each character shows us a darker hidden side at one point in the play. Quiet cabbie Frank (Josh Stamberg) goes into hot tyrade when he starts describing how men should treat women. He “exuded the man” as Janae would say. “Women want a man who knows how to handle two things for them really, really well: Foreplay. And taxes.”

4. Joanna Murray Smith, the playwright is an Aussie. She based the story on an experience of her Australian friend.  I heart that.

Today I have writer’s block in the worst way.  Worse than Margot Mason (Annette Bening) did in the play. Margot was a famous author of feminist self-help books like The Cerebral Vagina.

I thought I was genius last night after 3 or maybe 4 “4 Aces” at the Roger Room when I labeled my three new friends who had just arrived to LA from a trip that started in Vegas.

Bradley Cooper-the hot one (Nick, Don’t ask how I got your picture…)

Zach Galifinekous

and the one who lost a tooth (he had all his teeth and wasn’t so amused)

And now today my “genius” is gone  - as I described that species and what now encompasses me – The Hangover.

All I want to do is go for a run and prepare for another night of Oscar fun.

Realization: This morning as I wrote this James Cameron said on Inside the Actor’s Studio, “I’m not a good writer.  I don’t really like to do it. For me it’s a task.”  Everyone gets writer’s block.  Sometimes you need a good Hangover to stop the block.

Your Moment:

Donate to Feeding America

The Female of the Species

Written by Joanna Murray-Smith

Directed by Randall Arney

February 2 – March 14, 2010

Academy Award nominee Annette Bening returns to the Geffen Playhouse in this wildly wicked farce. Watch and laugh as a famed feminist author’s retreat is rudely and hilariously interrupted by a host of unexpected guests: a disgruntled student, an impatient cabbie, her longtime publisher, her overlooked daughter and simplistic son-in-law. Writer’s block has never been so funny!

Call 310.208.5454 or select a performance date below for tickets!

Featuring: David Arquette, Annette Bening, Mireille Enos, Julian Sands, Josh Stamberg and Merritt Wever

Performance Notes: The Female of the Species is a 95 minute comedy with no intermission and contains mature language.

Press:

LA Times

LA Weekly

Carlos Lopez and Samantha Ronson

Destination:
Carlos Lopez’s American Psycho Birthday
Bar210/Plush (adjacent to the Beverly Hilton)
9876 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills

Inspiration: Carlos Lopez – “Slice, Cut, Slash are you ready for my birthday bash!!!  Attire:  Chainsaw Chic or 1980’s Yuppies”
See Carlos’ video invite here: Chainsaw Chic

Actualization: American Psycho theme was the most fun!  We dressed to impress, arrived in Jean’s convertible with yuppy music blaring, and partied like it was 1989.

Here are some favorite American Psycho quotes to go with our pictures!
Patrick Bateman: [voiceover] I’m on the verge of tears by the time we arrive at Espace, since I’m positive we won’t have a decent table. But we do, and relief washes over me in an awesome wave.

Me snapping photos while standing in the convertible

Harold, it’s Bateman, Patrick Bateman. You’re my lawyer so I think you should know: I’ve killed a lot of people.

Alana with her dinner knife...

I have all the characteristics of a human being: blood, flesh, skin, hair; but not a single, clear, identifiable emotion, except for greed and disgust.

Jamie Lynn Sigler, Lance Bass and Kellan Lutz

Brittany Snow and Jessica Stroup

Rose McGowan

Evelyn Williams: You hate that job anyway. I don’t see why you don’t just quit.
Patrick Bateman: Because I want to fit in.

Christian Bale?

Jean: Are you dating anyone?
Patrick Bateman: Maybe. I don’t know… Not really.

Evelyn Williams: What does Mr. Grinch want for Christmas? And don’t say breast implants again.
My name is Patrick Bateman. I’m 27 years old. I believe in taking care of myself and a balanced diet and rigorous exercise routine. In the morning if my face is a little puffy I’ll put on an ice pack while doing stomach crunches.

