For The Weekenders: Club Adoré, RedCap Chauffeurs, Sobering Up With Cookie Monster…

March 28, 2014 by Rego

3:26 a.m. and I find myself sobering up after an EPIC night out. Again, just like this week’s Episodic Musing all posts this week are ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY posts for RegosLife.com. I won’t bore you with the details of dinner and the like – however I will tell you about this awesome little club me and some friends went to, and the sobering up rituals that were carried out shortly after. Enjoy.

For The Weekenders: Club Adoré, RedCap Chauffeurs, Sobering Up With Cookie Monster…

For starters, this was an incredibly interesting night. A few friends and I got in touch and we figured it would be fitting to celebrate this site’s one year blogging anniversary in the most appropriate way possible – taking a road trip up north and loading up on a pre-weekend cheat meal at a favourite restaurant, then heading back down south and hitting up a new scene we’d never been to before: Adoré Nightclub. And I know I don’t talk like this often, maybe it’s the booze, maybe it’s not…but my gawd, that place was effing gorgeous. We’d booked the tickets in great anticipation, and I’m happy to say it wasn’t disappointing in the slightest.

They had an awesome event going on tonight, and if it weren’t for the fact that I had previous engagements set up just a few hours from now, I’d have stayed longer. The place is top notch when it comes to aesthetic appeal. The music is awesome. Sexy strangers are abundant…and for a group of exceptionally good looking people such as my friends and I, that’s a win-win-win-win for everyone.

What’s so epic about this place is the atmosphere. It’s a combination of Vegas and Mardi Gras all rolled into one, with dancing women in odd get ups, DJs that know their music, and enough stunning interior design to make even the straightest man take notice.

It’s one of those places that you can go to with friends or take someone you’ve gotten past that first coffee date to – not a “romantic” atmosphere, but not a “party hard” one either. A mix of upscale and know-how-to-party. A hybrid version of a club when you take Las Vegas tastes and infuse it with Miami quality – a match made it heaven. One of those places where if you wanna order champagne feel free to, because no one gives a damn and the only excuse needed is “just because.”

Dress codes are strictly enforced which is nice, because it really separates the crowd – and speaking from experience – this matters. You’d be amazed how dress codes can separate the rowdy from the “we’re just here to chill.”

A person just doesn’t have time to get into an altercation when they’re suited up.

The next logical step after a place like this and about 4 or 5 drinks in was to get sobered up…which is where one must choose:

Be a dumbass and try to drive drunk…or be responsible and hand your keys over to a stranger.

The last part is not as idiotic as it sounds. At least if you’re using a RedCap Chauffeur.

Let’s be honest – drinking in America can be annoying. If you’re not in a trendy little area where the nightlife and restaurants are within comfortable walking distance to each other, you’re either stuck sobering up at the club or lounge, or wind up having one hell of a long, stumbling but steady, awkward walk to the nearest food joint, and back to your car.

RedCap takes the embarrassment out of all of that – not to mention takes the pressure off who’s gonna be the “designated driver” for the night…or the dreaded cop paranoia.

The process is simple: Download the app for your android or apple smartphone, open it up, start booking your reservation for a driver to drive you around in the next couple hours….and that’s it. It’s really that simple. There’s no fee to join, the drivers are all certified (meaning you won’t have Rapey Mc-Rape eyeing your new squeeze) and insured, and frankly, the whole concept in general is pretty damn cool. RedCap‘s one of those companies that have been around for a while now, so it’s worth giving it a spin.

So in knowing all this – where would your new found chauffeur take you? To hang with cookie monster of course. Though I doubt at 1 a.m. you’d find him on Sesame Street.

If cookie monster was an insomniac or into drinking, you’d instead find him at Insomnia Cookies – the place to go when it’s the wee hours of the morning on a Thursday and your usual sobering up hot-spots have already closed their doors.

Unless it’s Taco Bell.

The Bell never lets anyone down.

