Birthday Celebration at Buck's!

Moving back to California nearly a year ago, a friend introduced me to Buck's Restaurant in Woodside. Think Dave & Busters meets the Antique Roadshow -- that's Buck's, a whole lot of personality and local hotspot.  They have a hodgepodge house band (featuring a rusty Tuba, accordion, trombone and tambourine) that plays a really bad rendition of 'Happy Birthday' for guests. I knew six months ago that I'd be coming back to celebrate my birthday, which we did last night.

In anticipation for the big day, I thought it'd be really cool if Shirley Temple, a Woodside resident, would make a guest appearance. Knowing Buck's is a gathering place for the community, I decided it was worth a shot to email the owner:

Jan 29 - from Liz to Jamis

Hi!

I wanted to quickly reach out to say how excited I am to visit your restaurant on February 12 @ 7pm to celebrate my 31st birthday!  I'm bringing 12-15 friends along and everyone is looking forward to the evening.  There is one random hope I have in the back of my mind and I'm just checking in to see if there is any way for you to help arrange it.

I've always wanted to meet Shirley Temple.  Knowing she is a Woodside resident, I was thinking there may be the chance that you know her.  Any possibility of her making a very special guest appearance?  I also know and respect that she takes her privacy seriously, but it would be an amazing treat to be able to meet her.

All the best and see you soon!

Jan 30 - from Jamis to Liz

hahahahahah you're cute. She once told me that the one thing that really makes her cringe is meeting new people because no matter what - she looks like an old lady and people have her younger self in mind. We can probably get Henry Kissinger for you though.

Jan 30 - Liz to Jamis

Holy Cow!  Henry Kissenger would be amazing to meet and talk to.  There was a recent news story about how he negotiated with China to prepare the way for Nixon's visit -- such a fascinating moment in our world's history.  If you could line this up, wow!  I am sad about Shirley, but I totally understand how it'd be awkward to meet strangers...

Jan 30 - Jamis to Liz

Liz, I'm kidding. To know me is to know that I'm never serious about serious subjects. You get me though. Maybe.

Jan 30 - Liz to Jamis

Ha!  It's all good, the thought entertained me most of the day.  Still planning to drop in on the 12th, love Buck's!

Jan 30 - Jamis to Liz

You're a good sport. I will try to be there doing my best impression of Shirley. If you want funny try this: http://www.amazon.com/Hutzler-5717-571-Banana-Slicer/dp/B0047E0EII/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_t
There are over 2600 reviews. It is the first great Internet novel

So...while Shirley, nor Henry, nor the Banana Slicer panned out, the evening did coincidentally align with Mardi gras, which is French for Fat Tuesday.  The house band was in full swing to celebrate.  They wound their way through tables wearing masks, playing terrible music and dropping beads for everyone. 

Learning it was my birthday, they wrapped a perfumed feather boa on my neck and stopped to play for our table of 10.  The mask-wearing tromboner was really into his song and hit my friend in the back of the head -- don't worry, it wasn't the 'that's going to swell' kind of hit, more of a 'it messed up my hair' bump.  The great news is he felt bad and brought us free cupcakes, promised a round of drinks and we received EXCELLENT service the remainder of the evening. 

We ended the night with a round of non-alcoholic drinks at the bar (thanks Mr. Tromboner!).  Here's to you Shirley!

Feb 13 - Liz to Jamis
Sorry we missed you last night!  One of my friends was hit in the head by the trombone player!  It was hilarious -- who knew my birthday would fall on Fat Tuesday and the band would be wearing masks and unable to see very well!  While I'm still a bit sad we didn't get to see Shirley Temple, we enjoyed her namesake at the bar after dinner...

Seriously, when do you think we'd be able to catch her -- dining for brunch on the weekend??

Feb 14 - Jamis to Liz

We always hit someone with the trombone. As far as Shirley goes I hear she is pretty infirm and isn't getting about much these days. She was a regular until about ten years ago.

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