First Swanking - January 28, 2007 - Pasadena
 

Chris' birthday (which is the 24th) is a great reason for a swaking. We're going to explore Pasadena and environs.

Planned Events:

Gamble House
11:30 AM to buy tickets for Noon (or 12:20) tour
$10 per person
This is the REAL Arts and Craft movement in California and the Grand Cal was inspired in many ways by this fantastic house. You must wear flat shoes to do the tour.

Norton Simon Museum
Following Gamble House tour, approximately 2:00 or earlier until 6:00 closing
$8 per person

There is also an impressive collection of Modigliani and Degas as well as a fantastic sculpture garden. Oh, and some pretty sexy Indian sculpture.

Evening:
Drinks and dinner at a location TBA.

I hope you all can join us.

Due to the limitated number allowed on the Gamble House tour, please reply in poll if you will be attending and arrive promptly at 11:30.

I'm in, sound fabulous. Two more things I'll be able to check off my list of places I want to visit.

Ooh, we can take a side trip to the gutter in which I met CP and later proposed.

Solid

I have a hockey game that day but I may be able to meet for dinner and drinks.

I'm most interested in the gutter re-enactment of the proposal (followed perhaps after a few mojitos by a re-enactment of what those two do in the gutter).

Perhaps it's worth mentioning to the non-gutter fans that The Gamble House is more widely recognized as Doc Brown's house from the Back to the Future films.






.

I will dig up some swank from somewhere and join you folks! :)

I'll have to see if I can join in on one of the other swanking events this year. Gotta love full physical inventories.

It is also the house featured in the film Zathura.

Would you just get your mind out of the gutter?



so mine can float by?

Looks like I'm going have to try and set up a job interview or neighborhood scope or something...

Hotel Swank is still available on those dates.

I misread the title as "FIST Swanking"- What kind of site is this?!? :D

Bill and I are sooooooooo there!

It's not too far to the Tam O' Shanter in LA/Burbank (about 10 miles).

Given who the OP is, it is a very real possibility (not because of content, but typography).

Even the calendar entry has a typo :D

Sounds prefectly swanky! And birthday means...:babette:

Modigliani!
I'm so there.
:)


Oh. My. God!
They have one of my all-time favorite Modigliani paintings there. It's one of the Jeanne Hebuterne paintings. I'm so excited. I can't breathe right now.

(I put that mention in my listing just for you, GC.)

I just got free tickets (and hotel room) for a Don Henley concert in Vegas on the 27th, so I don't think I'll be around for this super swank

Eh, I've got enough pictures of Lisa.

I will try my best to join in the fun. I've always wanted to see the Gamble.

Will The Astronaut be there? Is so, I am sooo in!:D

Nothing would give me greater pleasure than to join you to celebrate Chris' birthday. Instead, I'll be taking the sled dogs into town for more maple syrup or something equally Wisconsiny.

Tom and I would like to join up too, provided his horrible cold has finally passed (and has not passed on to me.)

Damn. Bookkeeping noticed the 40-hours of leave they forgot to subtract for my summer vacation. It looks like I'll have to wait until October for a meet up.

:D lol!

Sadly, no is my answer.
:(

But I know the swankers ateending will have a great time!

<Derail>

My first 2007 swanking is going to be a backyard Bar-B-Q

In DC. In January. With my Cherry trees blooming. :eek:

</Derail>

Of course, in case anyone was interested, this day is also a big birthday gathering for another board at the park...

I think I have a gig booked on that day but am doing further checking to confirm it. I would love to visit the Gamble House, having only seen it from the outside. And Norton Simon is always a pleasure, not to mention the fact that Matthew has never been there.

We'll see what we can do. We are long overdue for a swanking.

Something to look forward to that isn't work? Whee!

MousePad?

No, BeautyandtheBeastiality.com ;)

Oof. That could be problematic for me... I will be assisting with that extravaganza. It's going to be quite a turnout.

Sorry, can't make it - take lots of pics for me. :D

I think... I should be back in time and will... be able... to go to this.

Wow.

Can't make it kids, gotta be at the "other" event.

There are no other events!

I'm just bumping this up. Has there been any discussion/decision about dinner & drinks or a time ETA?

Bill and I may not be able to go now - we may be packing..... :rolleyes:

You MUST take breaks!

I think this place is in the top of the running.