Getting back to the point though…when you’ve got a sweet instead of a savory tooth after a night out of drinking, Insomnia Cookies is your go-to spot. Why? Well, for starters, they do both delivery and pick up. So if that little chauffeur of yours dropped you home instead of one of Insomnia Cookies stores, you can avoid the angry I’m-still-too-tipsy-to-drive fist shaking in dismay, and instead conquer the great feat of getting your fingers to go where your eyes direct – thus ordering up deliciousness online in under 5 minutes.

They don’t just do cookies either. Nope. But brownies, frozen desserts, cookie cakes and naturally, milk. Or water…for the lactose intolerant among us.

So the next time you’re in the mood for a smorgasbord of mouthwatering goodness and you order up that S’mores cookie with chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream…and a feeling of excitement overcomes you as you dig in – think of me, as you wipe those tears of joy away.

You’re welcome.

As always…

Stay awesome.

– Rego

Improve Your Lifestyle. Improve Yourself. This is Life. This is Rego’s Life.™

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For The Weekenders: Shipwrecked with Rum, Ice Bars, Hangover Therapy…

August 8, 2013 by Rego

15 men on a dead man’s chest…yo ho ho and a bottle of rum….. – no, I’m not aiming for a remake of Pirates of The Caribbean…not quite sure how many movies they’ve put out to date yet, to be honest.

I’m talking about an epic little drinking spot at Pier 27 in Embarcadero near Lombard, in San Francisco, Cali. Aka a shipwrecked boat. That’s been – wait for it – converted into a bar.

Nope….no Jack Sparrow here, lads.

Ever so affectionately called America’s Cup Sports Bar. Talk about turning spoiled milk into cheese. The guys at Team Oracle did just that when they took their crashed (and sunken) AC72 catamaran, recovered it and transformed it into a bar, opening their doors back on Independence Day (4th of July, 2013). What makes it feel even more exclusive is the fact that it’s only open until September 30th, and then closing indefinitely after America’s Final Cup race.

I don’t know about you, but those kind of things make me want to take photos or leave my hand prints on the walls with finger paint and an added signature. Just something to say I’ve been there and experienced this small snippet of history. I know, I may seem like I’m going on about something that’ll be written in history books and taught in schools nationwide, but when a bar – or any venue for that matter has a limited time frame like that for being open, I like being a part of it.

American's Cup Sports Bar 2

For starters it’s definitely a conversation piece. You can take friends, family, or even a date here, and enjoy great food plus an entire beverage collection hand picked from mixologist Scott Beattie, a legend in his profession. So what do you do? Well, after lounging at the beach for the better half of your Saturday, either on the sand or off the shore on the dock of your own boat, you grab a couple friends, book a private lounge area, then throw on some real clothes and come here for good food, good drinks, and enough large flat screen TVs where everyone can enjoy watching the thrill of the races (that’s boat races, just in case we’re still not on the same page yet).

Me? Personally, I’d order up a Frisco Mule and MexiCali Dips before starting on some pulled turkey sliders – all while listening to the sounds of the live concert going on in the background, featuring Cheech & Chong with WAR.

Go ahead – if you’re not in San Fran already get your bum on the next Red Eye and check it out. You’d be crazy to miss it.

This next one is for the James Bond enthusiasts. Anyone remember the last Bond film with Pierce Brosnan – Die Another Day? Good…now remember the Ice Hotel Bond shacked up in with the blonde who betrayed him?

Let’s be honest though – he should’ve known better. She wasn’t even that great. *shrugs*

Okay, so maybe it was a palace – but that’s not the point here. The point is, there’s a place like this that actually exist…and it’s called Frost Ice Bar. Get out your down coats and furs for this, and appreciate the warmth of the booze going down, as it’s 21°F/-6°C in here. They provide “snoogie” like garments but I’m a stickler for staying stylish, so I’ll stick with my boots and high collar jackets, please and thank you.

Nestled away in Boston, MA – this place is the ultimate in excuses to cozy up to a certain someone while enjoying a drink and playing conversationalist. If you fancy giving your date a bit of a background lesson, you could start by mentioning that if it isn’t obvious enough, the place is comprised entirely of ice – from the walls to the furniture, and naturally, the glasses you’ll be drinking out of. It’s also the largest permanent indoor ice bar in the world.

“Let’s shuffle this way and take a seat over there, shall we?”

