Burger Bash

[PlayadelSoul]

Some recent people sightings in Playa have brought back memories of the Burger Bashes at LB. I am not much of a socializer, but always made a point of attending the Bash. It is where I first met such wonderful people as Ginger, Zoom and Ms. Rubio, Mikey, MflsQueen and a few others, whom I remain friendly with, today.

These events were so eclectic and interesting. Mikey setting up his webcam and documenting the whole thing. SarahB going from group to group, charming every person she came in contact with (Playa has not been the same, since she left). Me, stuffing my face with Bloody Chica burgers. Laughter permeating the courtyard of the Blue. Folks finding their favorite drink station and guarding the stash. Some, who indulged a bit too much, trying to hit on others who hadn't. Love connections and gossip porches. In essence, everything you want in a party.

I would ask T and C if I might help out, financially, and they would tell me to piss off and have a good time. The thing I remember the most, however, was watching the two of them going from group to group making sure everyone was happy. The world needs more Tony's and Cheri's and Burger Bashes.

Anyway, since the memories came up, I just wanted to say thanks for them. Now, I am hungry for a burger. Think I might take the wife and kids out for some, later, and then pass the LB, just to try to recapture the vibe.

[Streckman]

Originally Posted by PlayadelSoul

Some recent people sightings in Playa have brought back memories of the Burger Bashes at LB. I am not much of a socializer, but always made a point of attending the Bash. It is where I first met such wonderful people as Ginger, Zoom and Ms. Rubio, Mikey, MflsQueen and a few others, whom I remain friendly with, today.

These events were so eclectic and interesting. Mikey setting up his webcam and documenting the whole thing. SarahB going from group to group, charming every person she came in contact with (Playa has not been the same, since she left). Me, stuffing my face with Bloody Chica burgers. Laughter permeating the courtyard of the Blue. Folks finding their favorite drink station and guarding the stash. Some, who indulged a bit too much, trying to hit on others who hadn't. Love connections and gossip porches. In essence, everything you want in a party.

I would ask T and C if I might help out, financially, and they would tell me to piss off and have a good time. The thing I remember the most, however, was watching the two of them going from group to group making sure everyone was happy. The world needs more Tony's and Cheri's and Burger Bashes.

Anyway, since the memories came up, I just wanted to say thanks for them. Now, I am hungry for a burger. Think I might take the wife and kids out for some, later, and then pass the LB, just to try to recapture the vibe.

I recall the pics and the stories of these as well Mark and must say I was always jealous that I couldn't attend. I agree, T and C seem to be the kinda folks I'd love to have as my next door neighbors here. The only problem I see with that though is I'd never make it off my deck as I'm sure there would be a few nights of too many beers happening. So, is there another Burger Bash event planned any time soon??

[Cuff]

Wow Mark, you're right...

I guess I didn't know SO many folks had converged on Playa right now, but considering many of these friendships began with events planned around the wonderful Luna Blue as a venue I'm SURE that with so many of these folks in town now who have been on the receiving end, or who have had friends who have had their vacations enhanced by T&C that to a person each has taken just a moment to stop by the "Blue" to say "Hey" and "Thanks" and "How are things?"...or just to see how nicely things have changed or to recapture in their minds such great times.

While I didn't get a chance to be in on any of those events, I certainly enjoyed hearing about them, and seeing the pictures of people gathering to enjoy life and each other's fellowship, and the "Playa Vibe" - even to excess ;-) courtesy of T&C and "The Blue".

SO many people have been on the receiving end of of Tony and Cheri's hospitality...free food, drink and board. And helping out with the things that come up during a vacation stay, EVEN when some of the folks who've been helped out weren't staying at Luna Blue...rental cars, excursions, places for a special dinner...And so much of the events over the course of that time, helped out behind the scenes at the expense of time and money, as you point out Mark, just to help make sure that Playa in general is represented well, and just because it's the right thing to do.

To all the folks in Playa now from various web homes, have fun, be safe and say "hey" to the places and faces of Playa, T&C and the Blue, and here's to fond memories and "remember whens"...

[TAPPY]

T&C are two of the most generous people I have met in Playa.

I missed the last Burger Bash, but I sure enjoyed the webcam version and all of the tall tales after the fact.

Cant wait to stop by in June to see T&C and the Blue.

[Ginger]

What fond memories you have brought up for me too, Mark.