It is close to the Norton Simon and probably within walking distance (I need to check). Venetian/Tunesian food.

I'm thinking that the museum closes at 6 so dinner about 6:30.

That's all well and fine ... but what about fresh sugar cane mojitos?!?

Are you sure about that restaurant choice?

^^ oh ouch :(

Welcome to the world of, um, the last 20 years. It's a restaurant, not a greasy spoon joint.




Mojitos, on the other hand, cost under ten dollars a piece. And you might only need two to not mind that you didn't have dinner.

Pleanty of decent restaurants do not run $30+ a person. If that's the birthday boys choice then that's his choice though.

Usually, when restaurant prices are listed like this, that is the average price for the entree. If that is correct in this case, that IS an expensive restaurant. There are lot of great restaurants to be had for much less than that.

ETA: Oohh... I did find this description:EATA: Here is there menu. The prices aren't that bad. Most entrees are in the $15-$25 range (some higher, some lower).

Have you people lost all faith in me?


Oh, and we've DONE Mojitos. Time to find something new and wonderful.

There's a great, big, beautiful Pasadena.

OMG, OMG, we just tried something in Old Town that was FABOO! I think this group would love it.

Thaitalian is a fusion of, obviously, Italian and Thai cuisine. It was reasonably priced and one of the most delicious restaurants we've visited in the past year. For those afraid of trying new flavors, plain old Italian is available, too. (But if you don't try the fusion, you're missing out!)

Restaurant website here, Calenderlive review here.

Mmmm... sounds yummy, LSPE!

The other thing we were kicking around was the TibetNepal house in Old Town, but Chris chose the one I've made reservations at, so I'm letting the BD boy make the decision.

Wait... you made reservations already? Some of us are on a budget, lady! And, no offense, but who is "we"? There are several people coming to this shindig!

The "we" I was refering to is Chris and I. I thought I'd let him have a choice for once (since it is his BD).

But, he's pretty flexible, as am I.

And, of course I made a reservation. We can't just drop into a restaurant with a group of 10 - 15. We're only a week out. But, reservations can be changed.

The entrees at the place Chris chose are in the same range as the last Pasadena Swanking (the Mojito place ISM keeps mentioning). It didn't seem like it was out of our "traditional" range.

So everyone else is in the loop on our discussion-- I didn't remember that the swanking involved a LoTter birthday! Of course the birthday boy should select. And we'll budget accordingly. (Expect a swanking to involve Ethiopian food on March 10, though!)

Mmmmmm, Ethiopian food - I haven't had that in a long time...

La Maschera sounded kind of swanky and had the distinct advantage of being walking distance from the Norton Simon, so potentially less trouble for us all to find multiple parking spaces (and fees). However, I'm flexible - I know there are a ton of restaurants in Pasadena, so if this one's too extravagant, or you know of other swanky digs that can accommodate a group our size, I'm open to suggestions - but I think we need to make arrangements soon.

Also, while this swanking corresponds with my birthday, the best present I could have is spending a day with a bunch of hepcats like yourselves, sharing an indulgence in art, conversation, and food. In other words no presents please, I'd rather you try that other appetizer, dessert, or cocktail instead.

As one who must find some way to trim my restaurant budget for the year, I'm not averse to avoiding expensivish meals. But a birthday swanking is not one of those occassions, and I really don't consider La Machera's prices to catapult them into the realm of expensive restaurants (but perhaps that's part of my problem).

In any event, alas, I can never participate in anything that has a fusion with Thai food or anything served in restaurants that also prepare Thai food. Health concerns and all.

But don't get me wrong. I like to try new things. (hehe, I'm only bemoaning the mojitos because it's been more than a year since I had a decent one). And I am also not averse to less expensive dining on many subsquent swankings.

Aw, nuts!

We could post another poll for La Machera or we could go with the bierthday boy's preference. Speaking for myself, I think that La Machera is very affordable (since the entrees are NOT $31-$50 each - see the menu I posted in a previous post) - but I don't know if it is okay for everyone. The fact that it is so close to Norton Simon is a bonus. And it sounds like a tres swank place.

We're good with it, especially knowing the entrees are not $50. (We're actually less good with the Tibetan food; nothing on the menu for Tom's health issues.) Bring the swank.

As is evidenced by this photo of you from a couple years back...

