Party in the Park is an annual event held by tobacco company Export “A”, as an appreciation to its vendors involved in the bar and nightclub industry. I received the invite last weekend and, like usual, could not turn down free food and booze 
With temperatures hovering at the freezing mark, I’m glad they did not take the “park” theme seriously. Instead, they brought the outside in by decorating the function hall with trees, tents, picnic benches laden with food and all staffed by park rangers. There was even a dancing moose.
The music was awesome, they started out with a great cover band that played a lot of rock hits from the 80’s and 90’s. Around midnight the DJ came on to play dance music. Then they turned on the laser beams!
Even though I don’t go to clubs much anymore, it was fun to see a lot of old friends and colleagues that I’ve made through the industry. It reminded me of a high school dance . . . with a lot of hot women.
The night was also the special unveiling of a new brand of cigarettes, made by Export “A”, called Mirage. Mirage’s slogan is “Less Smoke Smell”, not the catchiest phrase but to the point. I don’t smoke myself so I gave away the free pack I was given. I’m not sure if it really smells less smoky or not as it seemed like everybody outside was smoking marijuana.
The food was simple, yet hearty, fare. As per the park theme there were picnic tables laden with hamburgers, hot dogs and all the fixings. I got the munchies but was too drunk to make my own food, I distinctly remember running around taking bites out of other peoples burgers. I think they all knew me though because nobody tried to punch me out. I was also given a complimentary camping chair, but I forgot it in my buddy’s car 
It’s been a while since I drank like I did at this party so things got a little hazy near the end. I just remember that I suddenly had a craving for a greasy burger so I made my friend take me to Top’s Restaurant. Top’s has been a local fixture on Kingsway for over a decade now and is known for its good food and staying open 24/7. They have my favorite, the Super Burger, which is two ground top sirloin, grade A, patties, topped with a slightly runny fried egg, melted cheddar cheese and the usual onions, lettuce, pickles and tomatoes. I ended up wearing about half of it.
I’m also informed that I made a drunken 3am phone call to an ex-girlfriend. I denied it of course but she said she saved the recording and she’ll play it for me next time she sees me. Yes, alcohol brings out the classy guy in me.
Posted on December 12th, 2007 by Leo
Filed under: Lucid Thoughts
Always love your photos Leo, whether they be food or ladies they`re always entertaining. I`m home to Australia next week, i`ll ake sre i get plenty of both … photos that is. ;>)
That burger looks damn good…
As for you getting hammered and not remembering–awesome!!!
There’s barely anything like this in Pittsburgh. So little opportunity for networking and product events.
BAH HA HA! LEO THE HAMBURGLER!!! I just so happened to read this and laughed my ass off…and I’ve gotta say…your antics are making me feel A LOT better for all those time I’d get too loaded and fall down in the middle of the street…happy to say the knees are scrape free these days!
I don’t drink too often, but the last time I did, I went to bed to sleep it off and had a dream that I was taking a whiz. Then I woke up and found out that dreams do come true.
Man, I hope for your sake you were sleeping alone that night
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The late night drunken phone call sounds like trouble! Good luck with that!
when i last attended a party like this…umum it long back, I need one soon..
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