The inauguration party came and went in the blink of an eye. We were cranking at max capacity to make sure that everything was perfect. The party started on Thursday at 9PM and the last piece of glass and the last piece of stickers (for the windows) were still going up at exactly 9PM. Even with all of the craziness, everything was totally done there wasn't a single thing missing (I don't think any of us really believed that we did this all in 5 weeks). As for the party, it was fantastic. After all of the work that I put into the place, all I really hoped for was that everyone else liked it as much as me. The overall feedback was that people were shocked. Everyone really, really likes the place. I had several people tell me that they felt like they were in Manhattan, and, honestly, I can't think of a better compliment than that. The party itself is never really that enjoyable for the owners, because we have to make sure to say hi to everyone and to make sure everyone is totally happy. Of course, the rough part was the TV interview. My partner, Val, hates the spotlight and my other partner, Dave, is still in the early learning phases of Portuguese. Therefore, the interview was laid squarely on my shoulders. However, once it got started, it was fine. The interviewer made it really easy. Unfortunately, it ran on Sunday and I missed it but I'm probably better off not having seen it. Otherwise, I would probably realize that I need to enroll in some intense Portuguese classes ASAP and God knows I don't have time for that. Anyway, here are the pics from the party. Enjoy: http://picasaweb.google.com/cpackard11/TatsuyaSushiLoungeInaugurationParty.
As for everything else, it feels really good to have life somewhat back to normal. I no longer have to wake up and go straight to the restaurant. I'm enjoying my days at the beach and trying to get back into shape. Summer time is definitely here. It is SUPER hot, and the action is really start to happen all around the island. Come Christmas time, the population on the island is going to triple. I don't know if I'm prepared for what is about to happen, but I know that I couldn't be more excited. I have been at the restaurant every night just having a blast. Fortunately, we have been full every night we have been open, and there is nothing more satisfying that watching people have a good time at your place. And now there will even be more people to entertain, and I'll do everything I can to make sure they have a good time.....make sure to stop by if you're headed this way!
I wish everyone happy holidays and a very healthy new year. If you don't hear from me until January, don't worry, I'm probably just sitting on the deck of Tatsuya having a cocktail and living the summer time dream....
4 comments:
Chris,
Congratulations with the opening - the place looks great, we'll definitely stop by in the next few weeks.
Leaving for Floripa from freezing Switzerland tomorrow ... can't wait !
Ago
Cuz,
Congrats on the opening! The restaurant, food, and drinks look fantastic. I can't wait to see it.
Enjoy the first weeks, and happy holidays.
Heath
Hello Chris:
I was hoping you can provide me with some basic information from an "American" perspective. Here's some background information. I'm 38 and born and dragged up in NYC. I lived there for 27 years and in 1997 moved to Miami. I love feel and weather here and would never move back to NYC. Nonetheless, I'm tired of the daily grind and looking for "real" change.
I'm married to a Brazilian woman and we have a 9 year old daughter. The wife's family lives in Recife but she has a sister (she also lived in Miami) who's married to a floripa native (he also lived in Miami) and they live in floripa. They say they are very happy and would never move back to the states. They have 2 kids - ages 4 and 2. I've seen the pics of their house and surroundings and its simply beautiful.
I own several business and recently graduated law school and passed the bar. I have not been admitted to the bar yet and thus have not begun to practice. Here's my idea: I want to move to Floripa in June 2010 (my daughter will be 10 and going into the 6th grade) for 1 to 3 years. For now, my idea is to return to Miami no later than 2013 so my daughter can attend H.S. in Miami.
Given this basic background information can you provide me with your thoughts. Also, I understand I can live a charmed life in Floripa with about 5k a month (nice house in close proximity to the beach/lagoon, maid, etc. Is this true? If not, please provide me with some basic information about the cost of living.
Lastly, I'm sure you're busy with the opening of your restaurant (congratulations and good luck - I owned a bagel store in NYC and would NEVER go back into the food business - unless its Pizza) so respond when you have a free moment.
Thank you,
Ralph
e-mail (ram1970@bellsouth.net)
I'm brazilian and I live in floripa. I just randomly found your blog while looking for something else online, and thought I would drop you a line. Your stories and thoughts on floripa and brazilians cracked up at times, haha.
While reading your blog I found out you are the owner of that japanese restaurant right across the street from my friends house! I thought it was such a strange coincidence. We are checking it out this week! Hopefully it's as cool as it looks! haha
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