You won’t have to worry about him/her falling asleep on you either – or, you know, freezing to death. The maximum stay is 45 minutes – so that’s just enough time to feel that drink kick in before your nose starts to look like Rudolph’s in all those Christmas stories you were told as a kid. So you can go ahead and take your time with that glass of American Honey – just be sure not to linger over it – remember, you’re still dealing with ice – so clutching to your drink as you normally would might just result in frost bite.

Because of the short stay time it’s a place that’ll resonate in your mind a bit more and keep you coming back again and again. It does close earlier than your usual bar – around midnight – but it’s worth it. Keep in mind you’ll also have to book ahead of time, and I recommend getting there 15 minutes in advance so you don’t lose your reservation – the place is more popular than you may think.

It’s not everyday you get to lounge on a couch made entirely of ice.

Frost Ice Bar

Alright now enough drinking. You heard me – put the Johnnie Walker Black Label down and step away from the glass…slowly…that’s right – now toss me the keys to your Maserati – here’s a bottle of water. I’ll be back in an hour while you sober up.

……..

………………..

…………………………..

Still feeling like shite? I thought so…well, fortunately for you – there’s a fix for that. If you’re in the Las Vegas or Miami area, the people over at Reviv can take you into their (needle loving) care. Hey – don’t look at me like that – it’s not what you think, so quiet. Think of healthy things like Vitamin B12, multi-vitamins, and saline. All inserted intravenously, meaning a near instant cure and picker-upper for you. Lucky you.

If you’re not a fan of needles (like myself) or maybe just highly allergic to Ibuprofen and afraid of pain numbing agents even if they are natural (again, like myself), that’s okay – you don’t have to freak out over the site of a needle being injected into your arm while you watch the IV drip empty slowly. Instead, you could just try their “Quik Fix” Therapy – aka needleless injection. Chock-full of multivitamins, B12, energy boosters, and acid reflux medication, it’ll have you up and going in no time – without the need of a band-aid to the arm.

Because not everyone can shake that one scary experience of going to the doctor when they were 7.

Even if you’re too weak or hungover to come to them, that’s okay – like a pro doctor in Portugal they’ll come to you to heal (most) of your party hard weekend ailments. Reasonably priced, convenient design and a brilliant concept – these guys know how to put the “original” in originality. If you do happen to make it out to their facility though, they don’t disappoint. With supple leather massage chairs, iPads and premium headphones, you can take full advantage of their free Wi-Fi and catch up on that last season of Archer you missed while re-powering a new you.

With a laundry list of therapies like Royal Flush, HydraMax, UltraVive, MegaBoost, and an O2 Bar (that’s oxygen, in case you struggled in chemistry…it’s okay – I sucked in grammar. I know right…hard to believe), you’re bound to find something that’ll suit your need.

Think of it like a medicine bar…because in theory – and well, practical too….it is.

To quote Frank Sinatra,

“I feel sorry for people who don’t drink. When they wake up in the morning, that’s as good as they’re going to feel all day.”

Keep your wits about you and have a great weekend. 😉

– Rego

For The Weekenders: Shipwrecked with Rum, Ice Bars, Hangover Therapy… is a post from and appeared first on Rego’s Life

Punch drunk love (tartinestotikis.wordpress.com)
Sleeping Off a Hangover (plushbeds.com)
International Beverage Introduces BlackMask Spiced Pacific Rum to… (prweb.com)
Paul McGee’s Three Dots And A Dash Is A Genuine Tiki Paradise (chicagoist.com)
How to Throw a Mojitos & Tacos Party (potterybarn.com)
Cocktail Recipes & Simple Cocktail Recipes | Pottery Barn (potterybarn.com)

For The Weekenders: Workouts and Wakeboarding, Tongue & Cheek Dining, Skateboarding Without the Board

July 11, 2013 by Rego

If there’s anything I like more than summer – it’s summer with epic things to do…and damn am I always thinking up ideas. One in particular, being sprouted from memories of my teen years. Back then, before cars, I was a huge fan of board sports…

skateboard-black-and-white-photo

….and since I still am today, after doing some shopping around Miami Beach thanks to my party bible UD, I came across something beyond epicness. I know, that’s not a word, but hear me out for a second.

