by Mercedes J | Jun 18, 2010 | Fort Lauderdale
(Part 2 – Previously the FTLC reported on the worst places downtown to use the bathroom. Read on to find the better options to pop a squat.)
BEST places to use the bathroom
- TARPON BEND – If you can get past the long lines and the men’s bathroom door hitting you as rude dudes exit, this bar has very nice bathroom facilities. The sink guard lady (SGL) at Tarpon Bend is very supportive. For instance, a friend of mine once used the facilities to perform a bowel movement and afterwards the SGL asked her if everything came out okay. Sometimes we all need a little positive reinforcement after a BM.
- BRINEY’S PUB (not the one on the New River) In a period when Briney’s took over a portion of Coyote Ugly, the bathroom situation has dramatically improved. My favorite thing about Briney’s toilets is the stall doors; they go all the way to the floor! When taking a moment to yourself, you feel as if you are in your own private sanctuary. Personally, I perform better under the guise of privacy.
- POORHOUSE – No lines, the toilets are fully operational and there is no SGL! Think of all the money you will save without having the sink guard lady guilt-trip you into giving her a dollar after you pee. Inside the stall is a little mirror you can use to primp yourself and a shelf to place your purse. This is by far the BEST place to use the restroom. I recommend both urinating and defecating here. I would rather use the bathroom here than my own apartment …well almost. *Side note: Poorhouse‘s bathrooms transformed from the worst downtown toilets to the best after their recent renovation. Kudos to Poorhouse!
- DICEY RILEY’S – I have to give this bar props for somewhat consistently keeping clean bathrooms despite the large crowds. Dicey Riley’s is a popular place and there are a lot of people using the facilities. The downside to this bathroom is the SGL and the excessively long lines. *Secret hint: if the line at Dicey’s is too long, you can easily sneak out the back door and go to Poorhouse’s bathroom.
by Mercedes J | Jun 15, 2010 | Fort Lauderdale
It warms our hearts more than a toasty buttermilk biscuit that all of you came out to FTLC’s Launch Party – Under The Hood – last Friday night. Thank you! For those of you who were too busy double fisting $5 Miller Lights at some run-of-the-mill bar, you missed quite a show.
Under the Hood celebrated the FTLC web blog debut with an intimate rock show at underground venue, 1921. Unquestionably, you were greeted by a pleasant FTLC member’s smiling face as you entered the velvet, chandelier furnished, speakeasy feel of 1921. Within record time, our bartenders had a scrumptious cocktail in your hand as you browsed the merch table filled with three FTLC T-shirts (not actually for sale).
The commencement of FTLC’s blogging journeys were supported by three superb South Florida bands who got us all rocking to their beats. Dynamic duo Manifest Test Subject began the event with an idiosyncratic set, deliciously loud enough to shatter nearby barware and loaded with personality. Next up were Pompano Beach natives, Retrocities who channeled the likes of Joy Division and Sonic Youth as they gained oodles of newly devoted fans. The energetic crowd was not disappointed by headliners, REBEL, as the last set for the evening. Frontman Migue let loose on the mic with seductive vox, while drummer Aj rancorously wailed on the drums. Along with bass guitarist Carlos, REBEL collectively produced rhythms that pulsed through the crowd sending blinding urges to dance – and we all demanded more. Just when we thought we couldn’t sweat another drop, FTLC’s own cuddly DJ Mig spun the latest booty shaking tunes as our feet pleaded for us to stop.
We woke up sore and sleepy, but we sure had a good time — we hope y’all did too. Let’s do it again soon! Thanks again for showing FTLC your love and we will be sure to host another community music-fest again in the near future. Check out a few pics from the evening posted here and even more on FTL Collective’s facebook page.
the above photos of REBEL were taken by Surya Fernandez
by Mercedes J | Jun 10, 2010 | Fort Lauderdale
Indie rock band, REBEL from Miami is ready to take Broward County by storm. Surely after each lively performance on a future tour, they will be leaving a trail of devoted fans along the eastern seaboard. Along with a mix of lawless rock beats and soaring guitar riffs – add a dollop of mesmerizing electronic sounds and a dash of megaphone – just then we might be getting close to appreciating the indescribable sound of REBEL. As the band gears up to play this Friday at 1921 along with Retrocities and Manifest Test Subject for FTLC’s launch festivities, I had a chance to catch up with them by email.
