I blame Woody Allen. I blame Candace Bushnell. Both have given me grandiose expectations for book parties. Woody Allen features cerebral neurotics in gorgeous library-type rooms; fireplaces, oak, leather ottomans and the standard European. Intellectual conversations abound over Beluga and scotch. Carrie Bradshaw's book party on Sex and the City was modern; everything crisp and white. Dance music, servers with canapes, splashy cocktails and the standard homosexual. Both depictions were enviable. Both were quite different than my first book party.
There were hush puppies. There were hot wings. They call him The Imbiber. He officially drinks for Playboy magazine. This dream job for every male is occupied by Dan Dunn, who can now call himself an author because he just released his book Living Loaded. The party wasn't what I had expected. The Playboy angle ensured there would be no Woody Allen-esque oak library, but surprisingly, there wasn't much plastic either. Where were the Ompa Loompa-skinned blondes with the big boobies?
It was mostly dudes and biker types; an older crowd in general. As mentioned, there were hot wings and hush puppies. There were also meatballs and hot sauces galore. Dan Dunn is co-owner of Baby Blues Barbecue in West Hollywood, which explains the venue and menu. Hey that rhymed. And I'm not complaining - hot wings are heaven. The free drinks also did not disappoint - nor could they afford to; him being "The Imbiber" and all. And I am talking top shelf liquor; Grey Goose, Maker's Mark, etc.
I was hoping some of the literary success would rub off on me by simply my being there, but the only after-effects appeared to be a hangover. Sigh.