The prices are much better than I was thinking. Since it's easier to subtract from reservations then to add, please count me + 1. I have a early hockey game (counting me out from the earlier event) and I am moving the next weekend so I need to make sure I have everything taken care of.

I'm in for whatever...

I just noticed that discussions for dinner have been underway. I won't be there for dinner because I have my Balboa class at 6:30 (in the Pasadena area fortunately). All swank and no dance makes lindyhop a dull girl. Or something.

You'll never be a boring person Lindy :)

I'm out for dinner as well, have to pick up the kid by 5ish.

Place looks pretty tasty...I'm in like flint.

This is Sunday, right?

Yes, THIS Sunday.

Any suggestions on the best place to park all day for this?

And did we want to make rezzies at La Maschera? I do not know what the final restaurant head count is.

Susan and I will be there!

I may or may not be able to go - for some reason I thought it was on Saturday - and I have a lot going on for Sunday :( (And Saturday, I wasn't sure I'd be able to go at all...)

If things change, I'll let someone know.

Ditto me. I'm less sick today than I was yesterday ... but the rate of improvement would have to increase dramatically.



(which I'm not ruling out by any means)

Hmmm, the Norton Simon may be slightly longer than comfy walking distance from the Gamble House. I have no idea where to park for the museum, but there's decent street parking around the Gamble House, perhaps spaces that allow all-day parking.

From the 134 Freeway heading east, exit at Orange Grove Blvd, and make a left onto Orange Grove at the bottom of the ramp. Head under the freeway, and Gamble House will be less than a quarter mile on your left. It's on a section of perpenticular road called Westmoreland Place, just off and running along Orange Grove. If there's no more spots on Westmoreland, there's often good parking on Arroyo Terrance, which is a left off of Orange Grove immediately south of where Westmoreland starts (if that makes any sense).

Parking for the Gamble House is on the street but arriving at 11:30 should assure plenty of parking.

The Norton Simon has it's own free lot.

The Restaurant is about 4 blocks from the museum. We have reservations for 6:30. I will call to confirm after we get a better head count (ie: from the museum.)

Please use the web site for directions to GAMBLE HOUSE. I will provide directions from there.

DAMNIT!!!

I had a fairly lengthy post recapping the day and I just lost it. F**k it - I'm going to bed.

Oh, and Mojitos are freakin' awesome!

Thanks NA for organizing this!
I had a fantastic time! Thanks for letting me tag along!
Thanks KevyBaby for the Mojitos! They were fab!
Dinner was a scream!

Reminder: Red Heads - May 1 - My birthday. ;)

God, you people are fun to hang out with!

A great day indeed - thanks everyone who came and played with us. Now I must learn to play my Bongos.

Cheers!

I am bummed I couldn't make it today - I just had a lot of stuff going on for Sunday. I moved some of it, but sadly, I could not move all of it. I will have to swanktify myself with at some point in the very near future. My very life may depend on it.

I don't think I want to know how much fun you all had without me... :(

So sorry I missed this. My move was a frelling disaster.

Glad to hear it was a swanktastic time!

That was a very nice day indeed. I enjoyed shopping for homes and have glad to have settled on that nice humble home on the corner as my next abode.

Marc - Redheads - I will try to remember for May.

Kev - Thanks for them tasty Mojitos!

The curse of the Mojito has been broken! Verily!

Well kiss my grits, Tulip Magnolia/Saucer Magnolia.

I'm from the south.

Ah yes, and that is the magnolia tree I had in my front yard growing up.

Trust me, I'm from the North.

Well, I'm sure it was a great start to the year of swanking.

Let's here all about it and another tip of the beret to our fearless leader €.

:)

Pics!
 

Our varied pics are here.

What a swanking! :D

Great photos. I forgot my camera - oops.

Had so much fun, now I need to go back and actually walk through the Norton-Simon.

Wonderful photos, wish we lived closer, I'd love to visit. I just love all that brickwork, it's just amazing!

Man, our camera really does well with overcast skies.

As always, the jenniegreg galleries are among the most beautiful on the web. It looks like you all had a wonderful day. When I think of my afternoon sitting alone watching Bambi II, I realize how much we need to get down there for some serious swanking.

YAY!!:snap:
Thanks for the pics CP!

