THE LONG WEEKEND...hic

We do declare, it all started so innocently....

On an other wise rainy and what could have been a boring Thursday afternoon, Miss Vero was introduced to the most amazing new product that we think will be a part of our regular repertoire. It just so happens that we have made the acquaintance of a wonderful gentleman, Mr. Christian Castren, who is the Vice President of Sales for this product. What is it y'all may ask? Well, it's Vodka distilled from Oranges! Florida Oranges! Could anything be more perfect for Miss Vero?

We are invitin' y'all to check out their website:
4orangevodka.com




We certainly hope that it will be available in our area and perhaps some savvy barkeep or resort will be smart enough to offer it soon because it is exceptional. We can image Miss Vero with a chilled glass of 4oranges in our hand at all times and no, we have not been paid to say that, but we can dream!


VEGAS CAME TO VERO!

But it got bored quickly and left.

Ayright, for any of y'all that missed out on seeing Jambalaya, well hunnies, y'all most certainly did miss the most spectacular event that we have witnessed on a stage in this town. Evah!

We can't even tell y'all how long the show was, because we were slack-jaw and perpetually amazed - as was the rest of the audience from start to finish. It was truly astonishing and hunnies, that is quite a lot to say since Miss Vero has seen just about everythin'.

Combine Cirque du Soleil, a Broadway Musical, Las Vegas showgirls and Carnival in Rio with a Caribbean flavor, mix in a few of y'all's favorite songs and that would be just the tip of the iceberg. The first number sung by the incredibly talented Hunter Gerard ( who everyone fell in love with instantly) was "The Rhythm is Gonna Get Ya". Boy, did it and how appropriate given that the after party was held at Costa D'Este.





Fabulous Producers and great friends of Miss Vero - Mr. Chris Foster and Mr. Mark Wygonik (along with Miss Tanya Burka - Amazing Aerialist Performer) have a hit on their hands!


Y'all would think that after a grueling show that the dancers would be a bit tired but these professionals danced it into the ground at Costa. Now we have nevah claimed to be a great photographer but Miss Vero did have to jump up to take this shot when the crowd gathered round Miss Cici Kelley as she danced to Beyonce's "Single Ladies". No big deal for Miss Cici, since she also happened to appear with Beyonce at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards performing the exact same routine. Yes Ma'am, that's a sample of the talent of this show.



Of course our little Liam and party girl Annie were having a splendid time!



Spanish Gutarist Kenny Nieves poses with principle singer and Motown recording artist Miss Regi Brown.

So many talented dancers and incredible singers Fredericka Meek and Travis Lathareo Clark were all on hand mingling with home grown Vero kids who have obviously done well for themselves as members of this exceptional show.



LUSH-CIOUS LIAM'S BIRTHDAY BASH!

It was quite a strange, eclectic but obviously party oriented little gathering. Y'all know there's so much we simply cannot show or tell, so here's the G-rated version kids:



Magnificent Megan strikes her best 1940's pin up pose - adorable!



Have y'all met Shorty? Well look out because this very tall drink of trouble is in town and brought his DJ skills to Dukes bar at the Surf Club Hotel for Liam's Soiree. Shorty's motto is "I spill more than most people drink". Oh, my. Miss Vero is betting that Shorty Vest will become quite the popular boy. Did we mention he's a model?



And here's Miss Claudia, Miss Caroline and that rascal Mr. Billy Collins sharin' the love. Poor Miss Claudia couldn't move a muscle because of a serious health issue, so we all made sure to keep her comfortable. Bless her heart for having the courage to come out on crutches, we all wish her a speedy and full recovery.



Fab Fun Freddy! Our dear friend, "Muse of the World" introduced us a while back and Miss Vero just loves Freddy, he's always so positive and high-larious-ly Fuuunnnneeeey. MWAH!



Dukes Bar at The Surf Club hotel -Sorry bar staff if we had y'all runnin' but thanks for being such great hosts! And one more pic we just love...

Shorty Vest and our Birthday Boy Liam. Liam started of the evening in cool white slacks with a blue paisley shirt and gorgeous white hat with retro stripes and later changed into his Lady Gaga inspired black cowboy ensemble. Quite a party indeed.




SUNDAY FUNDAY! ...BUT BOO HOO AND BYE BYE TO UNDERTOW!

It 's sad but true kids, Undertow, the "Epicenter of Cool" has been sold and the new owners are there as we speak transitioning smoothly with Miss Kitty Wagner. What are the details? Well, we suppose we'll all find out soon enough.

We're just so happy for Miss Kitty on her life changing year, the sale of Undertow and her engagement to handsome French Canadian, Mr. Pierre Doyle. Miss Vero and Miss Kitty have become quite close over the years and as much as we're gonna miss our favorite hang out, we are none the less, overjoyed for our friend's happiness.


What a turn out! Deb Daley and friends held a successful and fun- fundraiser for Relay for Life Sunday afternoon, with some fabulous raffle prizes and the greatest band to come out of Vero - The Land Sharks!



www.landsharksband.com

Perhaps our old pal, Mr. Max Newport can verify this but we somehow remember the Land Sharks playin' at Marvin Gardens back in the day. Y'all would have to be here more than twenty minutes to know that (translation - that's more then twenty years in Vero time).

Up to actual good this time -There's our Darling Miss Charlotte and Miss "BB" enjoying the fabulous weather on the patio of Undertow.


Miss Kitty enjoying the last days of her Kingdom.



LAST BUT CERTAINLY NOT LEAST - THE CITRUS GRILL HOUSE...

The scene - an elbow to elbow packed veranda and dining room. Now, we could have taken a few pictures but to be honest, y'all would not have been able to recognize a soul. It was a Sea of Blue Blazers - the Island of John uniform and haute beach couture. Why, Miss Vero even noticed a perfectly coiffed matriarch in what was believed to be a classic pale yellow channel suit. Indeed.

Try as they might, the usual flock of well to do Veroites adored one another, yet the real belle of the ball was the food, the decor, the service and the perfect ocean views that is the Citrus Grill House.

