I couldn't have asked for a better day to stand in a long line along the sidewalk.
Arriving forty minutes after Will Call opened, and twenty minutes prior to doors opening, I presumed there would be no more than thirty people in front of me in line. So I delayed getting ready, tinkered with my makeup, and acting in a generally lackadaisical manner. Other attendees had greater discipline. When I arrived, the line to get in the doors stretched a good fifty people long, and the will call line was even longer. Baffled, I got in line, and hoped I was in the right one at the right place.
The crowd was diverse, ranging from costumed 60-something men, to well-dressed 20-something hipsters, to geeks of all fandoms wearing their allegiance on their T-shirts. Spotted: Firefly, Walking Dead, Legend of Zelda, and Doctor Who. Some of the costumes were quite ornate, others were charming in their simply homemade nature. Evidence of enthusiasm and passion exceeding skill.
The crowd was diverse, ranging from costumed 60-something men, to well-dressed 20-something hipsters, to geeks of all fandoms wearing their allegiance on their T-shirts. Spotted: Firefly, Walking Dead, Legend of Zelda, and Doctor Who. Some of the costumes were quite ornate, others were charming in their simply homemade nature. Evidence of enthusiasm and passion exceeding skill.
Upon reaching the Will Call booth I received a commemorative Fire and Blood chalice and tickets for a pour of the beer and a "Dothraki turkey leg." Yum! Prizes in hand, I journeyed to the back of the second line, the one to get in the doors once they opened. By this time it stretched down the sidewalk, around the building, and down almost 1/2 another block.
At 1:02 PM they opened the doors and we rushed inside.
First, let me just say that the inside of the Fonda Theatre is Gorgeous with a capital "G." Walls painted with scenes from the third panel in Hieronymous Bosch's famous triptych "The Garden of Earthly Delights," eclectic brass wall sconces, a wooden bar...and this is my first time here?! Unforgivable!
The first treat to great patrons was the Iron Throne, lit from behind and above by the stage lights, set up for photo opportunities. A line had already formed by the time I got in the doors, so I passed it up in favor of the food and drink, both served on the roof of the Fonda.
At 1:02 PM they opened the doors and we rushed inside.
First, let me just say that the inside of the Fonda Theatre is Gorgeous with a capital "G." Walls painted with scenes from the third panel in Hieronymous Bosch's famous triptych "The Garden of Earthly Delights," eclectic brass wall sconces, a wooden bar...and this is my first time here?! Unforgivable!
The first treat to great patrons was the Iron Throne, lit from behind and above by the stage lights, set up for photo opportunities. A line had already formed by the time I got in the doors, so I passed it up in favor of the food and drink, both served on the roof of the Fonda.
First I got the beer, poured from some awesome "Game of Thrones" taps. It's beautiful. With the blood-red hue, light carbonation, and frothy head, it's both distinctive and approachable. The chiles and spices give it a mild zing, with some malty smoothness rounding out the flavor. This is a beer I would drink even if it wasn't "Game of Thrones" inspired.
Maybe it's too good. While waiting for the turkey legs to be served I nearly drank the entire thing, in between chatting with other attendees. We were hovering like vultures above the turkey, ready in it's trays, needing only someone to serve it.
The leg was, in my opinion, worth the weight. Not as monstrous as those Disneyland mutant legs, but quite hefty. I passed up the barbecue sause, instead taking my leg plain. Unable to find a table on the roof, I smuggled my turkey into the Blue Palms Brewhouse dining room. Where I proceeded to tear into it like a starved direwolf.
Maybe it's too good. While waiting for the turkey legs to be served I nearly drank the entire thing, in between chatting with other attendees. We were hovering like vultures above the turkey, ready in it's trays, needing only someone to serve it.
The leg was, in my opinion, worth the weight. Not as monstrous as those Disneyland mutant legs, but quite hefty. I passed up the barbecue sause, instead taking my leg plain. Unable to find a table on the roof, I smuggled my turkey into the Blue Palms Brewhouse dining room. Where I proceeded to tear into it like a starved direwolf.
Noticing they had one of the previous "Thrones" beers on tap, the Take the Black Stout, I ordered a pour. It came back thick and nearly black, with a thick, creamy head. Wish I could have caught this one in the stores. Very tasty and rich, a great "dessert beer."
Sipping on my second beer of the afternoon, I felt mellow enough to wait in line for the Iron Throne pictures.
Sipping on my second beer of the afternoon, I felt mellow enough to wait in line for the Iron Throne pictures.
The wait wasn't too long, and I got a chance to meet more cool people. I mean, you're either a beer fan, a "Thrones" fan, or both, so the crowd had a disproportionate number of awesome people.
Watching previous participants pose gave me some inspiration. You only had four seconds between photos, and I plotted out my positions. When my turn came, I think I did a pretty good job capturing what I wanted.
Only wish I hadn't worn a bright white bra under that dress...
Anyway, by then it was after 3 pm, and I needed to run a few errands. The party was going on until 5 pm, and I hope everyone else had as great a time as I did.
Major shout-outs to Blue Palms Brewhouse, Brewery Ommegang, and HBO for an awesome event. Valar morghulis.
Watching previous participants pose gave me some inspiration. You only had four seconds between photos, and I plotted out my positions. When my turn came, I think I did a pretty good job capturing what I wanted.
Only wish I hadn't worn a bright white bra under that dress...
Anyway, by then it was after 3 pm, and I needed to run a few errands. The party was going on until 5 pm, and I hope everyone else had as great a time as I did.
Major shout-outs to Blue Palms Brewhouse, Brewery Ommegang, and HBO for an awesome event. Valar morghulis.
RSS Feed