Section 3 TRAVEL GUIDE

Transcription

Seattle Gay News
Issue 24, Volume 39, June 17, 2011
Section 3 TRAVEL GUIDE
traveler. From crystal blue beaches
in Phuket to tempting nightlife
in Bangkok, this is a place where
dreaming is believing. And talk
about a hotspot – located south of
Laos and Myanmar in Southeast
Asia, Thailand is often roasting
in high temperatures. The Gay
lifestyle is accepted throughout
the kingdom, so you need not
worry about being harassed or
discriminated against – though,
if traveling alone I’d advise
staying near the Gay districts
or city centers. Visit www.tourismthailand.org for travel planning information.
Here’s how you might spend
a week in Thailand.
fa tc ha
FIRST STOP:
BANGKOK
Over 9 million people live
in Thailand’s capital city,
with another 2 million residing in the outskirts of
this sought-after destination. With the exception of
Paris, no other urban area
I’ve visited welcomes the diversity of tourists that Bangkok does
– people from all around the globe
come here for one reason or another. Public transportation consisting of light rail, SkyTrain, buses,
taxis, riverboats, and tuk tuks (motorized rickshaws) is inexpensive
and covers all parts of this densely
populated city. What’s fascinating
is how the 9 million inhabitants
from such diverse cultural backgrounds – Buddhists to Muslims,
Transgender to military personnel,
Thai nationals to foreign dignitaries – share this space with no apparent conflicts. Everyone goes
about their business and doesn’t
nt s
k taxi
A Bangko
by Albert Rodriguez
SGN A&E Writer
K. J. F. Mart in
Thai Grand Palace in Bangkok
It takes at least 15 hours to reach
Thailand from Seattle (and that’s
just flight time), but where else
can you ride an elephant through
a jungle, munch on fried crickets,
receive a Buddhist monk’s blessing at a hilltop temple, and get fullhour massages for six bucks all in
the same vacation?
Officially a kingdom, although
referred to as a country, Thailand is
beautiful and mystical with a bit of
everything to soothe or excite the
STAY
Want to sleep in the same
bed Hollywood hunk Bradley
Cooper did? The Grand Centre Point Hotel Ratchadamri
(www.centrepoint.com/grandecentrepoint) will increase
your chances considerably,
since part of the film crew of
The Hangover Part Two stayed
at this modern, apartment-style
hotel that includes kitchenettes,
washer/dryers, dishwasher, and
all-wood floors. Within walking
distance of shopping centers,
tourist attractions, and restaurants, this is a perfect spot to
anchor the Bangkok leg of your
trip – the Ratchadamri district
is very popular with locals and
tourists alike. To cure your jet
lag, book yourself a treatment at
RarinJinda Wellness Spa, on the
eighth floor of the hotel, which
costs 1,000 baht (about $32)
for an hour-long massage – the
herbal hot compress was a godsend.
Another recommendation is
the Siam City Hotel (www.siamhotels.com/siamcity) which
also puts you within steps of cafés, retail shops, and two blocks
from a SkyTrain station (and four
stops ahead of the Gay district of
Silom). Both of these hotels are
contemporary with fitness areas, pool facilities, on-premise
dining options, and tastefully
see thailand page 20
Lieu Song
Bangkok, Thailand at night
get into anyone else’s.
Here’s more information and
suggestions for visiting Bangkok.
From London to Paris
and back again
Sister Stella Standing takes Heart Breaks Open
to London film festival
by Brian Daniel Peters
Special to the SGN
Allow me to introduce myself. My
name is Brian Daniel Peters, but you may
know me by a few other character names.
One is Mama Tits, the brassy host of Le
Faux at Julia’s on Broadway. The other is
the larger-than-life Sister Stella Standing
of The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence,
The Abbey of St. Joan. My bags are
packed (I hope I have enough veils and
jewels), I am about to embark on a 12-day
journey to London and Paris, and I want
to share all the fun.
About a year ago, film producer Basil
Shadid requested that the Sisters be part
of a local independent film about HIV.
A few Sisters and I were selected to be
involved in Heart Breaks Open, directed
by Billie Rain.
I was cast as one of the leads, Michael/
Sister Alysa Trailer, an apartment manager who stumbles upon a tenant during
a suicide attempt. The tenant – Jesus,
played by Maxamillian Davis – had recently contracted HIV after cheating on
his partner, Johnny (Samonte Cruse). My
character and Jesus then begin a journey
of understanding, acceptance, and love,
showing that being diagnosed with HIV
isn’t the end of the world.
After we sent our movie all over the
world to be considered for film festivals,
the 25th annual British Film Institute’s
London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival asked us to hold our world premiere
at their event. Thanks to the generosity
of the community, business owners on
Broadway, and family, Max, Billie, and
I were able to make the journey to represent our film across the pond.
THE FILM FESTIVAL
The next day was the opening of the 25th
London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival.
When I received my credentials, it hit me;
I was looking at my own picture on my credentials as a filmmaker. It was overwhelming.
I quickly ran back to the house to prep for
the opening night party. About two hours
later, I emerged as Sister Stella, ready to go,
along with Sister Cuminja. We both hopped
the train in Waterloo station in full regalia,
blessing people we encountered along the
way.
When Sister Cuminja and I walked into
the party, it was already in full swing. The
party did not stop, but rather parted as we
came in. Most of these people had never
seen a Sister of Perpetual Indulgence before, let alone a 7’6” one covered in glitter
and feathers, like me. It was a great feeling
for both of us, because as everyone laid eyes
on us, the biggest smiles came across their
faces.
After the party, we headed to Lewisham
Westminster Abbey
david macdonald
EXPLORING LONDON
We were met at Heathrow Airport by
Sister Cuminja Wrasse. Meeting Sister
Cuminja was like connecting with a family member, even though we had never
met. She greeted me with a metro card, a
local prepaid cell phone, and a can of gin
and tonic. We felt like Edina and Patsy
coming home from holiday.
After a quick stop at Sister Cominja’s
house, it wasn’t long before it hit me: I
was walking in London! I could not believe I was standing in Trafalgar Square
surrounded by landmarks and history and
pulsating energy. We ended up in Soho,
the Gay center of London. We stopped
into old Comptons of Soho pub, the oldest
Gay bar in London. On a Monday night,
the place was filled with gorgeous men
drinking pints and having a great time.
The next day, my other London host,
Andy Markham (aka Sister Dire), took
me to see Parliament, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey, which I had dreamed
about visiting for as long as I could remember. It was more enormous than I
could have ever imagined. Though we
had to pay 19 pounds sterling (almost
$31!) to enter the Abbey, it was worth it.
I decided not to take the audio tour (I
hate being one of those people glued to a
headset and not really taking in the grandeur of the place), and I was glad I did
as I do not think we would have noticed
everything otherwise.
First, the place is one huge tomb. There
are burial sites everywhere – all over the
floors, up the walls, and there are even
grand tombs overlapping not-so-grand
tombs. I knew there were a lot of people
buried in Westminster Abbey, but this was
crazy. There are more than 3,000 people
buried there!
While walking through the Abbey, I noticed a staircase leading up to a raised chapel area with a sign that read “By appointment only.” I asked one of the tour guides
if I might be able to see what was up there,
and a lovely Scottish lady by the name of
Pat obliged us. She took us to the top of the
stairs and promptly welcomed us into the
holiest of spots in Westminster Abbey and
the reason for the Abbey being built: the
tomb of Edward the Confessor.
I was overwhelmed with the energy in this
space. The ornate stone carvings that surrounded me had been there for 1,000 years,
and scores of people have made pilgrimages
to see them. Surrounding Edward’s tomb
are the tombs of Henry III, Edward I, Eleanor of Castile (arguably the most beautiful
effigy in the Abbey), Edward III, Philippa of
Hainault, Richard II with his queen Anne of
Bohemia (the first double tomb in England),
and, of course, Henry V.
After spending about an hour in the chapel, I decided to wander the rest of the Abbey. Every chapel was awe-inspiring and
breathtaking. I rounded a corner and came
upon the tombs of Mary, Queen of Scots,
and Queen Elizabeth I. I ran into Pat again,
and she showed me the tomb of Sir Isaac
Newton and the incredible Coronation
Throne, better known as King Edward’s
Chair. It was just next to the exit doors of the
Abbey in a climate-controlled glass room,
as it had been painstakingly restored – after
all, this throne was commissioned by King
Edward I in 1296.
Over the next few days, I explored the
city. We headed out to the beautiful Tower
Bridge, which had just been restored and
had a fresh coat of paint which glimmered
in the sun, all beautiful blues with black
trim. We entered the Tower of London, and
immediately were transported almost 1,000
years back in time. I recommend that you
visit at the end of the day, when it can just be
you and the castle (and not a million tourists
and school kids); the power of the space and
all of its rooms is best felt in small numbers.
You can almost hear the sound of horses in
the courtyard and people in the hallways.
SafeSchools Coalition stands with gender expansive children and LGBTQ youth.
Crises: 1-877-SAFE-SAFE. Messages: 206-451-SAFE.
Resources: www.SafeSchoolsCoalition.org
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and hit up the local Queer pub called
Bar 286, where I had already spent a few
late nights since I had arrived. When we
walked in, the owner greeted us with open
arms. He was about to close up for the
night, but when we showed up he decided
to let us stay and drink the night away!
We fired up the karaoke machine and had
a blast until about 3 a.m. If you ever get
the chance to go to London, I recommend
you venture to Lewisham and hit up the
Bar 286. Tell Josie that Sister Stella says
hello!
OFF TO PARIS
The next morning, I headed to the train
station. I was off to Paris to celebrate my
birthday weekend with the Paris order of
the Sisters. I chose to take the rails because I did not want to have to fight my
way through the airports in both cities,
and I wanted to see the countryside of
England and France. The trip took only
two hours (at speeds of 200 mph) and before I knew it we were pulling into downtown Paris!
I got off the train and met with Sister
Extasia, who took me to Sister Innocenta’s place, where I would be staying.
We emerged from the subway on Boulevard Beaumarchais, and the first thing I
noticed was the beautiful architecture.
To my right was a huge monument to the
Bastille with a gold-winged statue atop
the highest point. Everything was beautiful – the buildings, the doors, the people, the light poles, everything.
That night, Sister Extasia took me on
a little walking tour of le Marais, the
Gay center of Paris, and through the
Place de Vosges. Seeing Paris at night
was amazing; you feel so romantic
and in awe of your surroundings. The
streets and some of the buildings were
over 1,000 years old, and everything
was gilded and carved to perfection.
My guide made sure I knew the way
back and left me to wander the streets
of Paris alone, and I was stunned by
the city’s overwhelming beauty.
The next day Innocenta took me
on the sightseeing journey of a lifetime. Our first stop was the Eiffel
Tower, which makes the Space Needle look like a child’s toy. As we
walked along the park, watching all
the people enjoying the sun, I was
so overwhelmed I started to cry.
Our next stop was the Arc de
Triomphe. It was built to commemorate all of Napoleon’s victories – for such a small man,
he had one hell of a giant arch.
It was truly a sight to behold,
then we took a turn and we
walked down the ChampsElysees. Alas, this was the
most commercial part
of our tour. Sister Innocenta explained
that the Champs-Elysees is now a giant shopping district for big chain
stores, and not the romantic avenue it
once was. I was still happy to be here
but I had to agree, this was a place
to lighten your wallet for overpriced
everything.
After lunch, we visited the Paris
Opera House. Even though it was
being restored and covered in scaffolding, it was still one of the most
beautiful buildings I have ever laid
eyes on. With all the people milling
about on the steps, street performers doing their thing, and the city
traffic buzzing about, it was magic
for a performer like me.