We did have a little chuckle to see Mr. John Jetson (not attired in the obligatory blue blazer but just as fetchin') brush past us. Miss Vero had heard through the grapevine that he'd been askin' about us and well, there we were!


General Manager and gracious host Mr. Bob Moulder greeted us, as well as Chef/Owner Scott Varricchio. The attention to detail, from the tobacco barn wood floors in the dining room, to the delectable appetizers served meticulously by well trained and pleasant staff, will guarantee that the newest addition to Vero's dining scene will be an instant success.
citrusgrillhouse.com

Miss Vero recommends y'all make reservations.


And now, we must rest up for who knows what adventure is just around the corner, hope to see y'all soon...

MWAH!

missvero@live.com

YOU'RE SO VAIN, YOU PROBABLY THINK THIS BLOG IS ABOUT YOU...

...don'cha, don'cha?

Well no hunnies, it's about MissVero isn't it?

Good, now that we have that cleared up, let's talk about folks that cooperate and don't pull each other apart. Last week Ben Prestage performed at Undertow and we were so pleased when we got this e mail from Miss Lynn at Bodega Blue;


"I get asked at least once a day "when is Ben playing at Bodega again?"...well, we don't have another date yet but Ben assures me he will once he gets his schedule together for the summer. So in the meantime, let's take a BODEGA BLUE FIELD TRIP down the street to our good friend Kitty's place...THE UNDERTOW tonight, Saturday Feb. 27th at 8PM to see BEN PRESTAGE!!! See you there!"


And that hunnies, is how to behave with class.


Miss Vero, as always, has been busy, busy, busy!

We've been attending some incredible "House Concerts", the latest show at the home of a wonderful couple, (we'll call them "The Avalons") hosting the talented Mr. John Flynn, presented by the magnanamous T-Shirt Cathy (a nickname given to her by Arlo G.) and attended by the Count and Countess du Roseland. Wow. But just check out Mr. Flynn's site to get up to speed.

Here is a photo of Mr. Flynn, Mr. Nelson and Mr. Guthrie, at one time but not that particular time...




Mr. Flynn was also given the guest house during his stay at the home of our dear friend Fashionista Frannie, who is rummaging through Miss Vero's closet as we speak, for cowboy attire and a fabulous easy-rider-esque fringe jacket to wear to this year's Citrus Gala and Cattle Barons' Ball, happenin' this Saturday night. Hard to believe it's the tenth year of this event, especially when Miss Vero remembers gettin' our picture taken for the saucy-glossy-just launched, Vero Beach Magazine at the first ball!

Miss Vero cannot attend this year's event due to a previous engagement and let's be honest hunnies, we are pacin' ourselves for what will be the most TREMENDOUS OSCAR PARTY IN VERO HISTORY!

At the home of the most fabulous entrepreneurial couple in town, we would spill all the details but let's just say, the last time we attended a soiree at their palatial estate, it took us months to recover. Yes, kids some things are better left to fuzzy memory. One lesson learned - y'all cannot go for a dip in the pool with an iphone and save your cocktail in the process. Well, drink and learn, that's our motto!










And on a sad note, One of Vero's first ladies - Miss Lucy Auxier passed away last week. Miss Vero is proud to say that we remember Miss Lucy fondly. With her passing, yet another part of what was Vero, has gone too. Please children, Miss Vero begs y'all, please learn your Vero history:
http://www.steds.net/Treasure/Auxier.htm

Veronews.com has a lovely memorial post and we whole heartedly encourage y'all to read it and remember a woman who did some many great and wonderful things for our community.

Bless you Miss Lucy...


MWAH!

missvero@live.com

LOOKING FOR SUMTHIN TO DO TONIGHT HUNNIES?

Well then look no further than Downtown for a perfect trifecta of an evening:

BODEGA BLUE - Our favorite Blues Boy, Ben Prestage, will be preforming tonight at 8pm. Ben always commands a standing room only house and it's a miracle to us how the staff at Bodega greets everyone and makes sure that the drinks keep a comin' without missin' a beat!



CAFE MOJO - Rock star Karaoke and Drink Specials! Caroline and Billy guarantee fun every Friday night, so why aren't you there, sugah?



And of course y'all can always find some action at the Epicenter of Cool- Undertow. New boy on the block, Justin Gillespie, will be playing. It's his first Friday night gig there and he's a little shy so be gentle with him, kids!

Have Fun y'all and...


MWAH!

missvero@live.com

WINE SO FINE, FOOD DEVINE!

Wednesday evening's wine dinner at Undertow was the most fabulous dinner Miss Vero has had in all of this year. Honestly hunneys, it was fabulous! It doesn't hurt one little bit that the wine pairing was perfect, the service was paced accordingly, the setting was an intimate dinner party, the music created the perfect mood, the company was fun, interesting and fabulous, oh and the food - kids the food was the best we have ever seen in Vero. True, all true.


The Seller to Cellar guys - Bob and Bob from TV10 taped their show before the appetizers arrived. Miss Vero has to say that they are just the sweetest, most wonderful local TV stars that we've evah met!



Our good friend and Designer, Miss Holly Brennan was seated at Miss Vero's table. Her amazing husband, the internationally famous artist, is away doing a commission for the Kingdom of Qatar...



Funny and charming, our favorite architect Mr. Peter Jones was also in the mix...


Wine consultant Kelly Brown, Citrus Grillhouse GM Bob Moulder (enjoying some fine dining before he hits the ground runnin'!) and Howard Imber of the C. Donatiello Winery...


And our fabulous host... Miss Kitty Wagner! Thank you so much Miss Kitty for a wonderful, unforgettable evening! MWAH!!!! Miss Vero adores you.

MISS VERO'S BACK IN TOWN!

Well hunnies we are back! And just in time for the humidity festival y'all are havin'! Seriously, could it get any hotter? It is just miserable and we are swelterin' somethin' fierce. As we wandered around Corey's drugstore, trying to remember what in the heck we came for, we noticed the terrazzo floor under our feet and remembered our ole Grandmammies house with her terrazzo floors, jalousie windows and NO DANG AIR CONDITIONING! How did we ever manage kids? Somehow growin up in Florida was cooler then, don't ask us how.