I wish I was there now, but I'll have to settle for July. And I have a feeling T & C will have to beat me off with a stick to keep me from coming around so often that month!

[Michele]

What a nice sentiment and a nice thread to start. Sets my (U.S.) Mother's Day off on just the right note!

[PlayaLove]

They are the kindest people I have come accross in a long time. Always going out of their way to make things right and hoping you have a great holiday. See you next year.....

[Cosmo]

Ah yes, can't wait to have a drink or two at the Tiki Bar! Love Luna Blue...

[PlayadelSoul]

Originally Posted by Cuff

Wow Mark, you're right...

I guess I didn't know SO many folks had converged on Playa right now, but considering many of these friendships began with events planned around the wonderful Luna Blue as a venue I'm SURE that with so many of these folks in town now who have been on the receiving end, or who have had friends who have had their vacations enhanced by T&C that to a person each has taken just a moment to stop by the "Blue" to say "Hey" and "Thanks" and "How are things?"...or just to see how nicely things have changed or to recapture in their minds such great times.

While I didn't get a chance to be in on any of those events, I certainly enjoyed hearing about them, and seeing the pictures of people gathering to enjoy life and each other's fellowship, and the "Playa Vibe" - even to excess ;-) courtesy of T&C and "The Blue".

SO many people have been on the receiving end of of Tony and Cheri's hospitality...free food, drink and board. And helping out with the things that come up during a vacation stay, EVEN when some of the folks who've been helped out weren't staying at Luna Blue...rental cars, excursions, places for a special dinner...And so much of the events over the course of that time, helped out behind the scenes at the expense of time and money, as you point out Mark, just to help make sure that Playa in general is represented well, and just because it's the right thing to do.

To all the folks in Playa now from various web homes, have fun, be safe and say "hey" to the places and faces of Playa, T&C and the Blue, and here's to fond memories and "remember whens"...

That is a thought. I wonder how many have passed by. Or, does the PI ban on T and C extend into real life, as well? If that were true, it would be sadder than sad.

[PlayaWithMe]

So strange I just deleted most all my pics of that Bash off of photobucket......I still have them all just needed some room.......One of the pics that I came across was one of Michael Holmes.......Has anyone heard how he is doing?

[banzoomba]

Good Times...Great friends..Good Times........Great friends

Loved being on my balcony and looking down at all the people who had filled the court yard....and wondering how I was going to get through to get my drink

[Tony&Cheri]

You guys are too nice. Thanks for the kind words, and thanks for bringing back some great memories of the Blender and Burger Bashes. They were a blast.

Remembering: Hunky Carlos cookin’ burgers…and raising the girls’ temperatures ; that hot band playing Santana on the deck; Sarah and Adam meeting for the first time; the inauguration of the “clothing optional” deck ; the Bloody Chicas bar dancing… when they weren’t cooking those incredible “Chica Burgers;" the “secret” margarita recipe everybody loved (lime tang and Cuervo margarita mix combined in several twenty liter jugs!); the balcony prize throwing; buying 12 blenders at Walmart; worrying we would get rained out (Monica kept saying ”Don’t worry”) and stretching a tarp over the band mid performance to keep them dry; Mikey getting it all on the live webcast and Biz getting it all on video; and Tony’s personal favorite…getting to take pictures of Cheri and Sarah “wearing” only burgers and margaritas strategically held in place for the memorial t-shirt.

Those were great times. We were happy to host them and in all truthfulness we were a little selfish about it. The Burger Bashes were a personal celebration for us…that we did it, that we moved here and became a permanent part of life in Playa, both real and virtual. It was us giving a shout out to the world. And more importantly we made friends. Sure, some folks (we usually had about 150 people per party) came for the free booze and to be “seen” and drifted off when the booze was gone or when someplace else was declared by someone to be the new hot spot. And that’s ok. It was a party and we are glad people had a good time. But for us the best part was that we met people who truly became part of our lives. Some live here and some we wait impatiently to see whenever they can get here. Wherever they live they became very special to us. It doesn’t get any better than that.