We moved on to our next destination, Notre Dame Cathedral. This
place is massive; the doors seemed
over 50 feet tall. The crowds were
herded through like cattle in a constant flow, passing the main prayer
area and being moved along
the corridors that surround the
sanctuary.
Strangely, I was standing in
one of the most famous churches ever, and I felt nothing. At
Westminster Abbey, I felt
the power resonating from
everything despite all the
tourists, but for some reason Notre Dame did not
have the same feeling. It was cold, dark,
and foreboding, even though it was sunny
and warm outside.
THE PARISIAN PARTY SCENE
After all that sightseeing, we headed
back to the house to rest before going
out that night as Sisters to a few parties.
I woke up to a house full of Paris Sisters,
and we had a lovely dinner and then set up
to manifest. Soon we had four Sisters all
made up and ready to head out.
We walked over to the metro and got on
the train. By now it was midnight, and it
had just become my birthday. The Paris
Sisters broke out into song, singing “Happy Birthday” to me on the train. It was
very sweet and I got all emotional (as I am
sure you could have guessed).
After a bit of a train ride, we arrived at
a party for the Gay Paris Olympic Swim
Team. As soon as we arrived, it was like
getting onto a roller coaster – just get in
and hold on. We were greeted by the hosts
of the party and ushered in. They treated
us like queens – VIP everything, cocktails flowing, men clambering to touch us,
and paparazzi everywhere.
I have been in crazy crowd situations
before, but this was very different, mainly
because I did not speak French as well as
I would have liked, and the crowds had
see london page 22
file photo
The Eiffel Tower
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June 17, 2011
Seattle Gay News
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Finally, A New Gay Bar in West Seattle!
Coming Summer 2011
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www.outwestbar.com
June 17, 2011
s
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i
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p
S
alm
Why we love
P
by David Luc Nguyen
SGN Contributing Writer
Visiting Palm Springs makes you feel
like Edward and Jacob from the Twilight
movies have teamed up, ditched that
whiny Bella girl, married each other, and
retired in a chic ’70s retro home in the
California desert. The Twilight theme is
also fitting because the stereotype of older Gay men migrating here isn’t exaggerated – they come to live out their twilight
years with their significant other. With so
much to do, it’s no wonder that Gay and
straight alike flock to visit and end up
staying.
The warm reception we get here isn’t
just from the desert winds. According
to many different sources, the LGBTQ
population outnumbers the heteros in
this desert paradise. With such an overwhelming number of fruity citizens, it’s
no wonder that the city offers a refreshing
and wide range of options for visitors and
residents alike.
GETTING THERE
Palm Springs has been the stomping
ground of celebrities and socialites for
decades, and this Seattle celebutante and
his closest friends got to experience the
opulent hotels, delectable restaurants,
bars, cultural experiences, and sun-filled
activities the town had to offer.
Getting to the fabulous desert city is
only a three-hour flight from Seattle, and
you can get there on a round trip non-stop
for less than $250 with a little planning.
ACCOMMODATIONS
The Hyatt Regency is the most decadent
and lavish hotel in Palm Springs. It’s a far
cry from what many Gay couples choose
as accommodations (as Palm Springs is
known for having many clothing-optional
resorts), but we chose to accentuate the
glamour rather than our love handles.
The Hyatt Regency was so fabulous, we
ran into the prima donnas from Logo
TV’s A-List.
As the elevator door closed, we heard a
high, screechy voice whine, “OMG [the
actual letters, not the words], they don’t
have an upgrade? Do they know who
we are? They don’t have the presidential
suite?”
All I can say to that is, “Honey, you
don’t need the presidential suite. You
need the princess suite with extra-insulated walls and an extra room for your big
egos and oversized Gucci man purses.”
The giant marble foyer was the perfect
setting for the most outrageous diva fit that
those “ladies” could come up with. The
hotel oozes urbane sophistication and is
fresh from a $15 million transformation.
Its giant oversized atrium-style ceilings
inspire a feeling of greatness. The modern and opulent resort-like hotel offers
the city’s best views of the surrounding
mountains and cityscape from six floors
of expansive balconies and terraces.
The rooms are luxurious and decorated
with rich dark chocolate, coffee bean, and
creamy vanilla walls encasing an inviting
white suede designer sectional and chaise
lounge. Orange accented chairs bring
punches of bold color to a tranquil earthtone palette. Other features include giant
balconies, flatscreen TVs, and plush hypoallergenic beds. It’s like spending the night in
a Pottery Barn showroom. After a peaceful
night’s sleep, guests can enjoy drinks at the
poolside bar in the exclusive cabana suites.
If you want a more unique and/or inexpensive lodging experience, try one of Palm
Springs’ 28 Gay and Lesbian resorts. These
resorts are what make Palm Springs such a
special Gay destination.
DINING
Conveniently located within walking
distance of the Hyatt Regency, you’ll find
a slew of restaurants downtown, but two
shine exceptionally brightly and offer very
different but equally enjoyable dining experiences.
TRIO RESTAURANT
If you’re looking for a place to enjoy a
scrumptious meal and a bottle of wine with
your friends from Bellevue (or Beverly
Hills) in a not-so-stuffy environment, try
Trio Restaurant Palm Springs.
It offers tasty modern American fare in
a desert-casual atmosphere at an affordable price. When entering Trio Restaurant,
you’ll be greeted by friendly (and handsome) faces against a backdrop of sleek,
contemporary elegance. A trio of cascading
seashell chandeliers softly illuminate the
dining room and full-service bar, setting the
perfect mood for patrons to enjoy the food
and company on a warm desert night. The
tangerine accents and the mod graphic fabrics blend seamlessly, allowing attention to
be paid to the undeniable star: the cuisine.
I’d recommend starting with the strawberry salad, which includes shaved fennel,
baby spinach, and spicy walnuts, topped
off with a rosemary and strawberry vinaigrette. For a cocktail, try either the peartini
(Grey Goose pear, amaretto, lemon juice,
and a lemon twist) or a Palm Springs punch
(Coruba spiced rum, triple sec, cream de
Get your mind out of the gutter, people;
this isn’t a Kate Moss snorting cocaine
incident. We literally got high up in the
mountains! We got on at Valley Station
(starting at 2,643 feet) and went all the
way up to the top at Mountain Station
(8,516 feet). The views on the way up are
incredible as you enjoy the sheer cliffs of
Chino Canyon in the 360-degree rotating
compartment, but they are positively spectacular at the top. Don’t forget your jackets, folks, because we went from shorts,
T-shirt, and flip-flop weather to ice-cold
AZUL TAPAS LOUNGE AND PATIO snowy mountaintops within minutes. It’s
At the Azul Tapas Lounge, we were treat- an awe-inspiring nature wonderland.
ed to a secret recipe that any establishment
THE FABULOUS PALM SPRINGS
would envy. The recipe calls for the perfect
combination of strong cocktails, good com- FOLLIES
Don’t miss this world-famous, Broadpany, excellent service, healthy portions
of food, and a perfect balance of two Palm way-caliber celebration of music, dance,
Springs quintessential ingredients: a witty and comedy of the ’40s, ’50s, ’60s, and
drag queen and a piano bar. Combine these ’70s with a cast old enough to have lived
and you have the recipe for a memorable through it. Venerated guest stars and
international vaudeville acts join the
evening in the desert.
This establishment features a classic yet Follies’ world-renowned line of Longinviting decor. You’ll repose in chocolate Legged Lovelies and Follies Gentlemen,
leather seats before crisp white table linens, all ranging in age from 56 to 81.
Highlights of the show included fantasall richly pulled together by the mahogany
columns. Your eyes will be drawn to the tic showgirl costumes that would make
restaurant’s centerpieces, which include the La Femme Magnifique International
an oversized piano bar and tinsel beaded contestants green with envy, a truly amazdrapes that would make any Las Vegas ing juggler (I know juggling sounds lame,
showgirl giggle with delight. The feel of the but trust me, it’s an awesome and underlounge is perfectly topped off by mocha col- appreciated art), and all of the beautiful
ored bead and crystal stem-candle votives harmonies and group numbers.
that glitter like the hostess’ disco ball outfit
OTHER MUST-DO ACTIVITIES
and bedazzled fascinator.
Each year, Palm Springs hosts the
Rudy de la Mor, the evening’s hostess,
was a joy to watch while we enjoyed great White Party. It’s a fabulous event where
service and excellent food. She was even so everyone dresses in white (and often in
kind as to welcome my friends (of Asian de- crazy costumes) and dances the night
cent) and me to America. We’d usually be away. This year featured a performance
offended by the insinuation that we’re im- by Robin S., and in the days preceding the
migrants based on the shape of our eyes but main party, people got to enjoy the sun at
there’s something endearing about this sing- the legendary pool parties.
If hot, scantily clad men aren’t your
ing and piano-playing muse that is simply
charming. She entertained the crowd with thing, check out the Indian Canyon Tour,
Gershwin’s “Swanee” and a rousing version the Palm Springs Art Museum, gambling,
shopping at the outlet malls, and my faof “Mame.”
After enjoying a great dinner of succu- vorite activity: the Palm Springs street
lent salmon and mouth-watering scallops fair. It was incredible to walk the crowded
on a bed of butternut squash, we washed it streets with the faint smell of kettle corn
all down with strong mojitos on the hopping in the air while enjoying the different
arts and crafts and the warm weather and
and very popular outdoor lounge.
clear skies. It reminded me of the nights
we Seattleites would spend enjoying the
ACTIVITIES
There is so much more to do in Palm Torchlight Parade during Seafair. Palm
Springs than I ever imagined. Before I Springs has the personality and charm
had the opportunity to see the sights, that we love in the Northwest, without
I only thought that Palm Springs that Southern California attitude we ofwas good for hosting the annual ten hear about. I can definitely see myself
White Party (which is a must- helping to grow the ’mo population here
do), golfing, and finding a sugar in the future.
Most importantly, make some time to
daddy. Thank goodness I was
wrong, because you’re missing sit by one of the many pools and work on
out if you don’t capitalize on your tan, because we Northwesterners are
all the different opportunities vitamin D deficient (aka pasty and pale
after our long sunless winter).
this city offers.
For information on planning your memorable vacation to Palm Springs, check
AERIAL TRAMWAY
While visiting Palm Springs out visitpalmsprings.org.
during White Party, it isn’t a
secret that we got high. We even
have pictures!
noyaux, pineapple juice, and sweet and
sour). For the main course you must try the
Australian sea bass (oven roasted with parsley, capers, lemon zest, and breadcrumbs,
drizzled with butter, on a bed of couscous).
Another must-try is lamb shank braised in
burgundy, rosemary, and garlic, served with
great northern white beans.
Also don’t forget to try the fantastic desserts. If you order the lemon meringue,
some of the proceeds benefit local charities.
zeusbox
Joshua Tree National Park
June 17, 2011
Seattle Gay News
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Seattle Gay News
June 17, 2011
by Albert Rodriguez
SGN A&E Writer
Summer is roadtrip season – think downtown hotel and muddled cocktails, not sleeping bags and mosquito bites. If you’re not
into roughing it in the woods, try an overnighter to a less remote destination – perhaps an urban getaway to Portland.
Getting to the Rose City is as easy as
gassing up the car, finding a friend to ride
shotgun, and loading the iPod with summer
jams from Katy Perry and Death Cab for
Cutie. When you arrive in PDX, this is how
you might spend the next 24 hours.
ALL-DAY HAPPY HOUR
Did I say all-day happy hour? Yes, I did!