Realization: Nothing like playing American Psycho to remind yourself that you’re really not that psycho…..
Your Moment:
JustJared
JustJaredJR
ImNotObsessed
E! Online

Destination: La Descarga

La Descarga
1159 Western Avenue
Hollywood, California 90029
Reservations recommended, call (323) 466-1324 or do it on the site.

Inspiration: Jason Dundas, Aussie actor and travel guru, “I’m here in LA! Where should I go Angie?”  

Actualization:
La Descarga is slang for “go crazy” or “after party”. La Descarga made me La Descarga last night. Who knew Rum could be so fun?

Pete and Maggie. Rum on the tongue

Rumors about the revival of this Rum bar rang true.

1 – Reservation recommended: Make a reservation. I say they are required. Hot spot in LA so right now – required. Sometimes you get a password too! It’s all part of the game. The password for our night was Angie Banicki.

Janae and Aussie Jason Dundas!

2 – Right off the Road: The entrance isn’t easy to spot. It’s next to a random late-night Mexican stand. Thank you Gods of Rum for not letting me partake in the tacos at the end of this night. I guarantee it’ll happen one of the nights…probably if I’d had La Descarga’s Rum concoction “tapping the admiral”.

3 – Random Route: It’s a maze to actually get to the rum. We walked down a long dark hall and arrived to a reception area where we were met by our Cuban hostess who was sitting at a desk. In front of her sat a turntable playing Latin music. She welcomed us, walked around and opened up a wardrobe/time machine.  We peered through to a dark abyss as she pushed aside the hanging Havana shirts and walked us into 1930s Havana.

We loved our booth, right ladies?

Beau and Zalis

4- Rhythmic music from the Mambo band: On the hour (I think hourly is right…cant confirm post Jessica Paster’s Rum Bowl!) the 5 piece mambo band above us performed Congo beats rousing us to order more rum.

5 – Racks of cigars: To escape the hot sticky havana bar, the cigar bar provided us an outdoor haven for tobacco, chat, rambunctiousness and more rum. This is where my romantic affair with Cruzan Blackstrap Rum began. I drank it straight and tried to share it with everyone who came within 5 feet of me…including my favorite comedian who ceases to acknowledge my existence. Aziz.

Aziz! Come Back!

I didn’t try it but apparently they have a specialty with my lover -
Bad Spaniard, a guilty pleasure made with Cruzan Blackstrap Rum, Amaro Averna, sweetened condensed milk, one whole egg yolk and cinnamon

6 – Rows and Rows of Rum: Over 70 different kind of Rum lined the walls behind the bar. We sampled quite a few of the exotic concoctions the mixologists prepared for us. Friends loved the Honey Swizzle but I thought it tasted like Jagermeister. Ladies – fyi I found out the Honey Swizzle has anise it it…so I wasn’t going crazy…or going descarga when I said that.

7 – Red Rum Regret: La Descarga renewed my love of Rum but took me for ransom the next morning. Of course, not without having a “La Descarga” afterparty of our own first.

Angie and Erica...and budlight?

the bud light demons after hours

Realization: I reckon I need to remember to research more of Los Anegles, La Descarga night reminded me there’s really so much more to ravage with my friends. More risks and a little less reality.

YOUR MOMENT:
Some fun rum quotes to inspire you -

“I pity them greatly, but I must be mum, for how could we do without sugar and rum?”
William Cowper (English Poet)

“Rum, n. Generically, fiery liquors that produce madness in total abstainers. “
Ambrose Bierce

“If you keep on drinking rum, the world will soon be quit of a very dirty scoundrel”
Robert Louis Stevenson

“There’s naught, no doubt, so much the spirit calms as rum and true religion. “
Lord Byron

Destination: Super Bowl XLIV, Miami FL USA

Inspiration: Mike Gifford: “Do you have a ticket to the game yet?”

Actualization: I felt like Charlie Bucket when he opened up his Willy Wonka Chocolate Bar and found the Golden Ticket!

