30th Birthday Road to Ruin Party

The birthday party. Forgot to upload this. Figure on senility.

I got off to a late start as my roommate was expecting an IKEA delivery of a new bedset. I don’t know how he knew how much I love putting furniture together with an allen key. We blew off the stop at The Local and headed across the city. The theme of the night seemed to be “Taxi!”. We suited up, it was off to The Tranzac Club at 6pm.

The Tranzac Club is such a great hidden space in the city, tucked away on Brunswick and Bloor, just by The Green Room. It reminds me of a Royal Canadian Legion hall. I believe it’s available for rentals. Stuck in the City were great. Sitting in a dim pub space, with a bluegrass band playing and the snow drifting down outside, a cold pint in your hand and catching up with old friends in-between sets: brilliant.

This was also the start of the deluge of Jagermeister shots. At least it was just the one type of shot all night.

The meal at Southern Accent was fantastic. The restaurant is a New Orleans themed restaurant, with creole and soul food on the menu. Things were a little off the rail as we waited about 40 minutes for a guests who were supposed to come but dropped out without a call. While we waited thru this etiquette speedbump, we munched on hushpuppies and calamari, we were both terrific, curbing any crankiness over waiting.

The staff were really friendly, not giving us any problems over holding the empty spots at the table The food was tasty, strongly flavoured with spices, just the thing to warm you in winter. I would absolutely go back. You can just order a bunch of appetizers and that would be enough for a meal. Southern Accent is on Markham Street, behind Honest Ed’s, and they are participating in the Winterlicious festival. If they have any open slots, I would take advantage and try out their jambalaya. Props to Stephanie and Michelle for handling the spice, willing to take one for Team Carlin.

We closed the night with drinks in Parkdale. We danced at The Social for a bit before the crowd drove us out (wasn't that crowded last time). Smart owners though, using their store next door as a coat room and selling to drunks. What followed was: a birthday shot from the sweet bartender at the back (Francesca), an exit from the Social and good-byes to friends who were calling it a night, a taxi ride to reconnect with other friends, a cell phone call ("What do you mean you're down the street from The Social?"), and a taxi back to where we came from, and a nightcap at The Rhino on Queen St. West/Parkdale.

So while I didn't spend the day debauched or terribly drunk, I supposed I spent it like i spent most of my 20's: good friends, good music, good food, good pints, and an eye for unexpected opportunities. Can't go wrong with that.

Except for friends showing their affection for me by smacking my ass with a long collapsible cane. Could have done without that.