Syn-Party (The cuffs are from a different party)

This weekend featured the Syn-Mar post-Christmas weekend Christmas party. As real estate appraisers, we are constantly trying to meet deadlines, so you can forgive us for celebrating Christmas a little late.

The festivities began on Saturday. Steve Rethmeier, president and resident real estate guru was kind enough to get us all rooms at the Grafton Inn, a boutique hotel
on Sunset Avenue. Dara and I fed Schmaty with a day's worth of food (which she ate before we were even out there door), checked in at the Grafton and relaxed before dinner. Unfortunately we got two twin beds rather than a King-size, but we made ourselves at home, got ready and headed towards B.O.A. restaurant, which is in the Grafton lobby.

B.O.A. is known for their steaks, but apparently not the layout. At first we had to squeeze into a tiny table no bigger than a pizza box, but they moved us to better diggs, where I enjoyed a 40 day aged New York Steak, and Dara tried the (somewhat salty, but otherwise tasty) Ahi Tuna.

We then headed towards the House of Blues where the main party was to be. Dara and I arrived when Steve & Co. were enjoying their meal. They shared their drinks with us: two little bottles named Dom & Perignon, ages 12 and 8. I've never tried true champagne (only sparkling wine), and it was an experience.

From that time onward, the night progressed into a naked, drunken epic office party in the Ganesh room (see photos), and then progressed to the Parish room (again, see photos).

Tired, and stumbling towards our rooms, Dara and I were awoken at 4:00 by loud, drunken
stragglers in the hallway (not from Syn-Mar). So we had about 4 hours of sleep before we woke up and attended HoB's famous Gospel Breakfast which is exactly like it sounds: breafkast buffet followed by incredible gospel music. The food was good, if a little odd (fried chicken in the morning? Not to mention alcohol?--I guess you have to be from the south), but the singers were incredible, and were backed up by a Carter Beauford-esque drummer.

But eventually, fatigue got the better of Dara and I, and we had to feed our little Schmaty (who hadn't eaten since that same time the day before), so we left for home.

All in all, a good time.