I’m talking about freeline skating. If you’re not entirely sure what that is, that’s okay – for a while I didn’t know what it was either…and then I realized this was something that absolutely needed to be a part of my life. The sport itself is so unique, yet so simple, when looking into it it leaves you with a sense of “how the fuck…did I not think of that?“.

The writers at Urban Daddy so cleverly labeled them as “mini skateboards for your feet,” a phrase which I’d have to wholeheartedly agree with. The video on how it all began will explain in detail how the genius of a man came to invent such awesomeness.

So what do you do? Well, you can either pick them up at Fritz’s Miami Beach like I did, or order them online. Hit up your nearest skate park (I recommend stretching first, if it’s been a while), and away you go. I won’t lie, it’s a bit tricky at first – but once you get it down, it’s the ultimate sense of freedom.

You may get a few odd stares here and there for those who’ve never seen it, despite the fact it’s been out for a few years now – but that’s okay…because when you and a few friends decide to relive your youth – or maybe that date of yours is a fan of board sports, and you need something unique to do – the impressed looks will far outweigh the odd ones.

Farrr, outweigh.

Once you’ve had your fill of freeline skating, and trusting you haven’t pulled or sprained anything – if it seems this summer is getting a little too hot, and you want even more of a workout – I recommend skipping back over to Fort Worth Texas, minus the drive-in movie this time, and instead head 14 miles Southwest, hitting up WakeSport Ranch – the name obviously implying your next move.

…because if you’re going to wakeboard, you might as well do it big – like second largest wakeboard track in the world big. For an experienced wakeboarder, this is your happy place – your temple, your holy ground. With fun boxes, A-frames, wedges, kickers, and transfer boxes – there is no excuse to not have fun and show off.

The place is huge, and easily accommodates you bringing a large group to get in on the action – just be sure to book your hotel room(s) at Best Western and mention WakeSport Ranch for a discount – hell maybe you can even ask if they have any suites available, if you’re going with a certain someone (*wink*). The best part is they’re also conveniently located at Motorsport Ranch – the world’s first Sports Car Country Club.

Go ahead…get your need for speed fix while you’re at it. If you won’t, I will….

….but let’s say you’re okay with just shredding concrete waves this weekend, and now you’ve worked up an appetite. The friends are tired too, and your date looks a little famished (y’know, from getting all hot and bothered by your sheer awesomeness).

Besides passing around smart comments out of good fun and having your way with words, while you’re doing that why not try something even more…Tongue & Cheek.

…which is the name of the restaurant you’ll be going to.

Why…? Well besides the fact that the name in and of itself indicates the place is worth checking out (duh.), they happen to have very good drinks…I mean food. Also good drinks. Forget Hooters for now – their Fried Chicken with Pickled Red Cabbage and Tabasco Hollandaise is worth passing up one night of naked wings dipped in franchise hot sauce (as a side note – Hooters, your wings are amazing).

Even if you’re not a fan of fried foods and prefer to eat a little cleaner, the Long Island Scallops with Hearts of Palm and Roasted Mushrooms will be sure to leave you speechless and wanting more.

Order a Blue Moon to go with the chicken, or an after dinner Tawny Port to complement the scallops and you’ve got yourself a grand old time, with a full stomach, good friends, and relatively impressed date.

While the casual post-sport session look may fly, I highly recommend showering up and throwing on something smart casual. The restaurant will thank you. Your date will thank you. Your friends will follow suit.

Stay awesome.

– Rego

Best Wakeboarding Boards (mademan.com)
Red Bull competitors happy to be making waves (TBO.com)
10 Best Wakeboards For Men (mademan.com)

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For The Weekenders: Medicinal Cocktails in Miami, Water Taxi Rides in San Fran, Vino in Chicago

June 21, 2013 by Rego

So there’s a certain someone you’ve been eyeing for a while and they’re back on the market. Jump in and ask them out you say? Most certainly not, I suggest.

But…but WHY? They’re on market now – somebody’s going to snatch them up!

