Follow-Up : First Fridays Midnight Boat Cruise

Friday night I had the pleasure of paying weeks in advance for a "VIP" ticket and not wanting to waste $55.60 so I basically HAD to go attending the First Fridays boat cruise. Determined to not be left feeling salty on the deck, waving as the boat pulled off we arrived at 1030p - - right on time for the VIP check-in. I was worried that we wouldn't find the check-in table until we spotted the sea, or should I say large blob, of unorganized black folks standing around. I eyed some men standing in the front behind the tables and approached them to figure out where the VIP check-in was. I didn't pay extra money to stand behind Boomsheika as she destroyed her french fries and bitched and moaned to her friends.

"Excuse me, are you all with the event?" I asked not wanting to assume that someone was on the clock if they weren't...

I was met with 3 blank stares. Had I stuttered? I tried shooting them a smile, not to be friendly but more so to mask my confusion as how utterly slow these guys must be.

"What can I help you with?" one of them had finally spoke up after the 3 exchanged a few chuckles.

I was confused. Should I not be asking the guys that were clearly standing BEHIND the fucking ticket table for directions? I'm sorry... answer my fucking question or kick a pile of rocks. If you wanna stunt on someone please do so from beside the bar or in your own VIP section...

"Do you know where the VIP check-in is? Or is this it?" I asked referring to the cluster fuck of people standing behind me...

"There's only 1 check-in" the guy answered managing to continue shooting his blank stare my way.

*sigh*

This was the first sign that things were going to be downhill. I don't like false advertisement and I don't like people using the excuse that "all promoters do it". When buying the ticket is clearly stated that the VIP check-in would not only be separate but at 1030p, 30 mins before the general public was allowed to check-in.

My girl and I made our way back to the line and began scanning the crowd.

"I think we're the youngest ones here" she said...

Looking around the crowd I had to agree. I was so confused. The May event had featured a great mix of 25-35yo professionals, tons of men, great music and an awesome location - - The Hotel Sax. The boat cruise was nothing like that. On average people were 35-50 and amid the horrendous men wearing suits from the Steve Harvey Collection and throngs of hood chicks and their ghetto ass friends, the excitement for the boat cruise was completely deflated.

Now when my girlfriend discovered that there actually WAS a VIP check-in and we were able to switch lines and get instant service things were starting to look up... but my 2 long islands weren't able to help me thru the 1.5 hr wait to board the boat. At midnight we finally began boarding and I was thrilled but that didn't last long. Turns out the entire night was a sham. The Don Julio and Ciroc hosted cocktails in the VIP that was advertised were wack!!!!!! These are the "drinks" that we received...and in case you can't tell how small they were I used my finger and blackberry to show their actual size. Imagine taking a shot of Nyquil and that was about it.

Next up on my shit list were the hors d'oeuvres that they advertised having. I've never seen Texas toast with shredded cheese thrown on top and actually served. To say it was a disappointment would be a gross understatement.

Now let me tell you that it couldn't get much more bootleg than this - - the "comedy show" consisted of a guy grabbing a mic and saying about 5 mins worth of material while DJ Mark Fuller set up his equipment. Even the 6 shots of patron I had did not make me forget that I had paid for a real "comedy show" and "hosted bar".

The "comedy show"

Besides the "comedy show" being non-existent (it's really hard to not continuously put quotes around comedy show lol) I must reiterate how much I was NOT feeling the crowd on the boat. I mean, some people were so excited I wanted to clarify to them that this didn't count as a REAL cruise. We were only going around Lake Michigan, not somewhere tropical like an island or Mexico...so simmer down, please. I think of myself as an authentic bourgeoisie but down to earth female so I can "hang" but I was totally out of my element...even the 8 drinks I had could barely get me thru the night. lol... While I'm sure a lot of people had a wonderful time on the boat I was not one of them (nor were my 2 girlfriends that went...)

I don't like hood operations and it's clear that I didn't have the time of my life (year, month or week) on that boat. The false advertisement in regards to the comedy show and VIP Don Julio & Ciroc hosted bar, in addition to the lackluster crowd, made me feel like it was $55.60 and 4.5 hrs of my life that I'll never get back. However, I will say that the boat itself was nice and I would recommend going for one of their lunch/dinner cruises.

I will never do another boat cruise in Chicago. Unless it's a more selective event or personal yacht (which I'm all about yachts) I'll take a big PASS.


Hood ass things that happened:

1. While standing in line some lady claiming to be a teacher (really an "attendance coordinator" and "freshman liaison") saw a group of her students (who she claimed hadn't been in school that day). She joked with the boys that they should "get their asses home" and the responded by trying to snap pics of her "dressed up " with their camera phone. *sigh*

2. 2 women pulled bags of flaming hots out of their purse and proceeded to eat them. I just wondered where they wiped their hands.



