The Byron of Santo Domingo

The musings of an ex-Southerner, ex-New Yorker Living and Learning in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Monday, May 29, 2006

Mother's Day and Uncle Marvin

Uncle Marvin came down this week for a visit. He left the unstable New Jersey weather for the tropical climate here in Santo Domingo. Marvin took Scotch and I out to dinner for my birthday on Wednesday night. We dined at the American Cafe. It's located in the Colonial Zone, just a few blocks from Casa New Yorker. We enjoyed Lobster Thermador and the best Chardonnay I've had here in the Dominican Republic. After dinner we headed over to the Sports Bar where Anthony was the (HBIC)Head Bitch In Charge. The joint was jumping. New folks coming to town, new boys I've never seen, a good time was had by all.

We have some guys in from New York this week, I'll let you know what's cooking later in the week. Yesterday was Mother's Day in the Dominican Republic. It was really cool to see everyone out shopping for presents and flowers. I went shopping with Richard on Saturday. We picked up a few things for his mother, I'm sure she will enjoy them.

Until next time....

Monday, May 22, 2006

The Last Pink Post






i promise no more

Even More Pics






just enjoy

More Party Pics






More pics

Party Pics






Please enjoy.

Pink Ice Ball

This birthday party was really special to me, because it brought together my family, my old American friends and my new Dominican friends. While living in New York people told me how bad Dominicans were, well after living here for a few months, I have found them to be loving, caring and very protective of me, Viva Dominicana!

First, I must thank a few people for thier hard work and dedicaiton to THINK PINK! Jose Luis was an angel. I met with him for just a few minutes and gave him my vision of what I wanted the party to look like, in just a few hours he made it happen. Kudos also to his helper who blew up all those balloons.

My entertainment Graciella was spectacular. She preformed several numbers and left the crowd begging for more. For those guests who were there, the egg and the chicken bones were my favorite part. Gracella you are a star!

The food was made with tender love and care. Richard and Ramon prepared a meal that was fit for a queen, well a bunch of queens. Richard roasted several chicken and Romon made his famous Buffalo wings. They also made a lovely fruit salad, a pink potato salad, and some tomato parmesan tarts that were fantastic. They worked really hard in a small hot kitchen. I love those kids. Thier friendship means the world to me.

Two other special thanks go to my Big Papi and Scotch. Thanks Big Papi, your words of encouragment and support have been my life line. Keep me on higher ground! Scotch your support has been unmeasured, keep giving me good love.

To all of my friends, thank you for your time, love, and support. If you need me, just call my name and I will be there.

The party went late into the night. Our neighbors were also having a party for thier daughter who was turing sweet 16. She looked fabulous in her white gown. I was not going to be outdone. I wore a pink Morrocan inspired chemise that was designed for my party by Fausto of Santo Domingo. Smooches, Fausto.

After this blog, I will no longer mention THINK PINK! I will announce next week the theme of the next party. Here is a hint, Miami Sound Machine meets Queen Elizabeth.

Beach Pictures






Here are some more pictures from Playa Caribe.

THINK PINK! Saturday Beach Party






The cocktails were cold and the weather was hot, Playa Caribe provided the perfect backdrop for our beach party. We dined on scrumptious food and the eye candy was stunning. The usual cast of characters were there; Richard, Scotch, Ramon, Armondo, David from SF, my brother Arnold and his partner Marshall, and of course Fabrizio. The waves were huge, Richard and I had a blast playing in the water. The beach party was the perfect preamble to the Pink Ice Ball.

THINK PINK! Friday Night








We had cocktails and laughter to kick off Think Pink in the lobby of Casa New Yorker. We followed that up with dinner at Bobo's. A good time was had by all. Jerry Gibbes, Jose Luis, Fabrizio, Cliff, Ramyond, the whole gang was there. From the sushi to the pasta, the food was delightful.

THINK PINK Wrap Up

I will have pictures and copy on the blog this afternoon. I am still cleaning and I am having some camera problems. The pictures are amazing, you will not be disappointed.

