Galopin On To Park Ave Soon

Wow. The old Circa space on Park Avenue now is hardly recognizable. Okay, actually, it’s in no way recognizable. I don’t know that it’s night and day, but it’s surely midnight and early morning. The downstairs has some very cool new elements, and I couldn’t help but notice how well the entire décor works with my logo! (Nice job!) The look is very contemporary, with stacked rock walls for texture, sleek red neon tubes vertically place on certain walls and accenting some cornices, bathrooms with VERY unexpected elements you may well remember. I’ll be blunt: A lot of it is just kinda, well, sexy. But while I will be anxious to try the downstairs, I’m already prepared to hang OUT upstairs. This must be the largest continuous entertainment space on the Avenue, with no close second.

Once upon a time I was told by someone – I think that someone’s name is Tyler . . . ? – that upstairs at Circa was a “Cougar Den”. That’s ‘cougar’ as in, well, Desperate Housewives . . . older women interested in younger men. Hey, I have a VERY active imagination, it doesn't take much. I finally went upstairs just to see if it looked like what I was picturing . . . rock formations from which said cougars might sharpen their nails while waiting for innocent male Rollins students to wander in. Hey, I said, VERY active imagination. Well, I went upstairs back then and it didn’t look anything like what I thought. I remember being quite underwhelmed. Today when I went upstairs I was absolutely NOT underwhelmed. This space is huge with a huge bar and sleek and, in some cases, interesting and unexpected elements. (See photos of what I’m already dubbing the ‘Mork from Ork’ chairs!) I’ll be writing about Galopin in next week’s Observer, and then posting more pictures on this blog, but for now . . . see if these peak your curiosity.

Next week in my column in the Observer I’m also going to talk about one of the most delightful large purchases we’ve made at our house in a while: solar panels. Here we’ve lived in Florida for 11 years, Central Florida for 6. But our pool has always been like something much, much further north. Surrounded by lots of large, LUVly Winter Park Oaks, our summertime sun exposure left us COLD. Solar panels may not work well everywhere, but they surely do here. I’ll share our experience with Solar and you might just want to check them out, for warmer pool water, better hurricane preparation or to ditch the electric company altogether.

Out and about today I stopped by to see the guys at Bistro on Park Avenue and to ensure some of the credit card processing products they’re using were working well. I got the opportunity to check out the ‘Bistro Loft Shop’ which will be launched in the near future. Erika Boesch, one of the new Bistro owners, used to have Absolut Décor on Park Avenue. ‘Bistro Loft Shop’ is her next project in their vein and she has indulged me by bringing in lots and lots of owl products, in addition to some awesome made in America candles, colorful scarves, beautiful jewelry and more. Watch for more on the ‘Bistro Loft Shop’ in the future as a new gift shop shows up in an unexpected location.

Two things from out of nowhere which were a part of my day . . . . 1) Did you know the City of Winter Park has an air boat? I didn’t. But check out my photo and tell me if that isn’t what I caught, yes, riding down Park Avenue earlier today! 2) I was at the headquarters for Nuvo Company, my new partners for offering Local credit card processing located ON Park Avenue, and while I was waiting to talk to Mitch, who works there, snapped a photo of the 1979 Winter Park Sidewalk Arts Festival poster they have their framed. I LUV it, so unexpected, in only black and white, with peacocks about the sides and base. It’s signed and numbered and you know what . . . I was with her when she found this at a Graham’s Appraisals and Estate Sale last year. THAT was a dang good find. (How did I let her have it? No clue.) And, gotta say, Mish, coolio frame!

One quick follow-up from last night. Paperwork has now been turned in for the WPHS Get Together on Hannibal Square for two weeks from tomorrow night. AGAIN, this morning I had a call from another city employee wanting to help. As with last night, not entirely sure who to thank, but assuming it’s one of our city commissioners. So, to whomever we have to thank, a big THANK YOU! The city has been so accommodating and helpful with this across the board and it is MUCH appreciated. I understand an honorary WPHS diploma is in my future! That, and I believe, what will surely be a very interesting column the week after.

Lastly tonight, let’s ‘Give A Dog A Home’! Little Sushi is such a cutie, and is currently with Pooch & Poodle Rescue of Florida. Sushi is a 3 year old, 14 lb Shih Tzu girl who can't be more adorable! She is so well behaved that she will sit right on command or right before you give her a treat. Sushi will give you a big greeting when you get home complete with a welcome at the door and LUVing kisses to show just how much she missed you. She is very easy going and playful, especially with her brother Saki, who is also available. See more about Sushi and other animals available on their website: http://www.poodleandpoochrescue.org.

Until tomorrow . . . holy bricks and Spanish moss . . . I wasn’t quite as wordy tonight!