Preopening Album

Check out the preopening album for Newmarket - we have managed to scrounge these images off of our tired camera. This should give you an idea of how cool it looks. Stay tuned for images of the 30-foot virgin.

Newmarket is Open!

Let's see, what day is this? It's been such a whirlwind the last few days none of us knows! We finally got open at 5pm on Saturday - even though the plumbers were still setting the drains for the salsa bar and the Pepsi guy hadn't hooked up the water or the CO2. The doors opened, the customers flooded in, and we've been rocking ever since. Our digital camera is broken so I have to find time to get another one so I can post photos.

This is by far the most amazing restaurant we have ever opened. We have taken bits from all of the others, and Conor has added his design talents to produce something that we can truly say is "vintage urban industrial LA." We did have a minor point of contention on the graffiti art - I said no virgins or crucifixes - and we got a virgin. Not just a small virgin either, but one about 30 feet tall. Tyler assures me she's not a virgin, but the overtones are there nonetheless. JB and I have realized we are well and truly into middle age because we just don't get it. But our target market loves the art, loves the music (argh and we've already blown a speaker), loves the food. Even our American ex-pat friends agree this is very cholo. I keep expecting Cheech to roar up in a low rider and do a few bounces out in front.

Now, the bills. Photos to come, as soon as I can get to the store.

Cheers!

Keri's NZ Adventures

I have posted a photo album of Keri's adventures in NZ. The pictures are just awesome! She says she could have stayed in Raglan forever in the little tran cars.

Sunday Before Opening

I have posted a photo album on the right to show progress over the past week. We are ready to get the equipment & signage delivered and installed on Monday, food & bev, point of sale and digital menu board on Tuesday and furniture & smallwares on Wednesday. Employees are hired and training at Prince's Wharf, and what a great crew AGAIN! We will be ready for our "friends and family" night on Wednesday. Just wish we had more family here to share it with.

My cousin's daughter, Keri, has been visiting the past two weeks. We haven't been able to spend much time with her, but she's quite the fearless adventurer. She rented a car and toured the north of the north surf spots, hitting Lang's Beach and Shipwreck Bay. Then back to Auckland for a brief respite before she took off again for world-famous surfing at Raglan and then over to the Coromandel. We are expecting her back in this afternoon, then we will hit Mexicali for the farewell meal. I don't envy her flight tomorrow with all of the commotion going on. Air New Zealand is taking all of the expected precautions for flights to the US. However, if you choose to go to Tonga or Australia, you can take your shampoo with you!

8 Days and Counting!