We dragged ourselves out this past weekend to catch up on what y'all have been up to and we started out at Downtown Friday. Sure it was fun, but the heat and lack of martinis made us move toward another Downtown establishment with AC that has us so spoiled. We did manage to say hello to Commissioner and Mrs. Peter O'Bryan. As y'all know by now, Miss Vero just loves to see our elected officials, mingling with the constituents and out and about in town. We don't give a flying rat what y'all's net worth is, just get to know the folks y'all represent. In fact, why doesn't the city council set up a booth for everyone to visit with on these occasions? I'm sure a lot of folks would be happy to give a nice "howdy and here's how we think you're doin" to the politicians they elected.






Commissioner and Mrs. Peter O'Bryan







It was just too hot, so we ambled over to Cafe Mojo, where an even hotter jazz improv was happening at the open mic night. There's Billy Collins on the right, pretending to jump in and perform. He's quite a character. Billy and Caroline have really put together impressive crowds on Friday nights. They've created the perfect coffee house scene.



Of course the crowd at Undertow was just as hot and rockin and the beauty of that little downtown area is that y'all can buy art, have dinner, drinks and music, just by walkin' around the block!

Did we mention it was hot? This could be the reason - Jesse and Dolf Kahle were hanging out. Honestly, could those boys be any cuter? We don't what their Mama put in their milk, but it sure did work! Miss Vero needs to get these two on a calendar, perhaps we can convince Vero Polo to let us head the committee for fund raising next year and choose some calendar photos, there's an assignment we wouldn't mind at all!



Y'all would think that by midnight it would of cooled down just a bit, but no hunnies, it got hotter still! The kids started dancin' on the bar and the drinks were flowin', just a typical Friday night at the "Epicenter of Cool" - Undertow!





Now Saturday night we decided to check out the wine tasting and dinner party at Culinary Capers. That's right, something a little different. Miss Vero and gal pals found a little summer special that we'd wished we'd known about sooner. Along with Great Spirits, Culinary Capers puts on a little monthly special that is both affordable and delicious. For $32 each we had a four course meal paired with wines that were available for purchase - and they even had a case discount! Y'all know we loved that. The entrees were lamb chops and onion crusted grouper and we must say, our dinner was fabulous. We always love it when we are surprised by something in Vero that we should have known about. We checked out their website and it looks like they'll be having an Oktoberfest, but nothing scheduled for September. Perhaps with a few requests, we might persuade Curt, and his team at Culinary Capers, to let us come back.
Here's the links:
http://www.culinarycaperscatering.com/Wine-Dinners.html

http://www.greatspiritsflorida.com/



Now as much fun as we had at dinner, when we all piled into our luxury limo, we gasped when we realized it was only 9:45 and we had no plan for what was next. What was happening? What was still open? And most importantly, who would appreciate the fabulous ensembles we had painstakingly put together for our evening out? As always the answer is...DRAG QUEENS!

Yes, we would find Drag Queens and kids we are certain that by now y'all know (thanks to little ole Miss Vero) that this town is full of 'em! Our good pal, Fran Love was happy to see us walk into the Clubhouse Bar and Grill, just in time for the regular Saturday night Drag Show!

Isn't it amazing? the same mirrored disco ball above the taxpayers luncheon crowd, where Congressman Bill Posey spoke, does it's disco duty on Drag night! Texas holdem, sports bar, trivia, political luncheons and Drag Queens, all under one roof! Yee Haaa! All we can say is - THANKS FRAN!


Miss Alexi Leigh gives a girl a piece of her mind.




Y'all can check out all the goings on at the Clubhouse on their myspace page:
http://www.myspace.com/theclubhousebarandgrill

Don't forget on Tuesday night there's another show over at Cosmic Charlie's. Y'all know that "tavern" that 's being affected by the road construction, just south of McKee, in the plaza where y'all get a driver's license? Yeah, that place. Seems we read a little blurb somewhere about that. Funny, no mention of the "Cosmic Buns" party on Tuesday and certainly no mention of Kelli Randall, one of the most fabulous Drag Queens to ever appear in Vero. Hmmm. Now that's odd, that someone would go to all the trouble of writing something and not mentioning that, don't y'all think?




Speaking of directing traffic to a social networking site, a certain someone is sure obsessed about getting "fans" and countin' comments. Sure hope that certain someone didn't choose a tragic topic just to collect the coveted comment numbers. tsk, tsk.



Let's just say that Miss Vero enjoys social networking in a different way. If y'all want to be our "fan" go right ahead, we sure do love that, but we 'd prefer that y'all just let us know where the party is . Do y'all know about some fun that we're missing? "Fan" us, "friend" us, email us, just make sure we get the invite!

Well it sure is good to be back and doing what we do best, partyin' and poking at folks that need it. Lookin forward to hearin' from y'all soon, till then...


MWAH!
missvero@live.com

LET'S TAKE A MINUTE OUT OF OUR BUSY SCHEDULE...

...to tell y'all what's going on.

First of all, all of y'all are asking about Veronews.com and what exactly is happening with the launch. Honestly children, Miss Vero just does not know. Thank you, "SandCrab" for the additional link in the comment section. What we do know, is that it takes tremendous time and effort to start up any kind of new endeavor and so we are just being as patient as y'all. Miss Vero was asked to write a weekly contribution that will be called "BEYOND THE BEACH HOUSE" for Veronews.com and we did submit our article last week, but for whatever reason (and hunnies, we are dang sure they are good reasons), the launch did not go off as planned. Heck, even NASA has these problems. Not to worry, since our little contribution was a bit "time sensitive", we've decided to post an excerpt here for y'all. We'll send Veronews.com another article tomorrow and hope that the launch is soon.

Now y'all have probably noticed that Miss Vero hasn't been around much this summer, but hunnies we have been a travelin fool. Monday we have to go all the way out to Californy for a sad event - a dear friend passed away and we must attend a funeral. Perhaps you may have seen it in the news?