Be cool, my red blooded hot-hearted friend. Do not ask out, but instead invite to chill out. Casually, gracefully, warmly. Observe:

You ring up this certain someone – not text, text is impersonal, hard to read, and a half-assed effort – and you tell them that you just discovered the fountain of life, tucked away in Miami Beach. Naturally being curious, they ask what you mean, and you explain to them that elixirs of all sorts can be found at this one special place – while instructing them to meet you in 2 hours at 1650 James Ave.

Mixology 202.

I introduce to you Drogerie – Miami’s most original Medicinal Lounge Bar. While some bartenders may suggest the poison they think is best for you after a 5 minute “heartfelt” conversation, these guys focus less on poison, and more on medicine…meaning they’ve been studying for decades learning about various herbs, alcohol attributes, and botanicals, mastering and learning what combinations go best with the body – and less on what the little misery demon inside your head is telling you you should have to drown all your problems away.

Let’s put the Xanax on ice for now.

So you both meet up and settle into a nice comfy sofa, while noticing the ultra loungey music in the background. You glance over to the bar and wonder why there are so many doctors there – maybe medical research you say – but no, those you see in white coats you soon realize aren’t doctors, but bar tenders – or more accurately, mixologists.

So what’s your next move? Well, you confidently say “hang tight one sec, I’ll be back” and make your way over to the bar. Grab one of the “Prescription Lists” – aka menus – but never use that word – then you start to use simple logic, and go for one of the drinks appropriately categorized under “Stress relievers.”

From there you order the “Miami Chiller,” a well thought out drink containing muddled celery, gin with hints of cucumber, green Chartreuse, a touch of Chardonnay vinegar, and fresh cut lime. You order two, and walk back to explain the creation of the drink and it’s purpose – being to take someone to a calming, more relaxed state of mind….and after 3-4 of those and 60 minutes in, combined with the class A ambiance of the place – you realize it does.

So you’ve both hit up a unique lounge bar, loosened up, and now that alluring someone feels they need some air. What do you do? While taking a stroll on the beach is all fine and fun – it’s so….standard. How about something a little different, a little refreshing, where they can feel a little bit more of that gentle open breeze brush against their face? This is where Tideline Water Taxi comes in handy.

I know what you’re thinking. A water taxi? That doesn’t sound fun at all.

Au contraire, my friend. It’s more fun than you think – just slightly more relaxing…and that’s what you were looking for, right…?

The great part about these guys is, they run a small service – up to six passengers at once. Making it far more private and personal.

Operating along the San Francisco waterfront and lower Marin County, they travel to popular locations, so every stop always has something interesting to see. Like Pier 39.

What’s better than clearing your head while having wind blow through your hair? The soft hum of a motorized boat and captivating rhythmic patterns of water being cut through and the sound of the ocean? When you’re stressed out and not sure about anything, nothing sounds like sweeter music to the ears. Plus – being an all-weather taxi, it’s a great excuse to get closer when things get chilly. Yeah, I know.

After cruising around for an hour or so, you warm bodies are a bit chilly – and sobered up at that. How do you kill those two birds with one stone? Simple – you hit up a wine bar. That has great wine…but isn’t afraid to serve other spirits.

Like 18 year old Yamazaki Whisky.

Nothing warms the body better than wine…or whisky. I’m talking about The Twisted Vine, comfortably located in Chicago, IL. The best part? You get to cozy up in elegant and timeless leather seating, enjoy strategically placed lighting, and decked out hardwood floors. Order a bottle of your choice, ask for their menu of hors d’oeuvre, and shoot for the gourmet olive bowl or varied insanely delicious cheese and cracker platter – and no, we’re not talking Nabisco and Kraft.

With a touch of walnuts and other delights on the side.

What’s better than polishing off a choice bottle of wine and select cheeses with someone easy on the eyes?

Have a great weekend.

– Rego

Cocktail Recipes & Simple Cocktail Recipes | Pottery Barn (potterybarn.com)

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For The Weekenders: ATVs In The Desert, Helicopters By The Beach, Upscale Bowling In The City

April 27, 2013 by Rego

Alright, so a little late in posting this one, but I have a reason: the travel bug. So instead of the usual, strictly domestic spot-pick, I thought I’d throw some variety into the mix. Enjoy.

