Gotham Magazine Lights the Torch for Tiki’s Retirement
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I barely had time to re-pack for NYC after returning from the fast weekend in Vegas, but I had no choice. You know how sometimes you just go and go so quickly, you don’t realize how fast you went until you stop? That is how I feel right now: exhausted, yet exhilarated.
Cindy, Victoria and I jumped on the Acela Express to head up to the island of Manhattan in order to stuff 4 events in before leaving the next day. We checked in quickly to the absolutely stunning Gramercy Park Hotel. This luxurious boutique hotel was recently renovated and redesigned by Ian Schrager and partners. Every inch (including the breathtaking art) is done in ”21st century Bohemian”. Dark dark woods, plush blood red carpetry, all details were masterfully and painstakingly created to continue the Bohemian theme. The one challenge we all had with the rooms, is that the lighting was really dark. Difficult for we women who need to “fix ourselves” pre-party. The service was impeccable. Even the doormen and hosts looked like they stepped right off a runway, made a pit stop to model at GQ, then headed to their regular day (or night) jobs at the hotel. All set – off to the Gotham Magazine Tiki Barber party … now it was getting interesting …
The party was held at the venue where I hear the publication often holds its parties: Capitale. Located at 130 Bowery on the lower east side, this deluxe, lavish building plays host to tons of galas and parties each year. Since the retirement party to honor the Giants’ Tiki Barber had about 1200 on its guest list, the event was held in the main ballroom as well as the entrance foyer. It was wonderful to see Nazy, who had left little ole DC for skyscrapers and Fashion Week and now professionally resides at the Niche Media HQ on Park Avenue South. The party was amazing, great music, a huge dance floor, food stations galore, tons of theme drinks and bubbly, pretty people (and definitely pretty boys!), and 2 VIP sections sanctioned off to either sides of the center stage. We were in one. Tiki and his buddies were to be in the other.
All of the sudden there was craziness – (I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the hundreds of paparazzi) – people yelling, pushing, lights flashing! Tiki was here! No … wait, that is his twin brother Rande. Hmmm. Wonder how many times a day someone yells “Tiki! We’re gonna miss you man!” to Rande on the street when he is up visiting his brother. Anyway, wait – the man of the hour! (for real) It took about 20 minutes for Retirement Man to get from the entrance to his spot in the VIP section. Maybe more. All I know, is that I felt like I was catapulted back decades and I was watching Elvis walk by. Then the “show” began. Jason Binn grabbed the mic, did a nice intro and tribute, then we watched a phenomenal video honoring Tiki, that had alot of him breaking past the Redskins (everyone was quiet, very respectful, hard to get 1200+ cocktailing people to shut their mouths), more cheering, Tiki said a few words, then it was time to dance. Or for us, to continue to say hi and hi and hi, get our photos taken here and there before we headed to dinner at Graydon Carter’s Waverly Inn (Vanity Fair is my favorite magazine!)
Notable Spottings: Russell Simmons (we crossed paths two times and I gave him a big smile. I am no Kimora Lee Simmons, however, he did smile back), Kerry Collins and I had a brief reunion. (went to PSU with him, we were buddies my freshman year. He lived in my quad, we used to all go out together. He was nerdy and quiet back then, really sweet. I remember one year, since I didn’t have a car, he said he’d drive me up to the off-campus grocery, and we went up, he said, I don’t have any money, but will you buy me a loaf of bread? It was a good trade, money for a ride. Then he became our starting QB, then ran off to play for NC Panthers, Giants, and a few others I think and got into some trouble. Really nice guy. Now with the Titans, I believe.) There were a lot of Giants there as and more of the city’s Who’s Who.
Next postings – A pre-Fashion Week at the Waverly Inn? A Rose Bar by any other name, is not as good for Jimmy Fallon and All the Reasons to dine at NY’s Four Seasons (Restaurant).
Want to comment on any of these places or events (or people)? Comments welcome!