The Driftwood Room (www.hoteldeluxeportland.com/hotel-deluxe-restaurant-bar)
inside the glamorous Hotel deLuxe serves
happy-hour drinks at happy-hour prices all
the time. The darkly lit lounge, where Jennifer Aniston hung out while filming something forgettable, is wedged into a corner of
this Pearl District hotel, which pays homage
to Hollywood legends and cinema mavericks (Billy Wilder, hello?). New to the Driftwood Room is the Elizabeth Taylor signature cocktail, made with creme de violette
and champagne – it’s classy, refreshing, and
diva-inspired. The $6 croque monsieur was
sinful, while the $4 bowl of smoked chicken
chowder was hearty and delivered piping
hot. Unless you’re a truly big eater, the portions at the Driftwood Room (the portabello
burger is a meal) should provide enough
fuel in the tank for the evening. Service is
friendly – the bartender even printed out a
list of movie times for me – and the sleek
ambiance woos Portland’s cool cats nightly.
stev e mor gan
Summertime means a
road trip to Portland
signed with gorgeous chandeliers, pistachiocolored drapes, huge framed mirrors, plush
booths, and fine cloth-topped tables, gives
the impression of being expensive, but it’s
not. Five varieties of eggs Benedict, ranging
from classic to seafood (Dungeness crab and
Oregon bay shrimp
cakes) are $14 or
less, and come sided with a sautéed
mix of traditional
and sweet potatoes.
The highest-priced
item on the breakfast/lunch menu is
“The Elvis,” a fitfor-a-king stack
of pancakes with
peanut butter, bacon, and bananas
for $17. Everything else, including omelets,
hashes, waffles,
and egg plates,
falls somewhere
between $9 and
$15.
Another affordable hotel
eatery is the
Original (www.
or igi na ldi nerant.com), on the
ground floor of
the Courtyard
Marriott. Billing itself as a
“dinerant,” this
laid-back joint
with hints of an
old school diner, has excellent
breakfasts all priced under $12. I had the
breakfast burrito filled with eggs, braised
pork, green chilies, and potatoes, then finished with dollops of guacamole, cheddar
cheese, and queso fresco. It ranks as one of
my favorite breakfast meals. The Original’s
atmosphere is youthful and hip, yet unpretentious and comfortable.
RECOVERY
Two things help put you on the road to recovery, and the road back home after a long
night out: massage and shopping.
The Avalon Hotel & Spa (www.avalonhotelandspa.com) is 10 minutes from downtown Portland, resting waterside and giving
its guests a bit of privacy from the city bustle. The spa offers a basic menu of massages,
body treatments, and reflexology, which
should help restore your energy and get the
blood circulating properly again. Something
to note, the Avalon’s male clientele – from
my observation and from those I met in the
locker room – is a healthy, attractive bunch
of guys that includes college athletes, firemen, and business travelers. The whirlpool,
steam room, and wet sauna in the men’s
area are recommended post-massage, or if
you’d rather work out, a fitness area upstairs
is available (inquire about use). The Avalon
Spa is 13,000 square feet in size and has its
own hair salon.
As for shopping, somewhat new to the
scene is an H&M store at Pioneer Place in
downtown (340 S.W. Morrison St.). The flagship UnderU4Men shop at 507 S.W. Broadway is great for browsing the latest fashions
below the waistline. And, how can you visit
Portland and not stock up on reading material with a pit stop at Powell’s Books (1005
W. Burnside)? The mega bookstore’s café is
a nice spot to sip a latte and people-watch
before returning to Seattle.
Martini (www.vault-martini.com), both of
which draw significant Gay crowds, or for
a mixed scene go to the Gilt Club (www.
giltclub.com), also in the Pearl District. Just
southwest of downtown, the Escape Nightclub (333 S.W. Park Ave.) is the spot to release your inner dance freak with music that
ranges from industrial to new wave to house,
and it’s definitely more Gay than straight.
Stripper withdrawl? The boys at Silverado
(318 S.W. 3rd Ave.) will gladly take it all
off, and take your dollar bills at the same
time. Should you desire an artsy setting,
Valentine’s (232 S.W. Ankeny St.) caters to
straight, young hipsters, but there’s usually
a good band playing or visual art project on
display – its loft-style digs with community
tables on the main floor provide a great way
to blend in with PDX scenesters.
OVERNIGHT
The Courtyard Marriott or Courtyard
Portland City Center (www.marriott.com/
hotels/travel/pdxpc-courtyard-portlandcity-center) is right downtown and within
walking distance of party zones, restaurants, and department stores. This sort-ofnew 16-story property incorporates boutique features into what would otherwise
be a standard corporate hotel, starting with
its lobby decked out with suede chairs and
couches, nifty lamps, dark wood paneling,
and cream-colored carpet to match the furniture. My room was spacious with wonderful views of the city and a tastefully decorated interior: wall print of local scenery, windowside reading chair, and extended work
desk with slide-out tray. The concourse level includes a foyer, a place to mingle away
from the lobby fuss, and it provides four
hard-wired computer stations with free internet. Convenient and slightly upscale, the
Courtyard Marriott is suggested for those
who want a little flair at minimal cost.
CLUB HOPPING
The usual Gay suspects are still there –
C.C. Slaughters, Boxxes, Eagle, Hobo’s
BREAKFAST
– though I prefer Embers (110 N.W. BroadAn interesting thing about Portland is that
way) for some unexplainable sloppy reason. some of the best restaurants are inside hoIf you’re feeling loungy, check out Tear- tels, such as Gracie’s (www.graciesdining.
drop (www.teardroplounge.com) or Vault com) at Hotel deLuxe. The dining room, de-
June 17, 2011
Seattle Gay News
7
by Eric Andrews-Katz
SGN A&E Writer
New Orleans is a food lover’s paradise,
and is definitely not for the light eater. No
matter what the meal, allow sufficient time
to enjoy yourself. Remember, this is the
South, and they don’t rush anything. As I’m
not one to eat seafood, I thought dining here
would be difficult, but New Orleans rose to
the food challenge with many surprises.
One of the most traditional breakfasts
in the French Quarter begins at Brennan’s
(www.brennansneworleans.com), which
opened in 1946. Their “Typical New Orleans Breakfast” begins with either a Creole Bloody Mary or brandy milk punch.
The punch is a mixture of milk, brandy,
and spices that were delicious, and would
(I imagine) ease anyone into the morning
following an adventurous night. The meal
continues with one of the house’s claims to
fame, Eggs Hussarde: poached eggs with
Canadian bacon, Marchand de Vin sauce,
and hollandaise. Bananas foster is available,
as this now world-famous dessert was created at Brennan’s. Bananas, sautéed in butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and liqueur, are
topped with rum and lit aflame at your table. Not only impressive to watch prepared,
but delicious with ice cream and not to be
missed. Don’t be surprised if people eat
soup at breakfast; either the French onion or
the turtle soup (with sherry) are excellent!
For breakfast with a jazz band, try the
buffet at The Court of Two Sisters (www.
courtoftwosisters.com), another French Quarter tradition. Four flags line the restaurant walls, representing
different periods in Louisiana’s history. Serving as
the official entrance way
are the Charmed Gates,
wrought-iron decorative
doorways that were originally blessed by Queen Isabella to bestow charm to
all those who touch them.
Seating is outside in the
courtyard, under entwined
branches and decorative
latticework and among
running fountains. The
meal is buffet-style where
you can enjoy the omelet
bar, or a large assortment
of fruits, vegetables, and
salads. Breakfast meats
include the usual bacon
and ham, but also Cajun
stewed chicken and Creole prepared sausages.
All this is enjoyed with
spot-on service, and the
wonderful light sounds of a live jazz band.
Dinner is an event in the South, and New
Orleans is no exception. Expect two to three
hours for a proper meal, excellent service by
wait staff in suits, and wonderful ambience
at some of the French Quarter’s best restaurants, Antoine’s and Arnaud’s. Antoine’s
eri c and rew s-K
atz
Taking a bite of that
New Orleans flavor
Bananas Foster at
(www.antoines.com) boasts 14 dining rooms
and stretches down the street. Established in
1840, it’s the oldest family-run restaurant in
America. Its fame was established upon the
creation of oysters Rockefeller, a dish that
has long been imitated although the original
recipe is a closely guarded secret. Daring
to broaden my culinary horizons, I started
with the potage alligator au sherry, a wellseasoned, sherry-laced alligator bisque. It
was delicious and unlike anything I’ve tasted. Creamy with light seasonings, this soup
was a fantastic introduction to the surprises
New Orleans has to offer. For a main course
I chose the poulet sauce Rochambeau, a
grilled chicken breast with Rochambeau
sauce over baked ham and a rich béarnaise.
After a single bite, it was easy to see why
this restaurant has served presidents, Hollywood notables, esteemed authors, and even
Pope John Paul II.
Arnaud’s restaurant (www.arnaudsrestaurant.com) is another place of established
history. For appetizers, I suggest the sensationally seasoned alligator sausage: a little
gamier than pork sausage, but definitely a
different if not stronger taste. Puffed sweet
potato fries were absolutely incredible.
Light without being overly fried, these little
finger foods had perfect flavor. The turtle
LGBTQ Counseling
1812 E. Madison St #101
Seattle, WA 98122
www.jarredcounseling.com
8
Seattle Gay News
June 17, 2011
Brennan’s
soup is another delight. It has the thickness
of a gumbo, but the flavor of well-seasoned
minestrone. The added sherry brings out the
more delicate flavors of this New Orleans
culinary classic.
The main courses are excellent and you
can’t go wrong no matter what you choose.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try the Cornish game hen, oven-roasted with a classic
Véronique sauce. Be warned, though, the
bones are intact, and while they may not be
big enough to kill you, they are large enough
to cause discomfort. As an after-dinner
drink, try the café Brûlot for two. As much
an after-dinner show as a drink, this concoction of cinnamon, cloves, lemon peel, sugar,
and brandy is heated tableside for you. With
great caution, the mixture is lit and poured
down an orange rind into cups of hot coffee.
It is truly the perfect finish to a wonderful
meal.
Less expensive tastes and midday meals
are easily found. New Orleans spins on pizza, salads, and sandwiches such as po’ boys
and mullulettas are everywhere. And, of
course, there are the signature foods of New
Orleans: beignets and pralines. It all awaits
discovery.
“As your therapist, it is my priority to work with you
through your pain, and bring empathy, knowledge,
respect and hope to our time together.”
Jarred Lathrop-Weber MA, LMHCA, MHP
253-906-8738
SGN A&E Writer
New Orleans. The Big Easy. The city conjures images of dark magic and desired fortunes waiting to be revealed, or sultry dramas about to unfold. The Crescent City has
a rich history in both this world and others,
as well.
Mark Twain labeled it “The City of the
Dead,” and for good reason. Venturing into
New Orleans (at least the French Quarter) is
like going to another country, away from its
conservative neighbors, but without need of
a passport. Diversity is the ruling monarch,
and hauntings are not only part of the history, but also a large part of the culture and
the city itself. There are two kinds of spirits
in New Orleans: the seen, and the unseen.
The first scary thought is that there are no
direct flights from Seattle to New Orleans,
so be prepared for a stopover. Your choices
are limited to early-morning departures or
late-evening arrivals, and cabs from the airport to the French Quarter cost about $40.
And while there’s not much to see on the
flatland, the drive is pleasant enough.
The horrors of Katrina are still evident
in the boarded-up buildings and homelessness in parts of the city. The current exhibit
“Before – (During) – After” at the Presby-
eric andr ews -Kat z
The spirits of
New Orleans
eri c and rew s-K
atz
the
French
Quarter can
be served “to
go” from any
bar, and with a
simple transfer
to a plastic cup,
you can walk,
explore, and
drink. Bourbon
Street is infamous for both
its straight and
Gay clientele.