Anyhoo, as y'all probably know by now, we are not one to dwell on sad affairs and so before we skidaddle off to the Hills of Beverly, y'all need to know that as of September 1st, we will be back on a regular basis. Yessiree, the Beach House will be in full swing again, with special surprises and more fun! So keep that in mind and enjoy the summer!

Miss Vero – Beyond the Beach House! - A little Preview for y'all...





Miss Vero is so honored that we were asked by the lovely folks at Veronews.com to write a little something for y’all. Now we know that everyone thinks that nothing goes on here in the summer, but y’all just have to look in the right places.

On Friday evening (June 27th), we attended the grand opening party of the new Café Mojo, located in the sometimes seemingly vibrant downtown. Y’all would not have known it’s a slow summer judging by the standing room only party and the crowd directly next door at Undertow, otherwise known as “the epicenter of cool”. We didn’t know that the owner of Café Mojo, Caroline Collins, was a big fan of Miss Vero, so when we introduced ourselves she shrieked with recognition and delight! Caroline and her husband Billy have been open a few weeks but the party Friday night was so jammed packed, that the crowd was spilling into the street. We hear Friday night music and fun will be a regular thing, but y’all can give them a call for details -772-567-6900 (no web site just yet).


Caroline and Billy Collins
Cafe Mojo Proprietors



















Miss Vero spotted good ole Charlie Wilson of The Indian River County Report (and Rhett Palmer show regular), with a very attractive date that he met at the recount of his run for school board. Charlie lost that election to Claudia Jimenez but things have apparently worked out to his liking, never the less. And speaking of political locals, Mr. Ken Daige and his lovely wife Deborah were also in attendance. Mr. Daige is very vigilant about the goings on at the City Council, even though he also lost his bid in the last election. However, we do expect Mr. Daige to make a come back. Also out and about, young Mr. Kevin Sawnick, freshman City Council member was spotted. We love to see our city council members actually out in the city! Everyone seemed to enjoy the festivities and we were all impressed by the talent of Jesse Kahle, singin’ and a strumming his six string. What!!??Another local boy, singing sensation like Jake Owens? Only time will tell…

Here's a a few snapshots of downtown fun and folks we expect big things from:


Vero's next Singin sensation, the adorable Jesse Kahle!


Fabulous, young and fun, she always makes us laugh - Miss Mallory Matesic!









Mr.Ken Daige and his lovely wife, Deborah.

The weekend went way too fast, like a single bowl of ambrosia at a church social. Before we knew it, it was Sunday afternoon and we decide to pass the time visiting folks and seeing what was going on in the daylight. We stopped by the Undertow to wish Miss Kitty Wagner a Bon Voyage, as she is closing the restaurant for six weeks and she is off to gay Paris to visit our good friend “Muse of the World”, who just happens to have a little summer apartment there. Are we jealous? Y’all can bet we are!

What better way to cure our summer time blues than with a little shopping. We had heard that the little shop next to the new Patio Restaurant had some cute and artsy things so we took ourselves over there only to find that it had closed! Closed for good last week and completely cleaned out and we heard a rumor that it will be turned into a barbershop! That didn’t brighten our mood any.




Could there possible be anything on the Beach on a Sunday afternoon? Well it seems that the retail gods smiled on us, because as we headed toward Ocean Drive we just happened to see that the Stephen Bonanno Sandal shop was open!

For those of y’all that read our blog, we had mentioned about a month ago that we were just dying to get some shoes. Not just any shoes, but these particular shoes. The original Stephen Bonanno Sandals. The last pair we had, we wore right into the ground. Hunnies, Miss Vero just loves, loves, loves, these shoes! These are the original hand crafted sandals that were made in Palm Beach for Mrs. Jacqueline Kennedy.
http://www.bonannofactory.com/THE%20HISTORY.htm
While some of y’all may care about that sort of thing, Miss Vero just loves these shoes because they are the most comfortable things we’ve ever had on our feet and they last forever. Fore-ev-ahh. If y’all do happen to wear them into the ground, they can be repaired. When we found the store unexpectedly open, we got to meet the owner Rob. He said he was just plum bored out of his mind, sitting at home on a Sunday while his wife Cathy was up north, doing a trunk show, so he decide to open up. Lucky us.

Now y’all know we walked out of there pleased as punch with our sandal purchase and y’all can bet we’ll be going back real soon. If y’all need any more info check out their website: http://www.verobonannosandals.com - but go visit Rob, any man that’s willing to open up his shop on a Sunday and talk shoes, is our hero.


Here's a picture of Rob at the factory in Stuart, taken from Miss Vivian's Blog - http://bonannosandals.blogspot.com/

We suppose we’ve taken enough of y’all’s time by now. We’ll be checking back soon and of course we’d love to hear from everyone. Don’t forget to check out our myspace page for, umm, how shall we say it? …interesting and fun events! Miss Vero especially loves invitations to cocktail parties or any other form of fabulocity that y’all might have. Just let us know!

MWAH!

missvero@live.com

MINT JULEP ANYONE?

Undertow will be havin a fabulous Kentucky Derby party this Saturday, May 2nd at 5pm!
(call for details...772-770-0977)

It's just so hard to believe that's it's been a whole year since we
started this silly bloggin at the Beach House, so we have (a legitimate) reason to celebrate!

If y'all have been payin attention (and we hope y'all have)

MISS VERO WILL SEE Y'ALL AT UNDERTOW SATURDAY!


MWAH!

missvero@live.com

THE CIRCUS IN TOWN

"When the circus wants to run away it visits Miss Vero."

Back from a fabulous little getaway this weekend in Saint Augustine for the Rhythm and Ribs festival, Miss Vero has been overrun, by house guests and relatives and spring breakers, just swarming in like locusts, buttin in to our busy days and interuptin our cocktail hours. Why is it that just because our guests are on vacation, they think that we would like to behave like crazed tourists with them? We have had to endure all manner of indignities, like actually sitting on the actual beach, have waiters take our group picture and worst of all getting up before the crack of noon!