Highlights

1. The "comedian" making fun of how small the drinks were was actually funny. He had 5 mins worth of material but he made me let out a few chuckles. Plus, hearing him say "kick rocks" in a legitimate sentence won him some points in my book.

2. Learning more about the Odyssey Ship, its crew and captain... as well as trying to make up a name for having sex while out at sea with some of the crew lol.

3. The music was good throughout the entire boat.

4. The views of the skyline

First Fridays Chicago - June Boat Cruise

The summer is quickly approaching and to change things up a bit First Fridays Chicago will be hosting their June event on the Odyssey Cruise Boat @ Navy Pier. The party starts at 11p with the boat sailing until 3am. There will be a VIP Ciroc & Don Julio hosted cocktail party on the rooftop deck (only 25 tickets left) as well as a comedy show.

I have never done a boat cruise in Chicago so I'm not sure if the event will be a hit or if you'll look around at 130a and realize you're stranded in the middle of Lake Michigan with a boatload of women! lol... (every woman's nightmare)

General admission tickets are currently $35 (going to $45 after 12p 5/14)

VIP tickets are currently $50 (going to $60 after 12p 5/14)


To find out more information visit the First Fridays Chicago website here.

First Fridays Chicago - November Event

It's almost that time again for the sexy, swank and upscale urban professionals to get together, throw back some drinks and enjoy First Fridays Chicago!

The November event is set to be held on Friday, November 7th at the Hard Rock Cafe 63 W. Ontario (downtown Chicago). In addition to being the 16th anniversary celebration for First Fridays Chicago, the theme is all black attire with a special musical performance by Slick Rick "the ruler".

The event is sure to be better than the October event which I previously blogged about (due to the venue being an actual restaurant)...and I'm thrilled to go to a real bar that accepts real credit cards and NO carbon copy receipts!

On the 1s and 2s will be DJs 33 1/3, Tim Buck2, and Mark Fulla Flava...with special guest Slick Rick! For those who aren't familiar with any of his music (though it's hard to believe anyone hasn't heard of him...) here's a flashback to one of my FAVORITE songs growing up!




If you're looking for something nice to do and want to see the best of the best in Chicago's urban nightlife scene, I recommend putting this event high on your list! Due to the struggling economy, the promoters are giving the First 100 people to RSVP complimentary entry to the event! Go to the site www.firstfridayschicago.com and complete the form!

First Fridays Chicago - October Event

As I approach my mid-20s (technically I'm 8 months away...lol) it's a challenge to find a club/lounge atmosphere that fits me. I want a young, professional, urban, sexy and sophisticated feel. Unfortunately, places are either crawling with those suffering from the "snap craze", people whose only focus is to bottle pop and stunt, those trying to get chose, or folks a bit too old. In my search to find something new, I decided to attend First Fridays October event. I'd never been to a First Fridays event but heard wonderful things so I was quite optimistic.

The event was held at Flirty Girl Fitness (1325 W. Randolph) and featured various rooms, 3 DJs and even had 1 of the staff from Flirty Girl Fitness showcasing her pole routines....and before you start having images of the Player's Club flash into your mind, it was tastefully done. In actuality, watching her ab muscles being so engaged almost convinced me to cough up the $110 - $150 / month for the membership.

In terms of the actual venue, I wasn't expecting too much because I reminded myself that this was a fitness club...not a lounge, restaurant or club...but the use of space was poor. There were rooms that were unused and I believe that with a better use of space, things would have flowed better.

The biggest disappoinment was the bar situation. There were 4 bars, 2 cash only, and using a credit card was a nightmare. (picture getting a carbon copy receipt...lol...not the business) After paying the cover ($20 for women, $30 for men) I was excited to quench my thirst with a drink. I asked for a long island...hoping to get the most bang for my buck...but was told by the bartender that she "didn't have those ingredients." Hoping to simplify things a bit I asked for a vodka/lemonade...but was once again told "we don't have lemonade". At that point I have to admit that I became quite frustrated because if you're going to host a club night at your venue, you need to have a FULLY stocked bar...all in all the staff remained upbeat and accommodating as their venue nearly bust at the seems with people...most of whom were also irritated with the poorly stocked bar and treacherous wait for using their credit card.

On a brighter note, the crowd was wonderful...one of the most aesthetically pleasing I've seen in Chicago. The women were dressed nicely and for the most part cute (the wackness levels were at an all time low) . As for the men, I have to admit that they were for the most part all attractive...and their attire was the much needed icing on the cake. I'd recommend visiting the website and sending in an RSVP to cut down on the cost at the door...however, it's definitely worth the price (given the event is held at an actual club/restaurant/lounge...therefore allowing for a real bar).

The next First Fridays Chicago event is scheduled for Friday, November 7th. Check out the website for details as the date approaches.