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by Mercedes J | Jun 7, 2010 | Fort Lauderdale
Attention all Fort Liquordale barroom frequenters! Have you ever wondered where the best place downtown to take a leak is? Behold, I have the answers to your quandary.
WORST places to use the bathroom
- FAT CATS – Don’t get me wrong, I heart this bar. Where else will you find a “wheel of vomit” that brings good fortune to all who spin? But man, it sure sucks to pee here. If you need to eliminate waste in other ways besides urination, DO NOT DO IT HERE! However, here’s what you do if you have no choice but to relieve yourself at this locale. First, take a small pile of cocktail napkins from the bar with you (there is likely to be a paucity of toilet paper). When you enter the bathroom you will notice two stalls and a sink which is mysteriously wrapped in plastic wrap. Why is the sink covered with cellophane? I do not know, but that is a good question. The toilet’s flush handle won’t work, so do not even touch it! You will need to push the button located on top of the ball cock inside the toilet tank. You will find what I am talking about by identifying a small black circle with a colored dot in the middle. After you empty your bladder, take a few of the cocktail napkins you brought with you and gingerly push the ball cock button. Voila! Your elimination is safely flushed. Since you cannot wash your hands, pour some of your vodka drink over your palms and dry them on your jeans. Try not to touch anything as you exit. (more…)
by Mercedes J | Jun 4, 2010 | Fort Lauderdale
Amongst a sea of brightly colored t-shirts, I crowd surf my way to the bar. Approximately thirty minutes later, I reach my destination and order a frosty cold one from the bartender. “What the heck is going on here? It’s a weeknight!” Typically, one doesn’t think that a Tuesday would draw such a large crowd to our local watering holes. However, here in Fort Lauderdale the summer season of the World Adult Kickball Association (WAKA) has begun.
Of the multitude of enthusiastic kickballers I chatted with that night, there was one cute, 30-something year old woman that stood out; sporting pigtails and wearing a lime green t-shirt with sport shorts and multicolored knee socks, she confronts me and says “I’m Bekah!” She offers a handshake as she bounces up and down to the beats of the music playing. “So you are one of these kickball people?” I inquire. Bekah cheerfully explains that she holds the prestigious title of President to the Beach Division of the kickball community. According to Ms. President, kickball is her saving grace during a grueling work week. “Sometimes, knowing that I will play kickball later is what gets me through my day” she says with a charming smile.
“Best Parties, Best Game, Best Friends” is WAKA’s slogan. “Did you come up with that catchphrase yourself?” I asked Bekah. “Nah,” she says with a laugh. She clarified that she certainly agrees with the kickball motto, however. Bekah explains that “kickball is a very social group – therefore it is severely frowned upon if you do not go to the bar after the game.” In fact, your team can lose points that get calculated at the end of each season to determine standings if you choose not to attend the after party. Wow, that’s quite a strategy to motivate people to socialize and meet others. Oh, and by the way, Bekah is marrying the man of her dreams next month- someone she met through kickball.
Besides the benefits of exercise, finding love, and reducing your overall stress level; the sport of kickball seems to be giving our local bars some significant business. Each week after the games, kickballers come out in droves to the designated bar for the season. Assuming an average drink price of $4, 75-100 kickballers a night, 2 drinks each, and an 11 week season, each drinking establishment could make approximately $7,000. However, from what I witnessed last Tuesday, there ain’t anybody ordering only two drinks. I estimate that the profits are more like 20K per bar, per season. What would otherwise be an empty bar on a weekday evening is actually a thriving night scene. WAKA may be the big ol’ stimulus package that our local restaurant and bar industry has been waiting for. Way to support our city guys! Next week I might try to find a bright colored t-shirt from the back of my closet so I can join these guys and become friends with this Bekah chick.
For more information on how to add this fun, stress reducing hobby to your repertoire (and to keep your inner child happy), go to www.kickball.com