Three cups of coffee at that hour and we became completely and almost permanently sober! A condition so disorienting, that we were fool enough to call into the Rhett Palmer Show at 8:30am! And even though it was fun to say hi to Rhett and his guest Charlie Wilson,

http://indianriverreport.blogspot.com/

big ole used-to-be-Sherriff, Gary Wheeler, started to scare the beejeebees out of us and we immediately came to our senses! Never again, never again.

Hunneys, when we tell ya'll that we ran to the kitchen for a much needed bloody mary,

well, we ain't lyin!

THE UNDERTOW DILEMA

It all started last Thursday, as Miss Vero was having a very civilized lunch date date, with a very charming gentleman. One of the most charming gentlemen we have ever met in Vero or anywhere else, for that matter.

"Did you see the review of Undertow?" he asked, referring to the Verobeach32963 article.
We had not, but we promised to read it later, which we did, only later was much later, as in the next day. Miss Vero was having such a "grand time" as our Granmammy used to say and we were thoroughly fascinated by our companion and his insightful conversation, that we certainly were not about to focus on anything else.

After our lunch, at a fashionable beach side restaurant, Miss Vero went downtown to see the chimp paintings and the paintings of chimps, very interesting indeed!

http://gallery14verobeach.com/site/#/page/home/

Then to Avanzar (we had never been there before) for a quick dinner, which was extremely good, better than we had expected and surprisingly sophisticated. Unbelievable homemade sausage, fabulous artichoke picata! The bartender was friendly, knowledgeable about the wine and we were pleased as punch by the little details like the amuse-bouche.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amuse-bouche

http://www.verobeachrestaurants.com/avanzare/

There, a restaurant review. Our experience, not y'all's or anyone elses.

When we did finally get around to reading the 32963 Undertow review, honestly, we did not think about it one way or the other. We have actually given up believing restaurant reviews from any news source and have found that sites offering "real folk" reviews (like tripadvisor for example), are a clearer snapshot of an establishment. Usually, only folks that have had a real bad experience or a real good experience take the time to write. Even knowing that and adding in menu selection and prices, and we still don't take what anyone else has to say too seriously (something we are very well known for).

But the calls about the Undertow review started coming in. Viviene was furious and wanted to vent and so she did.

And then the emails came in, like this one:

"I was disappointed in the blistering review of Undertow in the current issue of 32963 especially after your uplifting comments about the restaurant. Having eaten there twice for dinner and many times at lunch, it is easy for me to agree with your view.
Far be it for me to comment on what you should do - suffice to say - I hope you defend the restaurant in a persuasive manner. Kitty has not had an easy time the past few years and now the place appears to be going well and doesn't need a review that seems to be designed to stop the momentum."

And this one from Mark Landry of Verobeachrestaurants.com:

"While I like some parts of the 32963 paper sometimes people just don't get it. And I think this is the case with the review of the Undertow in 32963. It takes multiple visits and an open mind to understand what a restaurant is doing, what it is, and especially what it is not. I think 32963 missed it on this one and I would have to say that they just don't get it.

The Undertow is a come-as-you are restaurant that serves great food in an unpretentious atmosphere. There are far, FAR too many disappointing casual restaurants in this area that often offer menus and drinks that look all so similar... burgers, fried food, chicken caesars, fish sandwiches with tartar sauce... on and on. The Undertow is NOT one of these places.

You can always tell a restaurant that is owned by someone who has a passion for food and wine as it is usually reflected in the little things they offer. The Undertow's flavorful, creative Bistro inspired menu, strong specialty beer list, small but eclectic wine list and some solid offerings by the glass all go to enhancing the cool casual vibe at the Undertow. They use big boy tableware and wine glasses that are appropriate for eating and drinking ( cheesy tableware and glasses is a no no in any restaurant and pet peeve of mine).

Yes it is casual but tastefully and that is what is intended. This is NOT a jacket and tie type of place with a county club mentality. This is a casual, cool restaurant with live music on the weekends. So if your expecting otherwise.. go somewhere else. But if you want good food, a nice glass of wine in a casual cool place, then here it is!

So I hope 32963 doesn't fall into the Press Journal Restaurant Review mind set. A restaurant review should NOT be based on a single visit. Please try it again and open your eyes wide. And, while I'm at it, a note to the PJ - PLEASE look beyond the rim of your plate! A complete dining experience should include food AND wine. Tell me what you had to drink. Offer me a suggestion from the wine list that you found of particular interest or value, How is the wine service, drink quality, tableware, wineglasses. A restaurant review should be more than just the what you had for dinner and the decor.

And a couple others, let's just say, not so nice.

And, of course, there was the comment section, on the "Dirty Fork" post, which we never censor and y'all can look up for yourselves.

Now here's the thing kids, it's Ok.

Really.

It's just one opinion.

It's OK, if the reviewer didn't have a good experience and wanted to tell y'all about it. Maybe she didn't know that there was a wedding on the patio (quite unusual), going on at the same time her party arrived, but that shouldn't have mattered.

Maybe she forgot to tell y'all that her party didn't all arrive on time making it seem that the appetizers took forever for those that sat down first.

Maybe she's just really good at writing, but has never cooked for 120 people at once, cheerfully waited on obnoxious self important people, washed dishes or had to smile while mixing drinks and listening to the horrendous jokes of the slightly inebriated - experiences that we feel all restaurant reviewers should obtain as a prerequisite to their chosen profession.

Maybe she forgot that Miss Kitty Wagner is indeed a chef and should be referred to as Chef Wagner, and not "Kitty" as in the familiar, or the cafeteria lady, or one of the help, or in some other condescending beachie way - a mistake that no male chef would let pass.

So if y'all have been payin attention, and we certainly hope y'all have, why don't we just invite the reviewer to an evening at Undertow with Miss Vero and cohorts? We think that the friends she brought with her probably wouldn't swap shoes, pop their eyeball out, dance on the table and that just might have been the problem.

Or better yet, why don't we just stop reading now and go have a cocktail. There's Karaoke at What-a-Tavern tonight...