I remember when I was a teenager the thrill of racing ATV’s through acres of land with friends at the homestead in Virginia – saying it was thrilling was an understatement. It’s the kind of activity where you actually feel good being covered with mud and specks of dust and sand. This week I got the urge to go for the same thing – but on a bigger level. So I got to researching – and what I found, the epicness (yes, I know that’s not a word) cannot be described in mere speech alone.

There are three things in life that bring out the best in me – travel, adventure, and speed. Lençóis Maranhenses was able to fulfill all three.

What is Lençóis Maranhenses you ask? Well, if one of Evel Knievel‘s sons married Gisele Bündchen, had a baby, and that baby somehow had Indiana Jones as its uncle, it would be named this exact go-to location. I’m talking an ATV tour of Brazil’s endless lagoons, including minimum one desert.

Insert Flight of The Phoenix soundtrack here.

It doesn’t stop there, continuing with scenic riverboat floating, kite surfing and dune buggying – yes, now is your time to relive Mario Kart in real life. You can check out the main website which also lists other insane adventures here, and a more in depth article from my favorite fun time activity bible, UD, here.

So let’s say after all that ATVing you’re pumped and don’t quite want the fun to end, what then? Well, if you’re feeling a little like getting in touch with your inner Nathan Drake, you can hit up a gun range with a woman’s touch, Sandy Springs Gun Club and Range.

Take your pick…

Keep in mind, this is not your average range. Besides high powered firearms and the choice of a tactical shooting session, these two ladies who created the place also offer a cushy lounge area where you can relax post-target practice…and if you’re anything like me, this is what will win you over.

“Wow…For your first time, you were pretty good at that B27 target…all 6 shots dead center.”

I’m sure your date would be pleasantly surprised to know that power and style can come in one package.

But let’s say you wanna take things up a notch, and get a little adventurous in the city instead. What then? Well, there’s always helicopters and sushi.

‘Cause you know..that’s how we do it in Miami….if you’re here to stay, you’re here to play – and Helicopters Over Miami is just the place you want to book with.

…and if you look close enough, my house is juuuuuust over…..there.
No I’m totally joshing you…that’s my vacation home.

They have numerous tours that span over various areas such as Gables Estates, Coconut Grove, Brickell, Downtown Miami, Sunny Isles Beaches, and even Ft. Lauderdale Beaches when you feel like heading a little further up north. What’s even better is you can make it a quick, nice thing to do before dinner with one of their half hour to one hour tours, or if you feel like something more personal, go for a custom tailored tour.

What’s even better is, if you’re an HSBC card holder, you get perks such as discounts and additional features. How’s that for feeling like 007?

The name is Bond…James Bond.

After the helicopter ride, you may find you’re hungry from all the excitement….no, not for steak…or even something quick and oily. Since you’ve spent time in the sky, might as well make it feel like you flew to the Asia Pacific for something more…exotic. So what do you do? Well, you whip out your smartphone, load up Monacle on your Yelp app and tap your way…to where it says Bond Street Lounge can satisfy your palette.

And satisfy your palette it will. I’ve been a repeat customer at this place for some time now, and with dishes like Sake Steamed Clams, and Blue Fin Toro Carpaccio, there’s a reason why I am.

And the sushi? Well, hell yes is all I can say.

They have an extensive menu of sushi and other Japanese but fusion filled dishes. So if you’re looking for something a little more like beef, you’ve got it.

But let’s say you don’t feel quite like being so adventurous, and instead want something more low key…let’s say you wanna kick it old school, and bring back some high school memories.

Then it’s Splitsville Miami to the rescue. Other locations being available, imagine a bowling alley with an upscale entertainment approach – billiards tables, a full service (gourmet) dinner lounge, and multiple bars dotted throughout the place. If I could describe this place in two words, it’d have to be luxury bowling.

Table for two, reservation booked for 8 o’ clock…

After 8 p.m. there is a dress code – smart casual only. Dress to impress is the rule, and dependent upon location this could mean no sunglasses indoors (this isn’t Doucheville), no athletic wear, and no cut-off shorts. This is, after all, upscale bowling and pool. The best part is it’s a mix of innocence and adult life – you can choose to come here with your nephew or niece in the day, then make reservations for you and that special someone in the evening.

