Tyler & Ashley

Overdue Update

Wow, it's been so long since I've updated I don't know where to begin. We just celebrated one year of operations at Newmarket (can you believe it!) and things there are ticking along nicely. Prince's Wharf has, over the past several months, become the hottest night spot on the waterfront, which has brought us to the attention of the local constables. Seems the combination of our mostly-Islander partygoers and hip-hop music doesn't sit well with the Auckland City Council's vision of the waterfront. We just had another sit-down with the liquor dick and gang specialist and have come to some understanding of their objections. Problem is, we are operating under the letter of the law. It's the unwritten stuff we haven't yet divined. So, to make a long story short, it's been a hassle. We envisioned a latenight El Squid Row kind of place, casual, fun and loud. That's not what they see, even though there are other restaurants doing the exact same thing (except head-banging techno instead of hip-hop). They've said to us it's the music, but even though JB and I can't stand that music, we won't support having to change it just because they don't like it. We remember the days when rock & roll was considered the spawn of the devil and people burned Beatle records. Conor is changing it up this weekend with a world beat DJ and more reggae, and we will see if that unknots their knickers.

But the BIGGEST NEWS is that Tyler and Ashley are engaged! He flew to Albuquerque and popped the question. We are all so excited. Plans are for an August 2008 wedding in Sonoma. He's still in the States, due back soon, and Ashley is in her second year of coaching high school volleyball in Albuquerque. When the season is over, she'll be back with us and let the planning begin!