Drag show at Cosmic Charlies...

And of course there's always The Epicenter of Cool -Undertow, because that really hasn't changed, has it?

MWAH!

missvero@live.com

A DIRTY FORK!

A new restaurant has opened in the 32963 area code, attention to detail and kiss your arse service is offered along with fine French cuisine and two for one $1.99 Grey Goose martinis!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwZaqZaRe78

UNDERESTIMATING UNDERTOW

Just like the way I go looking for love in all the wrong places, 32963 went looking for food in all the wrong places. I was quite angry after the write up in 32963 about the Undertow. Mainly because Undertow as Miss Vero says “is the Epicenter of Cool”.

I called Miss Vero, "They serve food at undertow? she asked, "Who knew?" She then calmed me down and told me not to worry. But I was still mad.


The food in Undertow is merely the cherry on the top. If you wanted a wait staff in tuxes and dresses then clearly you should just have stayed on your side.

However...

If you want to go to a place where you’re escorted on top of the tables to dance to “spirit in the sky” - GO.

If you want to see a prominent lawyer pop out his fake eyeball, throw it in his martini and exclaim, “ This tastes fantastic!” - GO.

If you want Miss Vero to turn to you and say, “ My high heels would look so much better on you, and watch her walk home barefoot.” - forgodsakes! GO!

And all this really happened, just last week! I don’t know if I can say enough good things about Undertow - not only the ambiance, but the people that surround you, range from politicos, famous artists, authors, up and coming musicians. Yes, the wait staff might be a little “indifferent” as they put it, but they’re the best part of Undertow!

I’m sure you probably think everybody walking in Vero are homeless scoundrels too. Although the entire article is titled Undertow: struggling against the current - Undertow is LEAST of the restaurants to have been hit by the economy which is something that Kitty Wagner should definitely pride herself on. So all in all if I can offer a suggestion, keep your presence at the Chop House, seems more your style (consistent and all).

Is that mean??

Miss Vero lets me vent, I feel better now.

Love and Hugs,
Viv

THE CONTINUING SAGA OF VIVIENE VON VOOT AND THE VERO DATING SCENE!

While I was out and about socializing on a lovely Sunday, I ran into someone who gave me a little constructive criticism about my writing style. He told me I was focusing a little too much on the negative, which is true, and that I needed to lean more towards “advice” which I also agree with. He told me that he would’ve loved to have known the hot spots in town when he was brand new to V. So this week’s column is dedicated to him. This might be a rough column full of stereotypes and statements you might not agree with but for the good single people of Vero Beach it’s absolutely necessary and all stated merely through observations I have made.

Disclaimer: I’m trying to drink Miss Vero under the table so this will be about the bar scene...

Riverside is great at happy hour it’s actually sophisticated from about 5:30-8. It’s when the night falls and the flood gates open to the underage and fresh out of college crew. You’ll be packed in like sardines and it averages about 10 minutes sometimes to receive your drink. Needless to say you get tired of it quickly.

Longbranch is always a drunken mistake and the bathrooms are more frightening than the dark hole in a porta potty.

Undertow is an exceptional place to socialize at any hour. I’ve probably never been in a friendlier atmosphere and that is usually the place of choice for new comers in Vero.

Costa De Este has a unique atmosphere, but it’s someplace to go to be seen, not necessarily meet new people. The people there already have their ties to Vero and are not interested in adding to their group. Not to mention on Friday nights the loud techno music is about as bad as walking into a raging ecstasy party where everyone is chewing on light bulbs.

The Indigo Room in the new Vero Beach Hotel is extravagant and I really think that would be a great place to meet people. You basically fall onto the beach when you step onto the outside deck. It’s got a great piano player, and it’s just a relaxing time.

The Patio has gotten somewhat of a bad rep with the recent closing and re-opening, but if you want to experience old Vero it’s great. They also have a piano player during the weekend and fantastic drink specials as well as food. Very rustic.

Filthy McNasty’s is…unexplainable. They definitely have their own frequent fliers there. If you’re into live bands that play hardcore rock than that is your place! Personally, it aggravates my senses but see for yourself.

Whatatavern is like a modern day cheers. It can be fun, they have great deals on drinks. It’s smokey, filthy, and poorly lit (as opposed to any other bar) but for some reason it attracts just about everybody in the demographic 19- 35 (yes, 19 face it tons of underage drinkers running around).

Bodega Blue is a perfect venue for downtown Vero, I wish we had more wine and cheese pubs like it! They always have an excellent acoustic show any given night and if you want to try a variety of beers that don’t taste like Natural Light, this is your scene!

Szechuan Palace’s upstairs bar is an amazing place to go and I personally don’t think they get nearly enough recognition for it.

Havana Night’s (Caribbean Court Hotel) piano bar is a MUST see and is a hush hush hidden treasure! If you want to get tipsy and not worry about running into people you know, than please be seated in their bed like tables.

With all this talk about bars, I might have to start the cocktail hour fairly early. Miss Vero, I'll see you in AA. OH and last but not least... R.I.P. Lenny's Lounge, gone but not forgotten.



Love and hugs,

Viv






Miss Vero wonders - What is this AA you speak of child?
MWAH!

missvero@live.com

HEPCAT IN THE HAT

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/alltherage/2009/01/inaugural-hat-t.html

Everybody's all about the hat. Yesterday, it was all about Miss Aretha's hat as it should be, but last week it was all about the hat at the Indian River County Taxpayers meeting. Miss Vero has received more emails about the hat than we ever could imagine. Oh! and by the way - why is it, that y'all want a private audience With Miss Vero via email, but y'all are not hitting the comments? Hmmmm? C'mon y'all, yes you liberals, dissidents and artistic types, come out, come out wherever y'all have been hiding for the last eight years! Oh my, we are suddenly channeling Glinda, the Good Witch of the North, explainin to the Munchkins that the wicked ole witch is dead. Now hunnies, that was a hat!

Hold on, it'll pass...too much inaugural champagne last night.