Another round fellas?

I think it’s the perfect spot for guys/girls night out, or when you want to show your date that aside from the power car, power suit, and power life, you know how to relax and just have some fun.

Stay classy. 😉

– Rego

The History of ATVs (atvcourse.com)

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For The Weekenders: Cigars, Vintage Lounge Bars, Cinemas on Steroids

April 19, 2013 by Rego

So this week has been crazy with the launch of one of my new business ventures, which has left me thinking of every possible way to kick back and celebrate the fruits of my labor this weekend.

Hence, I thought I’d stay local, and introduce you guys (and girls) to my top 3 for go-to spots this weekend – whether you’re a resident or a visitor of SoFlo. Enjoy.

Cigars.

When you think cigars, what’s the first thing that pops into your head? Your brother-in-law becoming a dad? Old Cuban guys playing cards? Gordon Gecko from Wall Street (1985)? Well, it’s time to think outside that box, and check out Wynwood Cigars, rightfully making their way onto UD, this isn’t your average cigar shop. The place is massive, spanning 5000 sq. ft., decked out in graffiti, rolling tables, cozy couches and live music to compliment the already epic setting.

’nuff said.

The aesthetic perfection of lighting…the feel of the couches when you slip onto them after a long day…the ultra aromatic smell of tobacco permeating even the most judgmental nose…the unique sounds of carefully selected live music…and the unique taste of a carefully crafted smoke that rolls off your tounge have earned this place more than just the title of originality and creativeness, but downright class.

Wanna get away from your standard smoking lounge? Starting to think those Camel cigarettes are getting old? This is the place to go. They keep the warehouse open late every second Saturday, bringing in tango dancers and supplying cocktails, all for your entertainment. Gotta love ’em.

Vintage Lounge Bars.

When I think of a nice drinking spot, I envision lounge tables surrounded by ultra comfy seating, a bartender who always remembers my name and top 5 favorite drinks, carefully strategized ambiance and walls painted and outfitted with decor that makes me forget I’m even in a public drinking facility.

Then I stop envisioning and walk right into The Flat – a bar designed not to feel like a bar, yet not a lounge either…but instead a getaway spot you’d stick right on the side of your house if it weren’t 32 stories above ground level.

I also think of my fellow weekenders who were forced to play piano when they were younger, now realizing that the once geeky talent has huge payoff present day, when you usher your date over to the couch and casually begin to talk about music and musical talent while eyeing the piano next to you both.

The drinks here are unique and the owner old fashioned, only closing his doors when the last customer is ready to leave. That’s what I call service. The one place that I can say this establishment has come close to replicating, is a place Cocktail Factory in England I used to frequent during my uni days…and that, my friend, is a tall order to meet. So kudos, The Flat…I’d say you’ve earned yourself a name worth keeping.

Cinemas on Steroids.

If you’re an avid cinema goer, you will appreciate and love what I like to call a cinema on steroids – iPic Theaters in Boca Raton. Imagine your usual movie theater…and then take everything usual out of it. Insert cocktails, leather recliners, an on-call waiter, and blankets to cozy up under when the plot gets good.

Well I thought about hitting up AMC…but then realized that would be a little too conventional for dinner and a movie, don’t you think…?

Feel less like a run of the mill movie goer, and more like a movie critic while sitting back sipping Kamikazes, commenting on what’s going to happen next with your fellow buddies while nibbling on sliders – or cozying up to your significant other when she flinches at the slightly frightening scene of a good thriller flick….and here she was thinking it was just going to be regular movie night…

Stay awesome. 😉

– Rego

Cigar Advisor Publishes Cigar Lounge Etiquette Guide (prweb.com)
Enhancing Your Home with Cigar Lounges (cigarfiend.wordpress.com)

For The Weekenders: Cigars, Vintage Lounge Bars, Cinemas on Steroids is a post from and appeared first on Rego’s Life

For The Weekenders: Jet Set Dining, Izakayas, Let’s Sail Skipper

April 4, 2013 by Rego

It’s Thursday again…meaning fresh ideas for what to fill your weekend nights with.