I GOT A GOLDEN TICKET!  Mike Gifford was SAINT Willie Wonka and I was going to the CHOCOLATE FACTORY! Mike Gifford actually got his golden tickets from the Redbull factory

I picked up Mike in a cab with a bottle of Pepto for him and some golden tights for me and the Saints.  As we walked towards the gates to the game, I really did feel like Charlie.  Everything was larger than life.  We even saw this OOMPA-LOOMPA before we entered the main stadium:

We sat down to our seats. Row 13/section 112.  I know people talk about watching from the suites at these games but I’m telling you Mike’s golden tickets were pure golden nuggets to me.

We all know the outcome to the game by now. Saints won! So I thought I’d share some other fun moments.

The Superbowl brings out the superfans. The best kind…almost crazy like certifiable ones. I swear a few times I’d hear  the drums and the oompa loompa doompety doo. I’ve got another puzzle for you….. like the OOOMPA LOOMPAS were going to appear on timeouts to drag a few fans to the incinerator.

I made Mike and Veronica (Veronica got a golden ticket as well) help me seek out the fans.

This Saints fan actually played the gluttonous Augustus Gloop in the 1971 Wonka movie and now he’s a Jester for children’s parties and the Superbowl.

These two licked too much of the Lickable Wallpaper for Nurseries.

This guy was eating the Rainbow Drops: “Suck them and you can spit in six different colors!” PS he told me he was a Saints fan in his heart…hence their jersey on his left side:)

Veruca Salt – I want the World! I did feel spoiled with these Golden tickets.  I can think of 310 people who deserved them more.  Then the Blues Brother Saints appeared and saved me from not Veruca Salting my way down the garbage chute.

What’s a snosberry?

These blue faced colts fans got too cocky and what started with their cheers and blue faces blew up to a big fat loss of a game. It was a case of Violet Beurogarde. Sorry Blue and White…oompa loompa doopety doo…

Realization: Be a fan.  You can be a fan of sports, a fan of tv, a fan of the Olympics, a fan of old people, a fan of mascots. Be a fan and travel to support your crazy FAN-tasy.

Destination: Animal and Miami or Miami Animal

Inspiration: Kim Murphy turns 31 – “I am so excited to have my bday dinner with you guys!
We have reservations at Animal at 7:15PM
Animal is located at 435 N Fairfax Ave. It’s across the street from The Dime.”

Actualization: Desperate for travel, football, and a challenge, I was craving adventure. Kim’s 31st sparked memories of my 31st travels so I booked a free flight to the SuperBowl with my United miles. No clue if I’d have a ticket to the game but I knew I’d be with my kind – fans, superfans, animals, and mascots.

Thursday night – Animals and party animals.  The fun begins.  Birthday Animal, Kim Murphy turns 31 and we have her birthday dinner at Animal.  There were no Saints at that table but definitely Miami fans and Kim prepared me for the town with her knowledge of the city, her home to sleep and some practice drinking for her 31st.

Laura, Kim and Nisha

Friday – Fans and Superfans.  I made the 6am flight after Frustrated Fan Rembrandt called me 9 times between 4:30 and 5, called my brother for the address, pulled up in a taxi, and broke into my house to wake me up.  We caught up on sleep on the plane, and arrived in Miami with time to drop bags at the Shoreclub room of Superfan Rhiannon.

Me and Rhi

Rem, me and Jen

When traveling low budget, it’s always important to plan on inopportune flight times, mulitple sleepovers and constant change of plan.  I couldn’t even remember if I’d packed shoes but would have been happy with just flippy floppies for this trip!

Jen and I and our esspresso martinis

Friday Night began and ended at the W Hotel.  Saints fan Jen Birn and I had cocktails in the lounge and popped by room 1003 to see the view. Super(naked)fan Kives gave us a view alright….

 

Super Fan Kives

Next we hit the Audi party where we drank champagne and mingled inside as a steady downpour of rain trailed the sides of the windows along the penthouse at the W. The room was an attractive one so we didn’t mind-Kellan Lutz, Rob Lowe, Taylor Lautner, Jessica Alba.