It was really painful to miss this trip. Haven't been to NS for about 5 years. I've only seen the Gamble House from the outside. And to top it off, I haven't had a mojito since Sac was in town.

Not to mention that I miss seeing all of you.

I love the fact that I'm very busy musically but I must say that it can also royally suck when opportunities like this are missed.

Glad you all had fun though and thanks for sharing the pics! :)

That place has some serious stones.

Mmm, dessert.

I want to put a curse on my landlady. Because of her, I missed this swanking; and I really REALLY wanted to go! I'm so bummed....

Great pics NA! Gotta love that boobie Moose! :evil:

What a cool place! Looks like a great time was had by all.:cheers:

Short recap of the day:

We met at the Gamble House is Pasadena. Our group pretty much needed it's own tour slot, so we were scheduled for 1:00. We had some time to kill, so I bought a copy of the self-guided neighborhood tour in the bookstore and we went off to see some other magnificient houses in the area. We discovered quite a few houses that would be just PERFECT to the LoT Commune!

We met our guide at the Gamble House at 1:00 for our tour. Our guide was incredibly informed, articulate and had a lovely English accent that enthralled all of us. I was not aware that the architects were involved in EVERY aspect of the house from overall layout to specific interior design including stained glass, furniture design and wood carving designs. The effect was one of incredible unity and we are very lucky to have most of the house preserved as it was originally intended.

Off to the Norton Simon Museum for a look at this fantastic collection. The Norton Simon has something for everyone. It is really an incredible collection of art from early Renaissance through the 20th Century including a wonderful collection of photography which was on exhibition on the lower level. I have been to the NS on many occasions but the photography was all new to me, and I loved seeing their growing collection.

We all reached a state of "doneness" at about the same time and decided to head over to La Maschera for cocktails before dinner. We discovered that Xiomara, a location of a past swanking and the home of the BEST mojitos, was around the corner from La Maschera, so we headed over there for our pre-dinner Mojitos. (8 mojitos and one Faux-hito please.)

We stumbled (well Gus Gus did) back to the restaurant for our 6"30 ressie. Our waiter was charmingly French (El-las-keen Al-e-bot) and we were the only party in the reataurant at that time, so we got to have some extended fun. The menu offers a lot of really unique and delicious combinations of food, wine, cheese, sausage, and appetizers all Italian in flavor with a Tunisian twist. I ordered the Wild Boar & Harissa Ravioli with Organic Lentils and Lima Bean Broth. WOW! It was an amazing combination of flavors and textures, beautifully presented and absoultely delicious.

After dinner, we shared Chocolate Mousse and Tiramisu and relaxed around our table satisfied and happy.

Okay, my pics are up here

Cool, cool place. I'll have to read up on it- I am fascinated by the history of these sorts of homes. Ty!

Great photos! Another one here sorry to have missed the swanking, look slike a great time had by all.:snap:

Nice mangos.

Sunday was a beautiful day with perfect weather for wandering outdoors and touring indoors. Warm sun with clouds rolling by just in time to stay cool. Gorgeous day! I really enjoyed the Gamble House and surrounding neighborhood. I, too, did not realize the detail and craftsmanship for the interior and the Green brothers' hands-on involvement. Maybe I can afford a stucko house with an arts & crafts view?

That was my first time at the Norton Simon (as far as I can remember). I enjoyed the 20th Century wing and a few pieces in the other wings. A nice overall collection, but I was not blown away by anything. The Budda atrium and decor was beautiful.

While driving around the block looking for parking for dinner, NM found the mojito place. We had been told all this time it was way too far across town. You could have literally drilled a hole through the back Xiomara wall and see La Maschera behind it! Gracias Señor Kevy para los mojitos. (Sorry iSm! We will have to make a special trip some time just for you. Any consolation I am home sick from work today.)

It was a swanky day and good times were had by all. BTW - I don't like chocolate. ;)

I'm sure I missed the pleasure of your, everyone's, company for a few more hours than I did the mojitos. I'm thrilled that the sacred mojito bar was a spit's throw away ... and even more happy that Kevy got stuck with the bill. :p

I FINALLY got my pictures posted here.

That was a fun read. Great captions!

Thanks Kevy. Group shot was great.

I've got pics stil. Sometime next week. ;)

I could tell, your toung was hanging out! :D

Ok, more than a month later, here are some shots from the day!

http://blog.myspace.com/40909299