So check out these 3 top spots I highly recommend that will leave you wanting more:

Daikaya Izakaya, D.C. – I remember my days of living in Tokyo, going to izakayas and lounge bars with friends and late night coffee after…often walking down the streets some hour in the A.M. taking in the less crowded sights of the Metropolis that nevers sleeps. When I found myself back in the states for a while, it took time to adjust and whenever the urge for hitting up a good izakaya or Japanese styled bar struck, I could never quite find one with that authentic feel. This, is where Daikaya Izakaya comes in.

乾杯！

The place is packed with authenticity, from the snacks and booze upstairs right along down to the ramen on the first floor. The sights and smells all pull you into a world that, if you never stepped outside the front door, maybe added a couple of forty-something Ojisans and change the menus to complete Japanese script, would actually make you feel like you’re (back) in J-Land. If you’re ever in the area I highly recommend popping in. Check out the gallery to see what I mean here, and the full article on the UD site.

Let’s Sail, Skipper… – Okay, okay, so I know I talked about things to do in San Francisco last week, but I’ll make it brief so hear me out: Sea salt filled air, sails, rum, and a four man crew (minus the dead man’s chest).
I’m talking about private excursions on an 84′ America’s Cup Race Yacht, or a more casual day trip around SanFran Bay, only to be topped off with checking out what other things Pier 39 has to offer.

Land ho.

The best part is you don’t need to know a thing about sailing, but if you want to get in on a bit of the action it’s certainly not discouraged. Check out their website if you’re up for unleashing that inner sailor in you.

If you’ve had experience in the dating world, or a relationship for that matter, after a while, dinner and a movie seems pretty drab…

Jet Set Dining is here to jazz that up for you.

Hailing from Miami, these guys really take it up a notch…and they do it a little like this:

You grab your date’s hand to lead her to the restaurant…dinner and conversation being something she’s done before, she’s curious to know how this time will be different but not exactly ecstatic.

But wait – what’s this…you’re not walking towards a restaurant, but what seems to be a private jet. In order to get to the restaurant, you must first go by plane, because – “well hun, the restaurant is kind of on a remote little island – I lied about it being a stone’s throw away…” you shrug saying as you non-chalantly run your hand over the back of your head trying to keep a cool, suave expression.

I also kind of lied about it being a quick drive…it is – but it’s just…in the air…with a plane…minus you know…pavement…But hey – did we or did we not skip traffic?

Surprised, you both board the plane where the usual safety precautions are taught while you pop open some bubbly and hand a glass to your pleasantly surprised date while trying your hardest to avoid a cheesy French accent and Cheshire Cat grin as you instruct them to “relax and enjoy the sights,” knowing you pretty much just owned the night with this one little hat trick.

I know where I’ll be dining next weekend.

– Rego

Origami Uptown joins the Izakaya crowd in Minneapolis (tcdailyplanet.net)
Cheap California Day Trips (california.answers.com)

For The Weekenders: Jet Set Dining, Izakayas, Let’s Sail Skipper is a post from and appeared first on Rego’s Life

Rego's Life

Episodic Musings of a Quintessential Entrepreneur

Tag Archives: Miami

For The Weekenders: Shipwrecked with Rum, Ice Bars, Hangover Therapy…

“I feel sorry for people who don’t drink. When they wake up in the morning, that’s as good as they’re going to feel all day.”

For The Weekenders: Workouts and Wakeboarding, Tongue & Cheek Dining, Skateboarding Without the Board

For The Weekenders: Medicinal Cocktails in Miami, Water Taxi Rides in San Fran, Vino in Chicago

For The Weekenders: ATVs In The Desert, Helicopters By The Beach, Upscale Bowling In The City

For The Weekenders: Cigars, Vintage Lounge Bars, Cinemas on Steroids

For The Weekenders: Jet Set Dining, Izakayas, Let’s Sail Skipper

For The Weekenders: Club Adoré, RedCap Chauffeurs, Sobering Up With Cookie Monster…

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