Where were we? The hat! THE HAT! "Is there a picture of the hat?" "Who was wearing the hat?" "I was there, I saw the hat too!" and on and on. The only thing this enthusiasm indicates to Miss Vero, is that it takes only a smidgen of fabulous fashion in town to make everybody sit up and take notice. So here's a little puzzle for y'all to put together regarding THE HAT.

Take one hat, very similar to this (not as fabulous) example:

And add it to the very fashionable, Miss Dianne Lininger, who wrote us this very lovely email explaining and ending, THE HAT mystery.

Dear Miss Vero,
I am the lady under the most fabulous hat ever to be seen in Vero at the Jan. 14 Taxpayer's Luncheon. The hat was a gift from Rose Spytek. After what you wrote, it has become my favorite. Now all my other hats are jealous!

Dianne Lininger

And here is some info and a photo of the very fashionable Miss Dianne: http://tc.yourhub.com/User.aspx?UserID=65165

Now, imagine the above hat (yet more fabulous) on the crown of (more beautiful in person) Miss Dianne and wha-la! There y'all have it, fabulous fashion in Vero exists!

Well, now that we have that all cleared up, let's continue, shall we kids? As we awoke at the crack of noon from our post inaugural party slumber and mixed our morning bloody marys, Miss Vero pleasantly remembers the crowds at the Epicenter of Cool - Undertow, last night. We see that the TCPalm sent some one out in the light of day to capture the actual inauguration, but the real party began after dark and went till closing, to put it as we heard it, "Don't everybody don't know that."

And what a gathering! Most of the Miss Vero gang was on hand, although we were feeling sorry for Miss B.Havior, who had to leave early due to the Du Roseland's inconsiderate scheduling of high colonics this morning.

We met some interesting new people and had a wonderful time. Artists and activists abound! And we were especially happy to see Mr. Ken Daige arrive after the City Council meeting with his lovely wife and applaud him for continuing to be vigilant of the political process in town.

Lots of conversation last night was political, however Miss Vero's fine tuned big ear picked up only local political patter and the big topic was in support of Mr. Kenric Ward's column on Sunday, suggesting we get to know a local developer a little better:
http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2009/jan/18/kenric-ward-palm-beach-corruption-laps-treasure-co/?feedback=1#comments

Of course now, this explains the fashion choices of Mr. Charlie Wilson and his affection for badly tailored pin stripe suits! (Because with us, it's all about fashion and as y'all know perception is reality.) Not only have we surmised that Mr. Charlie Wilson is indeed straight and single but on further examination of his fashion sense, we must also surmise that his attempt to appear "connected" is somewhat lacking and this entire pointless paragraph is only being used as as segue to our review of "Breaking Legs" at the Riverside Theater.

Keepin up with Miss Vero? Good. Because honestly we think we're still giddy about the election and all.

Ok where were we again?

Hmmm, "Breaking Legs" at The Riverside Theater. Ok, did y'all ever try to make Jello and it didn't well, gel? Y'all have a perfectly good package of Jello, just the right amount and temperature of cold and hot water, perfectly good working fridge and the timing is just right, but somehow it just doesn't make Jello? Did that ever happen to y'all? Well that's what "Breaking Legs" was like for us when we attended last week at Riverside. There was absolutely nothing wrong with any of the components of this production. From the amazing cast, who were flawless, to the timing, pace and production design (real Italian restaurants look less authentic than this set). Every detail was in place including the intermission music and the end of the first act was high-larious! We can't think of any reason not to see this production before it ends on February 1st. Sometimes when you expect Jello you get Kool-Aid, or in this case a nice Chianti.

Perhaps a nap is order for Miss Vero today.

MWAH!

missvero@live.com

OH! Almost forgot, my goodness Miss Vero's brain is ceratinly pickled today, we forgot to tell y'all to fear not! Green Acres will return!

ROAD TRIP AND MORE!

Ahhright hunnies, get out your calendars or your i-somethings or your chisel and hammer or whatever it is y'all use to save the date, here's some good times in the next few weeks to look forward to and although we love Fellsmere, that ole frog leg festival that Max was talking about yesterday, just isn't anywhere on our list.

Miss Vero is tired of everyone telling us that they are bored to tears with the same ole stuff (yet, we completely understand), so we've come up with a few suggestions that y'all might not see anywhere else. Of course we'll be attending most of the events (or sendin a designated socialite) and disscussin 'em all at length when they happen, so just consider this a sneak peek into our social calendar.

First of all, don't forget the Indian River Taxpayer's luncheon tomorrow, where the guest speaker will be Mr. Jeff Susi, CEO of the Indian River Medical Center. We're sure he'll be thrilled to see y'all and answer any question y'all may have.

At a dinner party last weekend, Miss Vero listened eagerly to the story of a very well to do beachie woman, who upon entering the ER informed the staff that she was a member of the "Golden Eagles" and should be whisked away to her private accommodations immediately! The attending RN (who related the tale), explained quite patiently that she would have to wait in the same designated area as everyone else and that it didn't matter how much money she gave to who, because no matter what she was told, this was indeed a myth to perpetuate donor dollars. Needless to say, Miss beachie's subsequent attitude was not helpful in the healing process.

So don't forget, go and see Mr. Susi squirm, uhmm, speak tomorrow.

http://www.verobeach.com/taxpayers/

And while you're in the mood, why not attend the appropriately named "Breaking Legs" at The Riverside Theater, opening tomorrow night?

http://www.riversidetheatre.com/shows/1-riverside-theatre

Also, y'all might want to consider seeing Mr. Garrison Keillor, who will be visiting next Monday, January 19th, but if y'all have made plans for celebratin the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Day, once again, we completely understand.

In fact, next week we should all be celebratin the inauguration of our new President, Mr. Barack Obama. Can we get a hoooray and an amen and a hallelujah?!!! Yes indeed. There will be a party, of course! Tuesday night, January 20th at the Epicenter of Cool, Undertow, to watch and celebrate this historic event.