Travel Job of the Day (and my favorite guest of the night) –  Audi’s CCO Jeff Kuhlman travels with media to try the new vehicles on roads all over the world.  He recently drove with a group of 20 from the middle of Australia up to the Northwest corner.  What a way to see the country with three days of driving and tents, can you imagine?  He flew in from a Spain roadtrip the day before.

Miami Day 2/Saturday – The rain had cleared.  It was a perfect morning for a run on the boardwalk followed by a day with the mascots at the DIRECTV Celebrity Beach Bowl.  We were Team Kellan in the corner. I loved that his friends had his name spelled out on posterboards to cheer him to victory. For me though, I couldn’t concentrate on the game, I just kept getting distracted by the mascots.

From mascots back to animals…Next highlight of the night was at the Miami home of Director, Michael Bay. The house was gorgeous and we entered into the party by crossing a pond out front, walking on squares of land that crossed in a diagonal pattern leading up to the entrance of his two-story home. The entire front was glass allowing us to see the roomful of guests but it wasn’t long before I found myself cold and ready to find someone to warm me up or head to the Maxim party.  I found that someone …nope not Michael Bay – Michael Bay’s Dog, Mason and well, yes, Michael Bay was there too!  Mason was def the hunk of burning love at that party and the burning love wasn’t sticking around so we headed out to burning loins Maxim. That sounds dirty but you know what I mean, it’s Maxim.

Realization: Superbowl time makes me reminiscent of college football fans and games. I thrive on that energy this weekend was buzzing with it. WHO DAT…to be continued….

Destination: Dear John Premiere at Graumann’s Chinese Theatre, Hollywood, CA

Inspiration: Brooke Blumberg “Do you want a ticket to the Premiere of ‘Dear John’? No reviews Angie.”   

Actualization: Hollywood premieres are always fun. Munching on free popcorn, cheering when the actor’s names flash on the screen, getting all dressed up, and watching little teen girls take pictures with their idols.

Best part is being with the people who poured their blood, sweat and tears into a project and feeling just an ounce of how that accomplishment touches them.
Reminds me of going to my brother Adam’s basketball games and  brother JJ’s plays growing up.
Dear John, If you ever have the chance to experience someone else’s moments with them, don’t pass it up.

I got to experience that moment with some of my favorite people who I felt lucky to have had moments with in the past. Below is a review of my travel memories with them, along with a little Liz(one of my movie dates) commentary!

Channing Tatum:

Liz quote: Dear John“He once inadvertantly brushed against my upper thigh and it was one of the most erotic moments of my life”

Travel trip: To the screaming tweens at Graumans and Liz, Channing is the new boy crush, but to me, he is the dude I had the time of my life with in the Bahamas for the opening of Cain at the Cove, Atlantis.
Watching his larger than life persona on massive movie screen as he romanced Amanda Seyfriend reminded me of the love affair between him and Jenna on the Bahama beaches.

Scott Porter:

Liz quote: Dear Johnnnnnn “I remember he had the dance moves from that one trip!”

Travel trip: I brought Scott backstage to see N.E.R.D. Perform at Austin City Limits a few years ago. That was a moment where I had to explain to backstage security that he and friends were all cast members from Friday Night Lights. It wasn’t long before everyone realized and Scott was surrounded by Texans. I felt like I accomplished my “in” when I got them past! Best part was that at that music festival we had the best time laughing and dancing outside VIP. Austin TX is a dream to visit especially for a music festival!

DJ Cotrona:

Liz (and well most of my friends who’ve met him) quote: Dear Dear John ”Very cute!”

Travel trip: DJ is very quiet and unassuming. On screen you’d never know it but even in crazy Vegas for the Killers concert at the Hard Rock he was pretty low key…yet always with a certain shy charm.

Keith Robinson:

Liz quote (when we said hi to him post movie): D-D-De-Dear John! “Lets get this party started?” Liz was ready for wine at the afterparty.