Such notoriety
as Tennessee
Williams, Truman Capote,
and William
Faulkner frequented bars
here;
ma ny
buildings will
have a plaque in
tribute. The Napoleon House is
one such place
with a name that
explains its history. The Hotel Monteleone
has the famous Carousel Bar & Lounge (hotelmonteleone.com/dining-entertainment),
the “only carousel you need to be 21 years
old to ride.” Enjoy
drinks as the bar
slowly turns.
Stories of departed spirits in New
Orleans are about
as common as Starbucks in Seattle.
The French Quarter
is allegedly heavily populated with
spirits from other
worlds. Fortunes can
be read from a plethora of tarots, palms,
tea leaves, or playing cards. This is the
home of voodoo in
America, and it is still
a vibrantly practiced
religion here. There
will be many offers
to help you commune
with the dead should
you wish to.
One of the most
haunted hotels in New
Orleans is the Bourbon
Orleans Hotel (www.
bourbonorleans.com).
Centrally located on
Rue Orleans, between
Royal and Bourbon
Streets, this comfortable
hotel is nestled in the heart of the French
Quarter; far enough from Bourbon to deter
the noise of debauchery, but close enough
to stumble home when finished with the
same. The haunted history dates back to
the Civil War and the yellow fever epidemic
that swept the city, especially the orphanage where the hotel now stands. I was on reportedly the most haunted of the six floors,
and while I never saw any manifestations,
several peculiar things did happen. Water
moved across my bathroom floor in a serpentine pattern – water doesn’t move like
that, and it wasn’t a leak. My digital picture
frame turned on and off at random times,
and the digitally set, climate-controlled
room changed temperatures – of its own accord – to the same degree each time, three
out of four nights. Visions of departed gentlemen, nuns, or phantom children playing
with balls have all been reported.
Reputed grave of Ma
rie Laveau
tere, on the horrors of Hurricane Katrina, is
not to be missed. In the lobby, Fats Domino’s piano is lying on its side with the lid
ripped off its hinges – the same position it
was when found (although cleaned for the
museum), it sets the tone for the rest of the
exhibit. Audio stories record the voices of
people who survived, remembering the fear
and helplessness of those who did not. Garage doors can be seen with red spray paint,
markings for hazmat workers to note if any
animals survived, how many people were
alive, and how many dead bodies could be
found inside. Save the second floor for last;
it’s the exhibit on Mardi Gras, and will help
to alleviate some of the experienced grief.
Wandering the streets of the French Quarter, spirits can be seen frequently. You see
quite the variety of lifestyles, and for the
most part, nobody blinks. Debauchery of all
types can be witnessed at all times of the
day along Bourbon Street. Drinks within
xiii
A wrought-iron balcony in New
Orleans’ French Quarter
Building graves above ground is a city
necessity due to the water table. Graveyard
tours are offered during the first half of the
day at Saint Louis Cemetery #1. Here you
can visit the pre-built pyramid of Nicholas
Cage’s final resting place, or the gravesites
that Peter Fonda climbed in the film Easy
Rider. For the more serious, the grave of
The Drag Queens
Vs.
The Dykes
Homer Plessy (as in Plessy v. Ferguson) is
found here, as is the grave of voodoo queen
Marie Laveau – next to Kennedy’s, it’s the
second most-visited gravesite in the United
States. Guided evening ghost tours are also
offered through the French Quarter.
Whatever your spiritual quest, there’s
something for you in New Orleans. It’s a
place to be discovered and rediscovered.
Hosted by
GaysHa starr
June 17, 2011
Saturday, June 18th, 2011
Cal anderSon Park,
BoBBy MorriS Ball Field
GateS oPen at 4 PM
GaMe FroM 5 to 9 PM
Seattle Gay News
9
10
Seattle Gay News
June 17, 2011
:
s
l
l
a
F
a
r
a
g
a
i
N
Not just for honeymoons
SGN A&E Writer
Niagara Falls has always been a destination for honeymooners, but it is far
from being restricted to the newlywed.
The falls are legendary, but there is much
more to do and see in the region. Wineries abound, making Canada a leading
contender in the field. Bike tours around
the falls and smaller towns surrounding
are wonderful options and for those wanting the arts, the internationally renown
George Bernard Shaw Festival makes its
home in nearby Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Niagara Falls is collectively divided
into three sections: The American Falls,
the Bridal Veil Falls, and the Canadian/
Horseshow Falls. Entering Queen Victoria Park (Canadian side), any driver will
immediately see parking options for $20
per day. If you are planning to spend all day
here, that is a fair price. But if your desires
are to spend only a few hours, you may want
to drive about half a mile further down the
main strip, where decently priced hourly
parking is available.
To get back to the Horseshoe Falls, your
choices are either to wait for the shuttle or
just take the pleasant walk along the bank
of the falls. Once there, options are varied.
Walking along the bank is picturesque and
free of charges (aside from parking). It’s a
beautiful way to spend the day enjoying an
incredible natural sight. If you want to see
the falls up close, there are several options.
Boat trips on the famous “Maid of the
Mist” will provide a wet, waterfront view of
the falls as the boat drives close to the thunMar ioma ster 1589
derous water. Plastic ponchos are included
to avoid getting wet from the heavy misting.
Another choice is the self-guided walking
tour behind the falls. Several concrete tunnels – lined with informational plaques and
displays – allow people to go underneath the
lips of the plummeting water allowing for
an interesting point of view. Eventually, it
exits to a viewing deck allowing an impressive look at a majestic sight.
Nearby Niagara-on-the-Lake offers an
excellent and romantic getaway for those
wishing to spend the night. Only a 10-minute drive away, this quaint hamlet has many
attractions. Check in at one of the several
accommodations, in particular Riverbend
Inn & Vineyard (www.riverbendinn.ca).
Comfortable beds and good food in the restaurant allows anyone to easily relax just after checking into the friendly inn.
While restaurant choices mainly range
from casual to romantic, we accidentally
stumbled into one of the best sports bars I
have ever come across. Mostly a local hangout, the Butler’s Sports Bar and Grill (284
Mary Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake) is the
perfect place for finger food and pub grub.
The pizza was fantastic (and I consider
myself to be a connoisseur) and there is no
better place to get various types of wings
(Niagara is located just “across the way”
from Buffalo). Chicken wings are not my
favorite, but these were excellent. The
staff was friendly without being overly
attentive, and yet we waited for nothing. I
prefer to look at our visit there as less accidental and more serendipitous.
The George Bernard Shaw Festival
(www.shawfest.com) is an internationally
recognized theater and the second-largest
Repertory Theatre Company in North
America. Established in 1963, the festival has now converted four buildings to
house several simultaneous productions
of wonderful theatre, both established
and yet to be discovered. Traditional
shows such as Chekhov’s The Cherry
Orchard or Clare Booth Luce’s comedy
The Women are performed with excellent talent and stage/costume designs.
Any choice of the several shows is bound
to deliver an excellent way to finish off a
wonderful evening.
For a day of fun and education, schedule an appointment for a tour and tasting
at the Inniskillin Winery (www.inniskillin.com). Canada’s premier estate winery,
Inniskillin has been opened since July
31, 1975. Taking a tour of the vinyard and
tasting the wines can be wonderefully educational. Being taken through the wine
process, from growing to picking and fermentation, is a great way to understand
wine for either the experienced or the
novice. The tasting was revealing as we
found out the size and shape of the glass
really does make a huge difference in the
flavor of the wine. As Canada is one of the
few countries that can produce icewine (a
cold climate is needed, with a harvest in
the winter months), the taste and education are both uniquely Canadian.
Canada’s East Coast holds a basket of
delights waiting for us to explore. Niagara Falls is a wonderful attraction, but to
spend the weekend can be the difference
between wonderful and extraordinary.
Comforts and pleasures wait among the
superb visuals in this romantic getaway.
Niagara Falls at night
hiren.info
Maid of the Mist at Niagara Falls
June 17, 2011
Seattle Gay News
11
ligh tpa inte r
The best Gay
nude beaches in
North America
by Jesse Monteagudo
while Marshall’s Beach is still
as Gay and as nude as ever,
more unsuspecting straights
Gay men are humanity’s great adventur- are ending up there.
ers: We venture where others do not dare to
go. For almost a century, Gay men have been
San Gregorio
at the vanguard of the naturist movement,
Beach
glorying in the joy and beauty of the naked
San Mateo County,
male body – our own and those of others.
California
Thus, it is no surprise to find that clothingSan Gregorio Beach (not
optional beaches are largely frequented by to be confused with the adjaGay men. None of the nude beaches listed cent state beach of the same
in this article are exclusively Gay, but they name; stay north of the “hazare all popular with Gay nudists and have ardous surf” sign to avoid
Gay sections. Where is the Gay section? park rangers) is America’s
Just look for the absence of women and chil- oldest nude beach, dating
dren.
back to 1967. It is also the
Gayest, especially at the
Black’s Beach
northern end. On any givLa Jolla, California
en day there may be 200
California’s recent campaign against pub- people (mostly Gay men)
lic nudity in state parks has put a damper on searching for the perfect
nude sunbathing in the Golden State. For- spot to disrobe. San Gretunately, it’s still tolerated in the northern gorio is privately owned,
section of Black’s Beach, America’s most which allows it to ignore
popular nude beach. (The southern section, the state’s anti-nudity
within the City of San Diego, is less toler- laws. It boasts two miles
ant.) Though Black’s is by no means a Gay of soft sand strewn with
beach, it is frequented by Gay nudists who driftwood, tide pools, and
are turned off by the current crackdown a lovely lagoon, all of it
against nudity at San Onofre State Beach. framed by dramatic cliffs.
Black’s Beach is also hard to reach, which
seems to keep away gawkers and law enHaulover Beach
forcement officials alike. (Directions to
Miami-Dade
Black’s Beach are long and complicated.
County, Florida
Visit blacksbeach.org/routes.html for deMy hometown favorite,
tailed instructions.)
the clothing-optional section of Haulover Beach
Marshall’s Beach
is the most popular nude
San Francisco, California
beach in North America.
Perhaps the closest thing we have to an It is also one of the most
all-Gay nude beach is Marshall’s. It’s right accessible gathering
next to Golden Gate Bridge and is mostly spots for naturists, with
unknown to the pedestrians who stroll none of the hair-raising
along the sidewalk on the eastern side of cliff-side hikes one must
the bridge. Marshall’s Beach is on the west endure to reach some of the
side, reached via a sidewalk reserved for bi- other nude beaches. Just take Florida State
cyclists. Four years ago the federal govern- Road 826 east from I-95 until it ends at
ment refurbished the area and added walk- A1A, turn right, go south for a mile or so,
ing paths to the water. This, we are told, and then turn into Haulover Park’s North
has been a bit of a mixed blessing, because Beach parking lot. (A walkway that goes
under A1A will take you from the parking
lot to the beach.)
Only the northern end of Haulover Beach
Park is clothing-optional, and only the
northern end of the clothing-optional section is Gay. Nevertheless, on a warm, sunny
day, Haulover is what heaven would be like
if God were a Gay nudist: friendly naked
men, almost-idyllic weather conditions
(except when it rains or overheats), a wellkept beach, and the reassuring presence of
folks from South Florida Free Beaches, who
made it all possible. Just remember to wear
a hat and apply sunscreen.
Playalinda Beach
and Apollo Beach
Brevard County and
Volusia County, Florida
Playalinda Beach and Apollo Beach
are part of Canaveral National Seashore
and both are attractive and popular naturist hangouts. Playalinda in particular has
been a popular naturist playground for nude
sunbathers, Gay and otherwise, since the
ELECTRIC
BOAT
Rentals
Marshall’s Beach, San Fra
ncisco
1960s. Unfortunately, Playalinda is in Brevard County, which in 1995 passed a strict
anti-nudity ordinance that it had since done
its best to enforce. Not surprisingly, many
nudists moved their beach-going activities
to Apollo Beach, located in the more tolerant Volusia County. Though Apollo is only
an unofficial nude beach, it is the Sunshine
State’s most nudist-friendly beach outside of
Haulover.