Miss Nancy Richards, of the Indian River county Democratic Party, sent us a great email over the holidays, "The Election Party You Missed", which grabbed our attention immediately;

The local DEC (Democratic Executive Committee) rented the Executive Courthouse Center and along with the help of volunteers, put on the election night party which attracted about 350 people; including Republicans, Democrats, Independents., homeless people, about to be homeless people, very wealthy people, very very wealthy people with multiple homes they could lend to the homeless people, black, white, and yellow people--maybe a few red ones too--old, young, and all in between------it was spectacular; great band (The Coffee Beans), good eats and drinks---------we blew the roof off------wished you'd have known; or maybe you did and just couldn't make it?????

P.S. just became aware of your site; so answered your question about where the party was------sorry over 7 weeks late!

Hmmm, we don't remember seeing that party covered in our local paper.

Have y'all finished gigglin yet?

That's Ok, Miss Nancy, just keep us on the mailin list and let us know what's happening.

*SNARK ALERT*

We hear that sales of tickets to the Treasure Coast Wine Festival next week, benefiting IR Medical Center and the VNA, are a bit sluggish. Don't blame it on the economy. Let's just ask, what happens when you take a great concept and turn it into a semi private, beachie, charity event? It becomes exclusionary and as of January 20th, that is no longer fashionable.

Thursday, January 29th, Mr. Eliot Kleinberg, the author of "Weird Florida", will be speaking at the Emerson Center. This event starts at 7pm and the best part is that it's FREE!

http://www.theemersoncenter.org/humanities.html

FIRST WEEK IN FEB. - BUSY, BUSY, BUSY!

Monday, February 2nd, Poetry Slam in Vero! Sound interesting? We thought so too. Here's the details and a link to the new Cafe 1901. We love anything goin down in downtown, so we'll be curious to check out somethin new.

http://perfectedpenpoetry.com/

http://www.cafe1901.com/

Tuesday, February 3rd, The Vero Beach Book Center welcomes back our favorite Florida hero SERGE! Ok, how 'bout Serge's alter ego, our favorite, Mr. Tim Dorsey? Y'all know we love us some Tim Dorsey! In fact, here's a picture of Miss Vero attending a previous event for Mr. Dorsey at the Vero Beach Book Center, can y'all spot us? http://www.timdorsey.com/vero%2006.jpg

http://www.timdorsey.com/home.html

http://theverobeachbookcenter.com/

After getting our paws on a new Tim Dorsey book, by the end of the week we'll be in the mood for a little Florida road trip and what could be better than the 2009 Floridiana Festival?
http://www.hulahula.biz/2009floridianafestival.html

Miss Vero has waited all year for what promises to be a fun event, but we'll have to rush back on Sunday, because on February 8th at The Club House Bar and Grill, located at 4000 Atlantic Blvd, THERE WILL BE DRAG QUEENS!

Got that? All of it? Good, we guess we'll be seeing y'all around then...


MWAH!


missvero@live.com

MISS VERO'S NEW YEAR'S EVE

It was a tough decision, possum drop in Tallapoosa,Georgia?
http://web.georgia.org/net/calendar/details.aspx?s=124252.0.27.3011

Or drag queen drop in Key West?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDOgYs3rT04

Possum or drag queen, possum or drag queen? An impossible and agonizing decision for Miss Vero! Thank goodness, the Secret Squirrel came to our rescue and promised to whisk us away to a place that involves the Eiffel Tower and fireworks! Oooohh Paris?

No, EPCOT.

Yes, in a strange and fascinating tradition, the Squirrel and Miss Vero have tacky-ed up every New Year's celebration that we can get our little paws on. Last year the Squirrel somehow convinced Miss Vero to do some major tacky tourist things in New York City. Honestly who goes to New York City on New Year's Eve, only the crazy people, right? So count us in! Now, we weren't completely out of our minds to stand in the "pen" for ten hours. No, the Squirrel saw fit to install us on a very lovely rooftop with libations (and a warm apartment) close at hand.

And the year before, it was Las Vegas! All we are permitted to tell y'all about that trip is that it didn't involve Donny and Marie.

So this year Disney? Never, in Miss Vero's wildest dreams (and believe us hunnies, they do get wild), would we admit or agree to going to Disney World, especially on New Year's Eve. But our beloved Secret Squirrel has manged to book a little party that begins just before midnight at the French pavilion in EPCOT and continues at a very luxurious hotel, wha-la!

We do love our Squirrel! Until we met the Squirrel, Miss Vero had always considered New Year's Eve "amateur night" and we stayed home, so that others may finally take the opportunity to catch up with us. But no more. Because of the Squirrel we have found the true meaning of the holidays, the reason for the season, the keeping the "New" in New Year and that, kids is a tacky, yet fabulous, New Year's Eve celebration!

Now, because of our little tradition we did not make plans to stay in town, but if we did, y'all know we would be at the Epicenter of Cool - Undertow. There's a great band that night and Miss Kitty will be makin sure y'all have a rockin time, so yes, if we were in town that's where we'd be. So if y'all find yourselves in town tomorrow night, go to Undertow.

In fact, call right now and make a reservation.
772-770-0977

Don't argue with Miss Vero, just do it.

http://www.undertowcafe.com/

And for the love of possum and drag queens, don't drive! A cab is ALWAYS cheaper than a DUI! And no, we are not speaking from experience, Miss Vero just knows this as a universal truth - just like the fact that the sun will rise every morning and annoy our beauty rest.


Now we do have a few things that we will address concerning some stories over in the Press Journal and the fact that Mr. Lemmon did not mention us in his "Choice Morsels from '08" column today. We are not miffed that we were overlooked, just amused that for all the "tracking down" of Miss Vero that went on this year over at the PJ, that we should at least garner a honorable mention. We suppose it's their new strategy, that if they just ignore us, we'll go away. Guess again.

We'll give y'all our list of "Scoops and Predictions for 2009" and our year end retrospect on Friday, when we're sufficiently detoxed. Until then, enjoy LDouglas' Greetings from Green Acres tomorrow and we'll share a tasty Southern tradition on New Year's Day.

Oh! And one more thing...

MWAH!

missvero@live.com