Travel trip: Commander Keith in the movie reminded me of Kentucky Derby Keith. Keith led his troop of reps to the afterparty.

Richard Jenkins:

Liz quote: Dear Daddy John “Angie he reminds me so much of your dad!” I don’t really know Richard but I do know he seems to be similar to Dad Banicki. Bald with a welcoming, calm demeanor. Richard also grew up in the same town where Guy Banicki went to college. Dekalb Illinois…maybe that’s also why I was so emotional in the father/son scenes.

There's Dad....you see it, right?

Travel Trip: Premiere afterparty, H-Wood. Alana, Liz and I spent most of our time at the afterparty searching for…yup Daddy Jenkins. We didn’t find him but after his meatloaf and lasagna scenes in the movie, we decided to leave the after party when Alana said, “It looks like the Dad cooked the food here. Let’s go meet the girls elsewhere.”

As we exited for home we passed one more character from the movie-Henry Thomas (the little boy from ET!)

Our quote: ET PHONE HOME!

Alana’s premiere disney moment: Since Alana was placed across the aisle from us it became our mission to figure out who the blond in the purple dress sitting next to her and signing autographs could possibly be. Every little girl in the theater had come over to meet Blondie.  I ran to try and take a sly photo but of course the sweet girl looked at Alana questionably.  The rest is history as Alana and Tiffany Thornton bonded over popcorn and we watched her and kermit this morning online.

Tiffany Thornton

Actualization: Never pass on an invite to a big hollywood premiere… (do pass on movie inspired cuisine at the buffet) and remember usually how you experience real life moments, even when not glamourous, is what can make them seem larger than life.

Destination: Maggie’s Birthday at Crystal 7901 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles CA

Inspiration: Legend Pete Huyck emails- ”Wanna go to Russia? Because we’re going this Friday night, and I think you should join us.” Pete is probably one of the funniest people I know.  He is a comedy writer/director who has an inate talent for planning events for large groups of friends.

Actualization: Tell me you wouldn’t be excited by an email with some of the following statements(They all came true):

Jean Kwolek and Murray Miller(Russian or not - the man who tells it as it is)

Dress code is “Russian fancy” which means ladies in dresses or such and men in suits or jackets and ties or tuxedos or Versace track suits.

Very very authentic.  Weird food (and tons of it), lots of wine and vodka and a live band that plays Russian pop songs, as well as Elvis and Van Halen and other very random stuff.

This restaurant has one seating, at 8pm, and you stay and eat course after course after course and drink beverage after beverage after beverage and dance until 2am.  There is a smoke machine.  It is awesome.

Pete’s friends took his email seriously and arrived dressed to impress and ready to drink like Russians.

Angie, Jean, and Rodney(my old boss at Letterman)

We shared our night with a wedding party who kept thanking Pete and Maggie for adding to their celebration.

I’ll let the photos speak for themselves along with some Russian traditions from Wikipedia.

When you have alcohol, it must be drunk until it is gone

One should not make a long interruption between first and second shots

1 shot, 2 shot

It’s good luck to trip on your left foot(I think I tripped at least once.)

Maggie and the father of the bride(The Dancing King)

Unmarried people should not sit at the corner of the table. Otherwise they will not marry. This mostly applies to girls, and often only young girls. Sometimes it is said that you will not marry for 7 years, making it all right for young children to sit there.

That seat on the end....that was mine. oops

Realization: Our “trip to Russia” reminded me of three things I really LOVE and Russians do too! Dancing – especially the silly kind. Big dinners with friends. Vodka.