Gunnison Beach
Sandy Hook,
New Jersey
Gunnison Beach, part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, is the Jersey Shore’s
only legal nude beach. The largest nude
beach on the East Coast, Gunnison is headover-bare-feet above other nearby beaches.
In addition to its nude recreation opportunities, Gunnison Beach offers fishing, hiking,
bird watching, and views of the New York
City skyline and the Statue of Liberty. Gays
hang out at the southern end of the beach.
As in Haulover, the powers that be put up
signs warning tourists, “Beyond this point
you may encounter nude sunbathers.” On
any given weekend you will indeed encounter up to 5,000 nude sunbathers of every
shape, color, and sexuality.
is a naturist paradise. Located on a rather
steep slope above Lake Travis, Hippie Hollow attracts visitors from all over the world.
It has a steep, rocky shoreline, nature trails,
and designated swimming areas. It is also
the protected habitat for endangered bird
species like the golden-cheeked warbler and
the black-capped viero. Though every day
is Gay day at Hippie Hollow, the best time
to visit is during “Splash Days,” held on
the first Sunday in May and on Labor Day
weekend. To get to the Gay section, make a
left turn at the parking lot. It is a 15-minute
walk, but one that’s well worth the effort.
Wreck Beach
Vancouver,
British Columbia
According to Michael Boyd (writing in
Naked Places), Wreck Beach is “perhaps the
best-known nude beach on the globe.” It’s
located in Pacific Spirit Regional Park, at
the foot of the cliffs that surround the University of British Columbia. The clothingoptional section stretches four miles from
Acadia Beach south to Booming Grounds
Creek. Though the cold Pacific waters are
not for the faint of heart, the ocean breezes
keep the summer temperatures down. As at
other nude beaches, the Gay section is off
Lake
Union,
the beaten pathOn
– in
this
case Seattle
the remote
area south of Trail 6. Keep an eye out for
Hippie Hollow
the naked vendors who, in G. T. McCallan’s
18 miles west of
words, “ply the beach offering water, beer,
Austin, Texas
Though not technically a beach, sandwiches, and a surprising array of narMcGregor County Park (its actual name) cotics.”
ELECTRIC
BOAT
Rentals
On Lake Union, Seattle
Electric
Boat
Rentals
ELECTRIC
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Lake Union, SeattleELECTRIC
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BOAT
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w w w. T h e E l e c t r i c B o a t C o . c o m
12
Seattle Gay News
206.223.7476
June 17, 2011
Come down
and see me
for your
best deal!
Yeah Baby!
-Vik
3715 East Valley Rd.
Renton, WA 98057
425-988-2100 800-474-HOGS
www.downtownhd.com
June 17, 2011
Seattle Gay News
13
It’
s
Vegas,
baby!
Viva ARIA at CityCenter
Vegas is back! Towering high above
the gigantic CityCenter property sits
ARIA Resort & Casino, and for all you
size queens out there, the proof is in
the numbers. Joining the city’s collection of spectacular hotels and decadent
residences – Mandarin Oriental Las
Vegas, Vdara Hotel & Spa, and Veer
Towers, to name a few – ARIA boasts
4,004 guest rooms, including a whopping 568 suites. But that just barely
scratches the surface.
ARIA is a city within a city. The
property, designed by the world-renowned firm Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects, contains an exhilarating casino
floor (designed to provide intimate
gaming spaces), 300,000 square feet of
meeting and pre-function spaces, three
primary pools with 50 cabanas (one
adults-only pool retreat), 16 restaurants, and 10 bars and lounges, including a nightclub – and so much more.
ARIA is a Gay couple’s dream. I experienced firsthand the professionalism and care that the staff had to offer, from the knowledgeable concierge
desk to restaurant and hotel managers.
The term “Gay-friendly” doesn’t even
begin to describe the knowledge the
staff and management has of our community. There is no doubt: ARIA Hotel
& Resort welcomes the LGBT community with open and luxurious arms.
The sleek and sexy ARIA has received the highest lev-
courtesy mgm resorts international
by Shaun Knittel
SGN Associate Editor
Julian Serrano Restaurant
el of recognition, five Green Keys, from
the Green Key Eco-Rating Program, the
largest international program evaluating
sustainable hotel operations. After all,
ARIA officials say they understand that
“going green is about conserving today to
protect tomorrow.”
THE ROOMS
The accommodations offered by the hotel come in four styles: deluxe room, deluxe room city view, suite, and ARIA sky
suite. There is no wrong choice as each
guestroom is fitted with advanced technology that allows you to customize the
lighting, room temperature, and music to
transform your room into a sanctuary of
relaxation.
When my boyfriend and I arrived at
our deluxe room with city view, we were
in for a nice and futuristic surprise as the
key card opened the room and simul-
taneously turned on the TV (playing soft
music and welcoming me by name), and
opened the oversized floor-to-ceiling window drapes to reveal a stellar view of the
famous Las Vegas Strip. It set the mood
for what would become the best hotel stay
a Gay couple could ask for.
Our 520-square-foot, one-bedroom
deluxe room with city view featured an
array of amenities and contemporary
custom furnishings including an entry
foyer; dressing area with dual closets
and granite-top dresser; custom ARIA
mattress with triple-sheeted, 300-threadcount linens; plush robes; a stocked minibar; a 42” LCD HD television that allows
you to connect your laptop, control room
automation, and plug in devices such as
game consoles, cameras, or MP3 players
all bedside; a 7” touch-screen that allows
for easy navigation of room settings; a
workstation with high-speed wireless
and wired internet connections; and a
laptop size in-room safe. No detail has
14
Seattle Gay News
June 17, 2011
VIVA ELVIS
Throughout the 1970s, Elvis Presley
ruled not only as the king of rock ‘n’
roll, but also as king of the Las Vegas
Strip. So it is fitting that his world has
collided head-on with the Cirque du
Soleil. You can catch the acrobatic,
dance, and vocal tribute to Elvis inside
the custom-built 1,800-seat theater that
houses the phenomenal Viva ELVIS.
“Created in the image of the king of
rock ‘n’ roll – powerful, sexy, whimsical, truly unique, and larger than life –
the show highlights an American icon
who transformed popular music and
whose image embodies the freedom,
excitement, and turbulence of his era,”
say the show’s producers. “Significant
moments in his life – intimate, playful, and grandiose – blend with the
timeless songs that remain as relevant
today as when they first hit the top of
the charts. Viva ELVIS focuses on the
essential humanity of the one superstar
whose name will forever be linked with
the history of Las Vegas and the entire
world of entertainment: Elvis Presley.”
I thoroughly enjoyed the show. It was
high-energy, didn’t poke fun at the idol,
and is absolutely stunning. The talent
is top-notch and the showroom is gorgeous – all fit for a King. Whether you
are a fan of Elvis himselvis or a fan of
the acrobatic genius of Cirque du Soleil
– or both – Viva ELVIS is a show you
won’t want to miss.
courtesy mgm resorts international
The ARIA Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada
been overlooked, and preferences are
remembered every time the guest is inroom.
The bathroom is equally as impressive with a private water closet, granite
dual sink vanity, 100% cotton bath linens, and a shower with bench adjacent
to a soaking tub.
THE CASINO
A trip to Las Vegas would not be complete without some serious casino time. The
ARIA casino is, without a doubt, unique.
Offering 150,000 square feet of gaming,
the layout and design allows guests to enjoy
the energy and excitement of their favorite
selections in a “more personal and intimate
setting.”
I found the casino floor to be less chaotic,
and therefore a lot more fun, than most Las
Vegas properties. The lighting is adequate,
the slots are ample, and the poker and other
table games are well-played, but not too full.
that matter, travel to the city in the desert,
the casino at ARIA is a breath of fresh air
when it comes to poker, slots, sports, and
table games. Lady Luck has never looked so
good.
DINING
In the old days, Las Vegas casinos had a
Ethan Miller
THE SPA
The spa and salon at ARIA is a getaway
within the hustle and bustle of the casino.
When you enter the spa, you are entering
another world that seems thousands of miles
away from stress.
“If there is a way to pamper, indulge, or
spoil you, we’ve found it,” boast hotel officials. And they are right.
The 80,000-square-foot, two-level spa
and salon, with 62 individual spa treatment
rooms and 55 salon stations, is a vacationer’s
dream. Also included is a full-service salon,
barbershop, deluxe fitness room, group exercise studio, meditation and relaxation
rooms, and separate men’s and women’s
spas with eucalyptus steam rooms and redwood saunas.
The spa offered everything you could
imagine. Hotel officials graciously recommended that my boyfriend book the Thai
poultice massage. He took their suggestion
and was very pleased. The Thai poultice
treatment is a muscle-relieving massage
based on centuries-old Thai healing practices. The massage soothes away tension
with warm traditional poultices infused
with lemongrass, ginger, and prai extract.
The steamed poultices are then rhythmically pressed into areas of muscle tension
and incorporated into a warm oil full-body
massage.
In addition to singles spa treatments, the
spa at ARIA offers couple’s massage and
much more. It is not uncommon, according
to spa attendants, for same-sex couples to
book such treatments.
Viva ELVIS
In other words, if you are looking to gamble,
there is no need to leave the property. The
cocktail waitresses were attentive as well
and the race and sports book was bustling
with activity.
For high-end players, exclusive salons offer high-limit slot and table games in private
environments.
While the casino floor might not be the
main reason why Gay couples, or singles for
steakhouse, a café, and (maybe) a buffet.
That was it. Everything had to do with the
casino and the gambling that took place
there.
Not anymore. Las Vegas has become a
culinary hub where world-renowned chefs
open restaurants and tourists looking for
food – really, really good food – can find it
around any corner. Again, ARIA succeeds
here with a collection of specialty and ca-
 Broadway 
Farmers Market
sual dining options that will leave you salivating long after your meal.
From Asian to nouvelle to the classic
steakhouse, ARIA offers an unparalleled
collection of the world’s finest chefs and
dining experiences. Concept eateries designed by top chefs such as Jean-Georges
Vongerichten, Michael Mina, Sirio Maccioni, Julian Serrano, and Masayoshi Takayama pepper the property.
For specialty dining, it doesn’t get any better than Julian Serrano, located on the main
floor at ARIA. The restaurant stretches the
boundaries of small plates and introduces
guests to delectable interpretations of Serrano’s native Spanish fare.
We loved Julian Serrano so much that we
ate there twice – once as a solo couple, and
again with our friends, a same-sex couple
married for six years. The staff is absolutely
amazing, the food comes out with incredible
speed, and the quality is top-notch. Julian
Serrano at ARIA is one of the best dining
experiences I’ve ever had. Although the
menu offers entrees, sandwiches, and paella
– you must order the tapas to really experience the delight of their signature dishes.
In all, we tried a number of plates but a few
stand out: stuffed piquillo peppers, beef and
cheese, and mushroom risotto. From the detailed décor to the hot tapas, flavor is abundant at Julian Serrano.
Casual dining is offered at ARIA, and that
doesn’t mean a decrease in quality. You will
discover an unprecedented range, whether
it’s enjoying gelato at Sweet Chill or savoring the exquisite pastries at Jean Philippe
Patisserie.
With Café Vettro, ARIA truly got it
right. In keeping with the Las Vegas pace,
Café Vettro is open 24 hours a day and is
see las vegas page 22
NEW LOCATION! B'way & E. Pine,
at Seattle Central Community College
Sundays, 11am - 3pm, May 8 - Dec 18.
June 17, 2011
Seattle Gay News
15
Eric’s afternoon
escape to Bellevue
SGN A&E Writer
You may not realize that Bellevue is the
perfect place to escape for an afternoon.