The Bashes were fun, but nothing lasts forever…not people, places or internet forums. Things change. This year we didn’t have a Burger Bash. We were a little busy working. Despite (or maybe because of) changes in our internet “connections” we had the best high season ever…over 98% occupancy. It kept us a little busy. But we did open the Luna Blue Bar. We plan on having a lot of fun hosting events at the Bar in the coming months…the Jimmy Buffett Concert broadcast, barbeques, holiday events, birthdays, …we might even have a wedding party or two show up there this year. We kind of think of our bar as a never ending Blender and Burger bash.

And of course anyone and everyone is always welcome to stop by to join the fun.

Thanks again for remembering.

[popeye]

Well, All I know is I've met a whole bunch of wonderful people at those things, Ginger & Mark are just two. I even brought friends from Missouri to the last one. No doubt one of the best parties, best spots, best music and best host ever! O- Yeah, I even won the "Grand Prize" the 1st year (3 FREE nites in "The LOVE NEST.") Rigged You say? Of course- why do you think I keep doin paintings for those two (just kidding) - I was more surprised than anyone!
Yes, Thanks for ALL you do for so many, T & C -Love ya!

[PlayaWithMe]

Sure wish we could get those burgers at the bar........ They were really great.

[SUNBABY]

I'm sorry I had to miss the Burgerbash the first year, I was booked for the Chichen Itza tour and that was the only day it was held. Bummer! But I did get to know T&C a little more this past March. They are great people even if we don't agree politically.

[bufante]

Wow! What great memories Mark!

I can remember being a part of a couple of burger bashes! I remember meeting all kinds of people, I remember Carlos cooking burgers, the Bloody Chicas cooking, I remember drinks galore. I even remember when it rained, but after a little rigging by Tony and I (and a wet ladder with flip flops on) the party went on.

I remember all the work that went into those parties and how much time and energy T and C devoted to it, to make it as fun as they were. Thanks again guys.

Most of all, I remember walking into the first Burger Bash straight from the airport with the party going strong and seeing Tony. Tony told me that he had my bags taken care of and called out for Sarah. She came to the front and I couldn't let her carry my bags, I just wanted to follow her . That was the beginning of something very special.

Now I look forward to The Blue and although it isn't the burger bash, I am guessing the next party I attend there will be my most favorite!

Thanks for the memories!

[Ginger]

Yup, they were great. I was only at one, but it was fantabulous. At first I couldn't believe that Tony wasn't charging or even accepting any money for the drinks. There were so many people there, I can't imagine what it would have cost! But it was great meeting folks, some for the second or third time, some for the first such as Mark, Barry, MFL'sQueen, and Adam (Bufante) who soon became my hubby's favorite Iowan weenie with a capital W.

We had my bro-in-law and sis-in-law with us staying at the Blue then. I remember their faces, they couldn't believe we knew all these people from the INTERNET... And of course they were absolutely amazed by T&C's hospitality as well.

Would love to make another burger-bash like party of our own at the Blue in July. But this time drinks are on all of US Tony! If anyone wants to join in what may be the first official Roo Crew Do or whatever it's called, I think it's pretty apropros that it be held at the Luna Blue bar, don't you? So join the Roo Crew Do Palooza Social Group for more info!!!

[mfl's queen]

Ahhh yes, the Burger Bash....the first Burger Bash we attended was my first meeting of a lot of very nice people, some of whom I felt I already knew. Mike, my husband, thought I was a bit crazy for attending something with people whom I had met on the computer!! He had the best time, and ever since, is always eager and willing to attend anything where he might get the chance to see any of those people, or meet new ones.

This last trip, we were lucky enough to attend the opening of the Blue Bar, and went there a couple of times during our trip. We were fortunate to see some familiar faces, in addition to meeting some new ones. This will, by all means, be a bar we will stop often to visit.

Tony & Cheri---you are the best!!

[Sol]

Last year, I attended the Peepfest Burger Bash. It was Cheri's birthday. It was a marvelous evening because of Tony and Cheri's generosity. Tasty Chica burgers, great band, and free flowing blended libations. When we ran out of beer, we went across the street to the tiendita to purchase more. Tony broke out a bottle of Corralejo and served up some shots to his staff and me. That was so much fun. I left with several new friends and some fond memories. Thanks Tony and Cheri!

[DavidB]

The Burger Bashes were the best partys in Playa. We were lucky enough to be able to attend both of them. T&C are great hosts and I loved showing off our rooms. They have done such a fantastic job with the hotel. It's great to see people willing to keep Playa's small town feel and not turn everything into a mega resort/hotel.