Your Moment: Next time you go  Russian dancing, please feel free to use Pete’s advice below.  I had Anya, my Russian Waxer, confirm the Russian:)

ps  Here’s a little phrase to master for tonight, when we are dancing with our new Russian friends: “K sozhaleniyu, ya poka ne govoryu po russki” which means “unfortunately, I cannot yet speak Russian.” And then you could say “Ya ischu devushku, kotoraya khochet lyubit i bit luybimoy” which means “I am looking for a girl who wants to love and be loved.” And then you would add “Dlya menya eto ochen’ neobychny sposob znakomstva” which means “For me, it’s a very unusal way of meeting people.” And then “ya ochen lyublyu tebya i prashu stat mayey zshenoy” which, of course, means “I love you very much and ask you to be my wife.” Then maybe throw out a flirty little “Tseluyu?” which means “kiss?” Then laugh off the awkward moment and follow with “kak vas zavut?” which means, “what is your name?” then “govori pazhaluista gromche” which means “speak louder please” as it will be loud on that dance floor, and then “govori pazhaluista medlennee” which means “please, speak slower” because Russian is a tough language.  Then “eto Olga?” which means “is that Olga?” Then let her know “ya skhazshu po tebe s uma” which means “you drive me crazy.” Let her know “Moya lyubov ne znayet granits” which means “there’s no borders for my love ” and “Dlya nashey lyubvi net pregrad” which means “there’s no obstacles for our love.” Then, when her huge goon of a Russian boyfriend approaches, say “izvinite” which means “excuse me” and get your ass back to our table.

Destination: XIV, Los Angeles CA

Inspiration: Rachel Krupa’s Birthday

Actualization: Here is my top XIV from the night -

1- Rachel Krupa turns 30 and the dinner table was long to fit her many friends.  We were surrounded by bookcases.  I prefer to describe the top dinner moments with a few references to CLUE. Without a murderer but perhaps a boozer?  Rachel was the sexy flirtatious Miss Scarlett in her tiara with a lemon martini to start.

Miss Scarlett

2- Who was Professor Plum? “A simple, intelligent man and good-natured at heart, but he likes to steal his own things?” I think this may have to go to Michael Kives who sat next to Rachel but would not be the culprit because he was watching his booze consumption and seemed to be watching Miss Scarlett herself. Is he trying to make her the booziest?

Professor Plum

3- The mini dishes they kept bringing were just additional clues.  Who would eat to control the booze OR to allow them to booze more?

4- Luke was Mr. Green, the Trickster who has known Rachel since her youthful days in Michigan. I saw him eyeing those Patron shots Miss Brooke was tossing back.

Mr. Green

5- I sat next to Chris Huvane, Colonel Mustard, with his entertaining adventuresome stories; every story topping the next and usually a juxtaposition. From the upscale Jewish Wedding he attended in NYC to the fight with the Russians on Fairfax Ave. Colonel Mustard Chris, just keep speaking your mind and drink up.

Colonel Mustard

6- Naan bread with the yogurt sauce that had a hint of mint julep to which Chris said, “Get in there Angie. Smother that yogurt. More. More.” Colonel Mustard Chris, did you just order another bottle of Ojai Pinot Noir?

7- Nicole Perna (seated on other side of me): “Listen if your friend wants to diarrhea all over you in an email then you need to diarrhea right back at her!” Would Miss Peacock be the newly single minx boozing her way to find a bad romance?

Miss Peacock

8- The Vegetarian Falafel Burger that Nicole/Miss Peacock made them bring for me, Mrs. White.  Was that because she thought I had drank too much?  I was just the housekeeper.

Miss White

9- Rachel, Miss Scarlet, likes the fries.  She may win.

10- Was that a wrench Miss Peacock just stuck in my side to stop drinking?  She must have stolen it from the kitchen. I am losing steam but that flirtatious Scarlet is not!

11-12-13-3 bottles of Ojai Pinot Noir.  A game of Clue isn’t the same without them, and then of course the candlestick of a birthday cake they brought out from the kitchen.  Miss Scarlett said it was flavored white chocolate.

14- A night out with Rachel and her cast of character friends is always fun and I am accusing her to be the birthday boozer in the XIV dining room.

Realization: Whether its a candlestick in the dining room or a birthday dinner at XIV, take a clue and make friends who will play games with you…even when you are 30! Happy Birthday Rachel Krupa!