The Tempest is a temptress!

Got to finally hit The Tempest Lounge on MLK last night for a friend's birthday party, and WOW! I love red; I love cookies -- what could be better?

Cookies, you ask? Yes, cookies. I was quite surprised myself. But there they were on the table. A plate of three, fresh, warm oatmeal raisin cookies. The lovely Linda seemed shocked that I did not know this secret. That you can get a plate of this hot gooey loveliness for just $4 ... different cookies every night, so you have to ask what's on tap ... er, on cookie sheet? ... each night. But unless you're allergic to a cookie ingredient, all are allegedly divine. Perfect for bad moods, broken hearts, tired eyes or even happy people in search of more happiness.

Oh, and the drinks were well-done, too. I quite enjoyed the Greyhound the fabulous bartend recommended.

But I was a little distracted by the cookies.

And the people.

Oh the people ... being that this was a birthday party, there was the added bonus of fabulous folks, some I knew, some I do now, and everywhere the conversations erupted as our darling birthday girl hostess pushed pairs together and said "I know you, I know you, you should know each other ... now talk and find out why." It's rare that I am forced to be on the other side of such face-to-face Six Degrees of Separation gaming. Usually I'm the one in the room pushing people together. I pondered a pout, but merely let myself warm up and then dived right in. And it was fabulous!

So hello to new friends, a shout out to the Tempest and thank you, birthday girl, for giving me the opportunity to see life on "the other side" of the pushy hostess table. I love you all!