There are as many things to do in Bellevue
as there are in Seattle, and as it’s only a short
20-minute drive away, it can be a wonderful
way to spend the day.
The theater at the Meydenbauer Center
looks like any professional theatrical auditorium (www.meydenbauer.com/theatre), yet it
has the comfort of an intimate community theater. With fewer than
500 seats, the theater
holds every modern
acoustic advantage, allowing for
proper immersion
in stage productions or group
meetings. Staging shows from
traditional as well
as more modern
productions, the
theater builds upon
the foundation of the
local ethnic community bringing a range
of shows such as Steel
Magnolias, a jazz festival,
or the virtues of Bollywood
in any one of several Pratidhwani productions.
The Bellevue Arts Museum (www.bellevuearts.org) is a little gem waiting for discovery. Currently through the end of June
is the exhibit “The Mysterious Content of
Softness,” in which different types of cloth
demonstrate the connection of our lives to
the fabrics around us. It is one of many exhibits, both permanent and on loan, that you
can find there.
If you are lucky to catch one of the Northwest’s perfect days, there are lots of outdoor
activities available. In the downtown area
alone, there are 79 exhibits of public art: 23
owned by the city and 56 that are privately
owned. While the area’s art map is still being perfected, a solid version listing all the
sites is available by contacting Mary Pat
Byrne, arts specialist ([email protected]). Spend the afternoon of a perfect
Northwestern day walking around a beautiful city and discovering the impressive
works of art.
For the foodie, there are plenty
of great restaurants to choose
from in the area. Directly
across from the Bellevue Westin is Pearl
Bar & Dining. The
designer made use
of grays, blacks,
and the darker
tones to decorate
the space without allowing it to
become murky
and bleak, and
they utilized the
space to its fullest extent. Even
the less-desirable
tables (the ones
by the kitchen or
the restrooms) have
been redecorated to
include sliding mesh
curtains that serve the
dual purpose of creating a
degree of privacy while still allowing a translucent observation of
what goes on around you. It makes these tables coveted by small parties or anyone who
values a more intimate atmosphere.
The food was superb. For a starter, try the
house specialties of either hand-cut fries
with a parmesan-truffle sauce, or the crispy
fried calamari. Not being a fan of seafood,
I tried the latter with hesitancy, but found
them to be battered perfectly without being
heavy or greasy. The meat itself was tender
and not rubbery, as (I’ve been told) calamari can easily become, and the spicy sambol cream added the perfect spice for dipping. For main courses, the menu boasted
the house specials of Bering Sea sablefish,
or a Wagyu sirloin with a demi-glace and
fresh herbs. With an excellent wine cellar,
the perfect accompaniment is easy to find.
Don’t be afraid to ask your server for suggestions.
If an evening of celebration is called for,
then treat yourselves to the wonderful John
Howie’s Steak House. In a traditionally
darkly wooden dining room (with mood
lighting appropriately set), many different
cuts of steak are available from domestic
Angus to Japanese Wagyu. Wagyu is a purebred cattle breed, thus making the strains of
fat thinner throughout the meat. This makes
it melt when cooked right and the web-like
strands of marbled whiteness develop a buttery flavor that adds to the deliciousness.
The side dishes are à la carte, so do experiment with mixing and matching; you won’t
go wrong. The prime tenderloin bites with
navel orange, chives, and teriyaki are delicious enough to make an entrée out of, but
do save room. The macaroni and cheese
may not sound unique, but it is baked to perfection and easily one of the best I’ve tasted.
With an iceberg wedge salad drizzled with
Kurobuta bacon, Cerignola olives, and
Rogue River blue cheese, the perfect meal is
just waiting for you.
Whatever your pleasures, they can be
found in Bellevue. It’s a short trip; it’s out of
Seattle, and yet close enough for comfort.
If you
are lucky to
catch one of the
Northwest’s perfect
days, there are
lots of outdoor
activities
available.
16
Seattle Gay News
June 17, 2011
If you find
yourself wanting to get away
but don’t want to
give up your routine completely,
look at the Hotel
Bellevue. Formerly
known
as the Bellevue
Athletic Club, the
hotel offers more
intimate rooms,
some with garden
patios to sit outside in and enjoy
the scenery when
weather permits.
Guests can enjoy
any of three separate
dining areas, rang-
ew s-K
er ic An dr
at z
For some people, going from Seattle
to Bellevue is like going to another state
entirely. In reality, Bellevue gives Seattleites the opportunity for one of the easiest
“stay-cations” that this area has to offer.
After just a 20-minute drive, the hectic
world of Seattle fades away as easily.
The Bellevue Westin Hotel is easy to
get to and centrally located in the downtown area. The lobby is decorated with a
modern design, and intricate mosaics line
the walls. Decorative art can be found
all around, with beautiful collections of
Chihuly glass, especially the lilies in the
lobby of the adjoining shopping center. To
start your relaxation off right, stop for a
drink in the Cypress Lounge and try one
of the house specialty potent potables.
The bartenders here created the Leschi
lemonade, a drink
celebrating the local
flavors of the Puget
Sound area. Its taste
is smooth and it goes
down easily (sometimes a little too easily).
The rooms are quiet
and comfortable. Free
WiFi is included, and
the flatscreen televisions and sleek, modern design invites
relaxation. The usual
amenities are included
(hair dryer, room safe,
wet bar, cable television)
in each room, and some
include Jacuzzi tubs.
The special get-away
shopping package should
not be missed. For $209
per night, complimentary
self-parking on Friday
and Saturday nights is
included along with $100
worth of gift certificates in
“Bellevue Bucks,” which
The Stump
are good at most of the
stores and entertainment
i n g
venues in the area. Whatfrom quick on-the-go foods and casual
ever outside curriculum you
could desire, you’ll find it within walking lunches to fine dining. Guests of the hotel
distance. Thanks to a series of connect- may take advantage of the wonderful ading sky bridges, you can get there (rain or jacent athletic facilities. Tennis courts, lap
shine) without getting wet.
at z
SGN A&E Writer
ew s-K
er ic An dr
Have a stay-cation/
Gay-cation in
Bellevue
If more than one drink is your style,
pools, and modern exercise facilities make
avoid worry and arrange through the
it easy to keep your fitness schedule.
If your escape does not include getting hotel to have the property Town Car and
driver take you to dinaway from the younger ones, don’t worner. After enjoying a
ry; the
great meal and wonderful drinks, call the
hotel as you’re paying
your check, and by the
time you get outside,
the driver should be
waiting. After a restful night of escape,
when you are again
ready for your own
automobile, have the
valet called and your
car will be waiting
for you, idling and
warmed up.
One of the advantages of a stay-cation is being close to
home in case of an
emergency. One of
those came up for
us during our stay
at the Hotel Bellevue. We had to
make a quick rush
back to Seattle to
take care of an
immediate situation, and we’d be
cutting it close
with our dinner
3 Graces
reser vat ions.
Calling the concierge from the car, we
hotel offers sepa- asked if they could change our reservarate facilities tions for us. They were happy to comply
and entertain- and within a few minutes, they returned
ment programs our call and confirmed that everything
for children, was all set, and not to worry; they’d even
all geared to have the Town Car waiting so we could
making your relax with another cocktail. Of special
stay-cation as note is that the desk didn’t have the phone
rejuvenating as number we called from; they took it upon
possible. If you themselves to get back in touch and conneed further firm our reservation changes. That’s great
r e l a x a t i o n , customer service!
If the weather is not cooperative, there is
take advantage of a mas- no need to go outdoors at all. Sky bridges
sage or treat connect the Westin to Bellevue and Linyourself to a coln Squares and Bellevue Place. There is
“gentlemen’s a 16-screen cinema complex alongside a
facial” and bowling alley, and an arcade for any kids
let all the in your party (or kids at heart). The hotel
tension melt caters to plenty of business organizations
away under – Microsoft is a resident of the building
the careful – so they have excellent banquet rooms
g u i d a n c e for larger parties and major events. Wedof licensed dings book up fast, so if you’re planning
p r o f e s - on taking advantage of the Seattle sums i o n a l s . mer, look into the accommodations and
Although parking at book ahead.
Whether it is a vacation, stay-cation, or
the hotel is not free, it is the same low price
to either park yourself or to have the valet Gay-cation, it doesn’t have to be a foreign
take care of it. Let them take control of your trip or a major expense. A simple drive
car so you can fully enjoy the sense of being across the bridge and you can easily enjoy
the pleasures of being far enough away
pampered.
to forget the stresses of Seattle, yet close
enough to put any worries of home to
rest.
file photo
Bellevue, Washington
Finally, A New Gay Bar in West Seattle!
Coming Summer 2011
www.outwestbar.com
June 17, 2011
Seattle Gay News
17
18
Seattle Gay News
June 17, 2011
Flawless: Ashland’s
Country Willows Inn
by Marian Michener
I found Country Willows Inn in Ashland,
Oregon, listed in Damron’s Guide as Gayfriendly. It certainly was, down to the waiter
describing the sand he sprinkled on the icy
path as “fairy dust.” This B&B gets all the
details right.
The Inn, painted a lovely Williamsburg
blue, is a restored 19th-century house on a
five-acre farm. A tall pine shelters the B&B,
once a working horse ranch. Now there are
resident geese and goats.
Innkeeper Kara Burian gave my partner
and me a tour. A remarkable grandfather
clock stood in the entryway. The living
room, with hues of sage, was well-furnished
with a gorgeous view of the foothills. The
upper hall contained photos of Oregon
Shakespeare Festival productions from
years past, donated by previous guests. Each
of the rooms was distinctively decorated.
There were pretty decks, creating nice outside areas for lingering in the summertime.
Kara showed us to the Pine Lodge Suite.
It had a pleasant patio with table and chairs
and faced a barn. Initially, we had trouble
getting the gas stove to work, so Kara consulted her husband, Dan, who told us how
to fix it within an hour. He is an emergency
medicine doctor, which made us feel safer.
Dan joked about breakfast being an emergency.
The Pine Lodge Suite was a large space
in a cabin separate from the main building. Very high ceilings had exposed beams
and skylights. The king-sized bed had a
log frame. The sheets were a luscious high
thread count. A beautiful comforter coordinated with the mountain-themed wallpaper.
The pine pattern in the sheets was repeated
in the sofa. The placement of The Encyclopedia of Furniture and Creative Japanese
Flower Arranging on the bedside table was
charming and thoughtful.
The gas fireplace with a big mantelpiece
fronted a comfortable sitting area with a TV
and DVD player. The mantel displayed a
moose, a steer, and some giant pinecones.
The suite included an armoire with a saddle and cowboy boots on top. A horseshoe
was on the side of the chest. Western photos
decorated the walls. Two small live trees accentuated the generous size of the suite.
The delightful bathroom was spacious,
with two showerheads and a deep Jacuzzi.
Slate tile ran up the walls, completed by
pine needle wallpaper. Three small trees
nestled nearby. The complimentary bathrobes were comfortable. The towels were
plush. The inn’s special rosemary cedar
and thyme soap was lovely. Large bottles of
sweet orange shampoo and rose geranium
conditioner were a fragrant addition (likewise the bubble bath, which I went wild
with). The bowl of cotton balls and Q-tips
was a nice touch.
Outside the main building was a large
swimming pool and spa, which we were unfortunately unable to use due to all the snow
on the ground.
The warmly colored dining room was
well-appointed, with the same view of the
foothills on one side and pine trees on the
other. My partner loved the different salt
and pepper shakers on each table: Dutch
windmills, cupcakes, cows, penguins, blossoms, and swans. The coffee cups included
an appealing Country Willows logo.