Thursday, May 18, 2006

The Pink Nears


The stress of this party is going to kill me. I can't walk down Conde without someone asking for an invite. The guest list is set and PINK will begin tomorrow. I am having a cocktail now to calm my nerves. I will report on all of the activities and gossip on Sunday night. I will of course include some pics of all the festivities. Guests from New York, San Francisco, and New Orleans are already arriving.

I will also address the John/Cabarete situation, I have been silent to long.

THINK PINK!

Monday, May 15, 2006

Playa Caribe and Other Stuff






I didn't go to the bars this weekend, so no news to report. I may have something to say about AM's blind item on Monaga in a few days. I may include some name's, dates and the hospital report(wink).

Sunday was incredibly hot so, Richard, Scott, Eve, and I jumped in the car and headed to Playa Caribe. Caribe is about 15 minutes past Bocha Chica and a lot less hectic. No vendors selling wares and whatnots. Caribe is where Dominicans go to chill out. There were families,couples(gay and straight), dogs, and a plethora of hot men. They were everywhere. My neck hurt from turing so quickly, looking at all of the delicious eye candy. Their is a large area where folks play volleyball and beach soccer. They are famous for their weekend tournaments. The large restaurant and bar give you panoramic views of the ocean, the sand volleyball court and the black and brown bodies frolicking about. You can get a lounge chair for 100 pesos or an umbrella table with unlimited chairs for 200 pesos. We opted for the table, you can't beat the shade.

When in Santo Domingo, skip Boca Chica and head to Playa Caribe, you will not be disappointed.

Friday, May 12, 2006

THINK PINK!


A few months ago I was reading an article in The New Yorker about Truman Capote's Black and White Ball. I was struck by the opulence and sheer ridiculous frivolousness of it. So I decided to throw a birthday party for myself that was big, trivial, and full of debauchery.

This party marks the 14th Anniversary of my 21st birthday. For some of you who skipped math in high school, that makes me 35. Yes, I said it out loud, damn! The cat is out of the bag. THINK PINK! also fulfills one of my fantasies of a Blush and Bashful party. (Those of you who know Ma'Lynn, Shelby and Claree, know exactly what I'm talking about). My brother, Dr. Arnold James and his partner will be in town for the festivities, so if you see them give them a good Santo Domingo welcome.

Here is a brief description of the weekends festivities, of course all events are invitation only. Truman would not have it any other way. All guests staying at Casa New Yorker are welcome to attend all of the events.
Friday-Cocktails and Chit Chat, Casa New Yorker Lobby
Dinner, Bobo's Restaurant
Dancing, JD's
Saturday-Beach Party, Playa Caribe
Pink Ice Ball, Casa New Yorker Rooftop
Sunday-Gospel Brunch

All events have been planned with care and attention to detail. Of course, pink attire is suggested at all events. I will keep you updated on all events and information. Until then, THINK PINK!

Miss Eve Harrington




For those of you who don't know, Miss Eve Harrington is my Jack Russell puppy. I received her on Christmas Eve sitting at Paco's. She has become the love of my life. I have another Jack Russell, Buddy, at home with my parents in South Carolina. I had to leave him in SC because I didn't want to take him to a small NYC apartment.

Eve was named after the Anne Baxter character in the movie, All About Eve. Baxter's character was an evil backstabbing, manipulative bitch, who would do anything to get to the top.(that sounds like every gay man in New York City) If you stay with us at Casa New Yorker in a few months and Miss Eve Harrington is running the hotel, her namesake will be proud.

Wednesday, May 10, 2006

Casa History




For those of you who don't know. Casa New Yorker used to be the Monaga
Guesthouse, owned by Anthony Montgomery. We took over the place December 2005. I t was a big culture shock for me. I was just reading my journal from that month and it frightened me. We went 6 weeks without electricity and a month with hot water. For spoiled New Yorkers this was not the answer. With the advice and help from Anthony, David Lee of Sports Bar and Jerry Gibbs of JDs, we were able to pull things together and settle into the community.

The two months of remodeling and redecorating was a testament to my patience. I won't go into the usual Dominican crap of not delivering what was promised, shoddy workmanship and of course not showing up on time. All that aside, I am happy with the current results. We have a long way to go before case New Yorker looks like the vision in my mind. (Check the website for some current pictures).