Kara’s cooking was fabulous and the
food came in generous portions. Breakfast
the first day started with orange and cherry
juice in a chilled glass, which had a pretty
layered effect. Also nicely presented were
citrus sections: grapefruit, oranges, and
blood oranges. They were topped with gin-
ger sauce, Greek yogurt, and a walnut. The
French toast was light and fluffy with baked
apple topping and a delicious sausage. The
tea was from a local supplier and came in
great variety. I liked the Red Roibos tea. My
partner said the coffee was good (and she is
picky about her coffee). She found the food
to be so scrumptious that she’d recommend
the Country Willows Inn for the breakfasts
alone.
xiii
Part of the fun of staying at the inn was
talking with other guests at breakfast about
the Shakespeare Festival plays. One couple
had been coming there for 10 years. The Inn
is a quick five-minute drive from the OSF
theaters.
We were only gone a half-hour at breakfast, but when we returned to our room, it
had been nicely freshened.
Breakfast on our second day started with
vegetable juice. A pleasing poached pear
with cranberry sauce and toasted almonds
followed. The next course was crispy bacon
and scrambled eggs with roasted vegetables,
which made us applaud.
Breakfast our third day started with cranberry raspberry juice. An apricot banana
The Drag Queens
Vs.
The Dykes
smoothie hit the spot. Then came turkey
kielbasa with egg-stuffed crepes topped
with béchamel sauce, mushrooms, and spinach, with cherry apples carefully placed at
the end of the crepes. We could see Kara really enjoys her work.
Dan is also a classical guitarist. On summer days, he sets up a P.A. system out on the
lawn and plays for the guests. Cheese and
wine are served during the performance.
Despite the eight inches of snow on the
ground and some tricky driving conditions,
it was a most enjoyable adventure at the
Country Willows Inn. Rates vary from $120
to $275, depending on the season. You can
find more information on their evocative
website, www.countrywillowsinn.com.
Hosted by
GaysHa starr
June 17, 2011
Saturday, June 18th, 2011
Cal anderSon Park,
BoBBy MorriS Ball Field
GateS oPen at 4 PM
GaMe FroM 5 to 9 PM
Seattle Gay News
19
thailand
continued from the cover
decorated rooms with fine amenities such as
personal coffeemakers and flatscreen TVs.
Your breakfast should be complimentary
with your accommodations.
GAY NIGHTLIFE
Silom is where it’s at. Though the area is
easy to find, the exact location of the Gay
bars can be tricky as they’re situated on
streets that appear more like alleys. On Silom Soi 4, the music starts pumping in the
early evening hours, but the clubs don’t begin to fill until a bit later. A good place to
start is Telephone Pub (www.telephonepub.
com), a double-tier establishment with ample counter space on the main level, a karaoke lounge on the second floor, and a walkup bar outside. The pub has go-go dancers
on some nights, Skype video phones, and
overhead TV sets (which oddly showed
Discovery animal programs when I visited
– there’s nothing like seeing a lion devouring a water buffalo while sipping a pint of
Singha beer).
Within crawling distance are Nomads
Music Bar, Sphinx Restaurant and Bar, the
Balcony, and the appropriately titled Bar
Bar. Most of these clubs get louder as the
night progresses, and hotter – wear light
clothing and plan on showering when you
return to your hotel. Unless it’s the weekend, you probably won’t be charged a cover
fee. Young, cute, flirtatious, and flamboyant
Thai men in short-shorts are everywhere, as
are Americans, Europeans, and maybe a shy
Asian tourist or two. Two blocks away on Silom Soi 2/1, you’ll find the Style Bangkok
Sauna for Men.
If you’re searching for more tempting nightlife, catch a taxi or tuk tuk to Soi
Duangthawee for a cluster of go-go clubs
like Golden Cock, Hotmale, Fresh Beach
Boy, Classic Boys Club, and Xboys. You’ll
also find massage parlors catering to Gay
men (with negotiable add-on services, if
you catch my drift) and places to eat such as
Dick’s Cafe or Maxis, plus a few pubs – try
Balls: The Sports Bar.
Two additional Gay districts in Bangkok
are Ramkhamhaeng and Sukhumvit, both
with a take-your-pick offering of bars, massage parlors, and small eateries. To watch
“ladyboys” in action, go to NaNa Plaza in
the late evening and you might see things
you’ve never seen before, but prepare to pay;
these girls don’t do anything for free, but
for 300 baht (under $10), some are willing
to do anything – and I do mean anything.
Should you want an even wilder experience,
ask your tuk tuk driver for an adult entertainment menu that has items on it I refuse
to say out loud. If you think Tokyo is risqué,
you haven’t visited Bangkok.
EAT
Imagine authentic Thai food – curries,
steamed jasmine rice, tom kha gai, coconut
ice cream – at nearly every restaurant. Yes,
this is heaven. From the expensive (ritzy
hotels) to the downright cheap (street food
vendors), local specialties are convenient
and loaded with fresh ingredients. The floating markets – Bang Khu Wiang, Damnoen
Saduak, Taling Chan, Tha Kha – are cheap,
fun immersions into Thai cuisine; the former two are open daily, the latter pair only
on the weekends.
For a sit-down meal, I recommend
Thompson Bar and Restaurant (www.
jimthompson.com/restaurants_bars), a
trendy establishment opened by an American who fell in love with Bangkok and reintroduced the silk industry to the world.
The ambiance is semi-tropical, while the
clientele is mostly Western tourists and upscale locals. The food is incredible, including chicken wrapped in banana leaves, spicy
catfish, stir-fried greens in plenty of garlic,
green curry with vegetables, and rich coconut ice cream that I inhaled in minutes. The
restaurant, next to a canal, is nestled into a
compound that houses Jim Thompson’s former living quarters (now a museum) and a
gift shop. Thompson’s restaurants have now
expanded into a small chain with locations
in Japan and Singapore.
VISIT
Variety shows catering to tourists are almost always cheesy, although the performance at Siam Niramit (www.siamniramit.
com) tells the history of Thailand through
music and dance in an engaging, colorful,
and festive display. The 2,000-seat theater
features the largest stage in the kingdom,
which even has its own moat. The show is
a little over an hour long and no cameras or
recording devices are permitted.
The Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha are landmarks worth seeing, if
only for an hour of your time. If you watched
the 2005 Miss Universe competition held
in Bangkok, you might recognize either of
these national treasures from the opening
scenes. Wear long pants or you won’t be allowed entry; however, they are available for
loan at the front gate.
The most talked-about view in all of Bangkok is the one at Sky Bar (www.lebua.com)
atop the Tower Club at Lebua, used in The
Hangover Part Two. The rooftop lounge on
the 63rd floor provides a unique panoramic
shot of the city and is open from 6 p.m. to 1
a.m. nightly. Reservations are not required.
NEXT STOP: CHIANG MAI
In sharp contrast to Bangkok, the city of
Chiang Mai – an hour and a half north by
plane – is home to a mere 500,000 residents,
but it’s far from sleepy. Tourists keep it
humming all year long, visiting its temples,
elephant camps, tiger farms, night bazaars,
and storefront massage parlors. Chiang Mai
is, of course, the birthplace of the Thai massage, aside from being the main supplier of
two locally grown exports: lychee and sticky
rice. Here’s what you might find interesting
in Chiang Mai.
STAY
Le Meridien (www.lemeridienhotelchiangmai.com) is a modern, Westernized
hotel a block away from a heavily trodden
street, and it’s close to just about everything
else. Spacious rooms are beautifully furnished, though not too fancy, and most have
views of the city and hills in the distance.
In-room amenities include high-grade bath
products, real Thai coffee, and complimentary bottled water, while the hotel itself
comes equipped with an updated fitness area
and swimming pool with impeccable views, arrival, followed by a viewing of a morning
plus a business center with hard-wired com- ritual, a bath in the river, and then it’s time to
puter stations and fax service.
be seated in a hut-like grandstand to watch
the show. These once-wild animals will
GAY NIGHTLIFE
perform a 30-minute program for 100 baht
Chiang Mai has a dozen or so Gay bars, ($3.50), before guests are allowed to ride
restaurants, and cabaret-type lounges scat- atop the elephants through the jungle to a
tered throughout, although you’ll find some hilltop village, where you can buy inexpenof these concentrated in the Chang Pueak sive, handmade souvenirs from tribe memdistrict. These include Adam’s Apple Club, bers. The elephant rides cost 800 baht ($26
Metro Club, and the first Gay hotel opened U.S.) per person for 90 minutes, and you’ll
in the city, Lotus Hotel and Garden Bar likely ride in pairs. Massage parlors are lit(lotus-hotel.com/garden-bar). The newly tered throughout Chiang Mai, especially on
established and nearby Playhouse Theatre the popular Chang Klan Road. You’ll pay
features a series of fine arts performances. anywhere from 150 to 200 baht ($6 to $8)
In other neighborhoods, you can stop by for a one-hour treatment focusing mostly on
La Vie en Rose for a drink or the popular the feet, but with light massage to the neck,
restaurant Krits for a bite to eat, and in the shoulders, and back. The therapists aren’t
eastern part of the city you can hook up with formally trained, but some do know what
attractive locals and foreigners at the Club they’re doing. Expect to be in a room with
One Seven retreat (www.cluboneseven. about 20 other tourists.
net). All of these are accessible by tuk tuk.
A well-visited attraction is the Wat Chedi
For an interesting experience, go to Marina Luang in the Chiang Mai hills. Here, you
Bar inside the Lahkorn Thai boxing arena, can receive a blessing from a Buddhist
where the ladyboy host and her staff put on a monk, as well as taking in a startling view
knockout performance and just might show of the city and purchasing nifty, cheap gifts
you, if asked politely, their “stuff.”
(I bought a silver dragon ring for $5). Local
tour guides can drive you there and back,
EAT
or you can ride a bicycle up the steep and
I found the food in Chiang Mai particu- winding path if you dare.
larly better than in Bangkok, starting with a
fabulous lunch at The Whole Earth (88 SriFINAL STOP: AYUTTHAYA
donchai Road) that included the usual Thai
If the name Ayutthaya rings a bell, it might
fare but with charming touches like heart- be because there’s a restaurant in Seattle’s
shaped carrots in the curry and fresh fruit Capitol Hill district with the exact name.
cut into geometrical and flowery patterns. The actual Ayutthaya is the former capitol
The fried chicken with garlic and lemon- of Thailand, until it was burnt down by the
grass was loaded with aromatic flavor, while Burmese military in 1767. It’s a quaint town
the fresh spring rolls were addictive. Fif- about an hour’s drive from Bangkok with
teen minutes outside of the city is the Jirung many of the same attributes as Chiang Mai.
Health Village (www.jirunghealthvillage. The old ruins were also used as a backdrop
com), which served a whole white fish for the 2005 Miss Universe competition.
cooked in garlic, basil, and other harmoni- Here’s what to do in Ayutthaya.
ous herbs, plus shrimp donuts, a stomachcalming ginger and lime tea, and vanilla
EAT
ice cream with chocolate sprinkles on top.
Pae Krung Kao Floating Restaurant (K.
The Gallery (www.thegallery-restaurant. 4 Moo 2, U-Thong Road) is a terrific and
com) has both indoor and outdoor seating inexpensive spot to have lunch, with a back
areas with a romantic back patio and splen- patio that literally floats on water. Overnight
did scenery. The food is standard Thai, but I boats headed to Cambodia or Laos pass
must give kudos to the handmade rice cakes through as you gorge on traditional favorites
accompanied by a peanut dipping sauce. such as cashew chicken, stir-fried tofu with
The restaurant shares the complex with an vegetables, and a bold, creamy green curry
art gallery and boutique gift shop.
with fresh okra. Unusual yet welcome to our
A local delicacy is fried insects, and you’ll table were locally caught river prawns, said
find them at roadside markets just outside to be the largest in Thailand (they were the
the main area. Fried silkworms and crick- size of lobsters), and an entire deep-fried
ets are protein-rich, and the Thai people eat pig’s foot. Definitely wash everything down
them by the bagful. But if something less ad- with a cold Singha or Chang beer.
venturous and more familiar is calling your
name, there is a Starbucks, McDonald’s,
SHOP
and Burger King across the street from Le
Next to the old capitol ruins and temple
Meridien.
(which surprisingly was spared from destruction), there’s a tiny market with perhaps
VISIT / DO
the cheapest items to purchase for the return
Definitely go to the Elephant Training trip home. Everything from brightly colored
Center in Chiang-Dao (www.chiangdaoele- hand-held fans to simply-designed bracelets
phantcamp.com), a town 40 minutes from and rings to homemade coconut cookies
Chiang Mai. Tucked into a hillside jungle, is more affordable here than anywhere in
visitors can feed bananas to elephants upon Bangkok, so load up.
20
Seattle Gay News
June 17, 2011
Albert Rodriguez
Elephant Training Center in Chiang Mai, Thailand
LGBTQ Counseling
1812 E. Madison St #101
Seattle, WA 98122
www.jarredcounseling.com
“As your therapist, it is my priority to work with you
through your pain, and bring empathy, knowledge,
respect and hope to our time together.”
Jarred Lathrop-Weber MA, LMHCA, MHP
253-906-8738
June 17, 2011
Seattle Gay News
21
aviation world
EVA Air provides great
service Seattle to Asia
by Albert Rodriguez
SGN A&E Writer
troduce elite class – an affordable upgrade
from economy, but not quite business class.
For a long-haul flight, such as Seattle to TaiGetting to Asia from Seattle is much wan, this is definitely recommended for exeasier than you think. Six airlines offer non- tra comfort.
stop flights to a variety of major cities across
the Pacific, allowing you to reach your desCHECK-IN / BOARDING
tination after just one stop, or maybe even
Priority boarding means no long lines at
none at all. Among these is EVA Air (www. the airport. When I checked in for my 1:50
evaair.com), which began Seattle service in a.m. flight (yes, it departs Seattle that early),
June 1993 and provides five weekly flights there was an estimated 45-minute line for
to Taipei, Taiwan. With easy connections economy at the south end of the airport, but
throughout Asia, this is the way to go. I flew there was no wait for elite class check-in.
this route two months ago, choosing EVA’s Elite flyers are also given priority boarding
Elite Class for the almost 13-hour journey, privileges just behind the premium (busiand here’s what the experience was like.
ness class) passengers and the diamond,
gold, and silver card members. The elite
OVERVIEW
class cabin is between the premium and
EVA Air, based in Taipei, flies to several economy cabins. You’ll likely be flying on a
Asian countries including Japan, China, Boeing B777-300ER to Taipei, which promVietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, South Ko- ises a smooth trip all the way there.
rea, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines, as well as numerous cities in Taiwan.
IN-FLIGHT
It was one of the very first airlines to inFlying in elite class (it’s often referred to
as “premium economy”) is comparable to
domestic first class. Seats are 18.5 inches
wide with seat cushions two inches deeper than in the economy cabin, and come
equipped with leg and foot rests, plus extra-wide armrests. EVA’s Audio/Visual on
Demand (AVOD) entertainment system
has a great selection of blockbuster movies,
current TV shows, news channels, video
games, geographical maps, and a variety of
music from American rock to Chinese pop
to electronica, classical, and jazz. While the
selection is limited compared to other airlines I’ve flown, I was rather pleased with
the offerings. An 8.4-inch touch screen TV
monitor is available at each seat.
Economy meals are served in elite class,
so don’t expect written menus or pre-departure champagne. But with fewer passengers in elite vs. economy, you will receive
more attentive service – one flight attendant
went rummaging through a series of carts
to find a single can of Taiwanese beer for
me. Noticeably, the bathrooms are cleaned
throughout the flight, eliminating the overflowing trash and soapy messes that too
often accumulate during lengthy trips. A
small, cloth-fabric amenity bag is waiting
for you upon boarding, and although the
contents were minimal (toothbrush and
toothpaste, lotion), it was a nice touch.
las vegas
continued from page 15
located on the casino level next to the guest
elevators. You’ll enjoy diner food (and then
some) in a lush garden setting that provides
a relaxing dining experience.
No Las Vegas resort is complete without
a buffet. The all-you-can-eat mentality has
become as synonymous with Vegas as slot
machines. Enticing flavors from around the
world are prepared at various live-action
cooking stations at the buffet at ARIA.
Whatever your tastes, they’ve got you covered. From fresh crab legs and sushi to
made-to-order pastas and omelets to delicious kabobs, the buffet offers something
for everyone in a fun and friendly atmosphere.
ARIA NIGHTLIFE
Whether you are a nightclub or lounge
person, it doesn’t matter. The seductive, intoxicating, and exhilarating array of nightlife offerings will entice your every whim.
HAZE Nightclub at ARIA is the latest
venue presented by industry leaders The
Light Group, and offers a colossal cuttingedge environment that challenges your
sense of perception and reality. Boasting
a plush interior and superior service (not
to mention a one-of-a-kind sound system),
HAZE provides a premier Las Vegas nightlife experience.
In ARIA, you are sure to find a bar that
is just right for you – some are quieter than
others, some trendier. My boyfriend and I
decided on Bar Moderno, located on the casino floor next to the guest elevators. It was
conducive to good conversation, masterfully crafted cocktails, and the atmosphere
was very warm and refined. Bar Moderno is
a great pre-game locale before you move on
to HAZE.
ARIA HAS GOT YOU COVERED
When Gay couples make travel plans,
we’ve got to be smart about it. These days
it’s about the biggest bang for your buck,
and ARIA seems to effortlessly succeed in
that practice. It is a trendy property – the
new kid on the block, if you will – and they
got it right with this one. The location is
great – just minutes from the airport – and
you can shop among the world’s most exclusive retailers, dine on creations by world-renowned chefs, and abandon yourself to the
exhilaration of the most unique casino in a
city where that isn’t an easy claim to make.
It has often been said that, with any Las
Vegas resort, you don’t have to leave the
property. While it may be true that one
doesn’t have to leave, you might often want
to. With ARIA, that is not the case. YeeShin and I found ourselves transfixed by
every aspect of the beautiful and exciting
ARIA. The hotel becomes a second home
and a sanctuary from reality, the food is to
die for, and the experience as a whole is divine from beginning to end.
For years to come, ARIA will be known
as a destination for the LGBT traveler looking to get away. Whatever you are looking
for – and for those things you might not
even know you were looking for – ARIA
has got you covered.
For more information, visit ARIA online
at www.arialasvegas.com.
london
continued from page 3
never seen a Sister like me before, so it was
the perfect storm of happiness and craziness.
When it was time to move on, we tried in
vain to catch a cab. It was explained to me
that in Paris the people automatically judge
you when they lay eyes on you, and they are
not shy about snubbing you. They are nowhere near as progressive as I thought they
would be, and apparently the heterosexual
taxi drivers in Paris do not like the “freaks.”
Just bear that in mind if you go gallivanting
in Paris late at night.
The next morning I left the Sisters to sleep
until noon (did I mention these Paris Sisters
know how to party?) and took a nice birthday stroll through the Place de Vosges. I
happened to see a rainbow flag flying outside of a building and a crowd gathering,
so I wandered over. I noticed another Sister in the crowd and introduced myself. She
screamed and dragged me inside to meet
the rest of the Soeurs de Paname, the other
order of Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence in
Paris. This is the more grassroots, hippietype order. They work closely with the
homeless and prostitutes and go out into
the countryside while the Paris order works
more in the clubs and at big events. They are
the perfect yin and yang for each other, covering the entire community.
When the Sisters found out it was my
birthday, they insisted that I join them
for dinner at home. When I did, we ate,
laughed, drank amazing wine, and laughed
some more. After dinner, Sister Rose sat at
the piano and started to sing. It was beautiful and sweet, and the next thing I knew,
the lights were out and they were bringing
in a pie with candles and were all singing to
me in French. This was a complete surprise,
and I just started to cry. This was one of the
most touching things anyone had ever done
for me. I truly felt like part of their family.
THE FILM PREMIERE
The next day, I headed back to London for
the premiere of Heart Breaks Open. I met
up with Barry Fitzgerald, my contact for the
LLGFF (and the sweetest person you will
ever meet, while also the most controlled
and collected). Barry gave me a rundown of
what was to happen that evening, and that
22
Seattle Gay News
June 17, 2011
was when the butterflies started. The film
was done and ready to be screened for its
first audience, and all we could do now was
watch. I thought live theatre was crazy, but I
found myself just as nervous as on opening
night of a new show.
When the seating for the premiere was finished, the London Sisters were introduced
and they blessed the project in true Sister
style, with poetry and ritual filled with love
and smothered in glitter. This was the perfect way to set the tone of the film. I was so
thankful the Sisters were there – it was like
having family at your first recital.
We retreated to the bar during the tense
screening and went back when it was time
for our Q&A following the film. Joyously,
the reception was amazing. The audience
liked the film and truly wanted to know
more. LLGFF programmer Nazmia Jamal
led the Q&A, asking very poignant questions about our motivations and what the
process was like. We all had an opportunity
to express what the project meant to us and
what it was like to make. The highlight for
me was the one-on-one interactions afterward, where we could see we had truly affected these people. It was humbling.
THE FINAL PARTY
After the screening, we decided to head
out on the town to celebrate a bit. I ended up
in Soho, hitting up a club called Ku Bar, followed by Ku Bar Late, which was licensed to
serve later. After a few celebratory drinks, I
found out about the hottest spot in London
on Mondays: Heaven nightclub’s “Popcorn,”
the city’s largest pansexual party.
Of course we had to check it out. We
hailed a pedicab and ended up in a line hundreds of people long. The line moved fast,
though, and soon we were going through
a metal detector and getting patted down,
then ushered through glass doors and down
a staircase. We paid our eight pounds and
got in just past the main rush.
When we heard the music and looked
around, all we could do was smile. There
were hundreds and hundreds of people dancing their asses off to some of the most motivating Euro house music I have ever heard.
On the main stage were about 10 hot go-go
dancers – eight men and two women – accompanied by two fierce as hell drag queen
dancers. The people in the club were not
only Gay, but straight, Bi, Transgender, and
everything in between, and everyone was
having an amazing time, smiles all around.
The club is situated directly under the Charring Cross station, and there was something
extremely sexy and exciting about every aspect of the place – it truly was Heaven.
AN UNREAL ENDING
At the closing celebration of the LLGFF,
we reveled in our successful first film festival. We had completed the tasks we set
out to accomplish, and the rewards of
those tasks were more than words can describe. We had spent the past year working
on Heart Breaks Open, spending time and
talent to make it happen. We called on all
the talents of everyone we knew and all the
grace they would give, along with a lot of
blood, sweat, and tears, and here we were,
having a glass of champagne celebrating. It
was unreal.
Everyone involved with the project
worked tirelessly to see this day come to
fruition, and now we had to all go home to
our normal lives (though hopefully with a
few more film festivals to come).
To date, Heart Breaks Open has been selected to be a part of the London Lesbian
and Gay Film Festival, the L.A. Asian Pacific Film Festival, the Gender Reel Festival
in Philadelphia, the Out Twin Cities Film
Festival in Minnesota, and the Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Festival in the fall. Let’s
hope this ball keeps rolling.
And if I may leave you with something:
Follow your dreams and take chances, because if you don’t, you never know what
could have been. Love yourself.
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June 17, 2011
Seattle Gay News
23

Section 3 TRAVEL GUIDE

Transcription

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