GR post-holiday potluck

A lot of businesses have their annual party during the holidays, but GR's retail can be pretty nutty during that season. So we have our annual potluck in the new year instead. It works out that there's a GR restaurant on Sawtelle right between the two shops, and it happens to be closed on Sundays. That's why Pryor was in the gr/eats' kitchen tonight instead of Chef Nelson and his crew.


I keep forgetting how much effort people put into their dishes, and come in with low expectations only to be surprised. This year there was a vegan shepard's pie, mock Chinese chicken salad, and meatless borscht soup, not to mention homemade tamales, tons of great dips and desserts, and a killer fruit selection. Late arrivals included Spam musubi and cream-cheese-and-guava pie from Cafe Tropical! (If I didn't mention your contribution, sorry.)


Following the food was the traditional white elephant gift exchange. Everyone knows the drill, right? Wrong. The rules were changed numerous times this evening, mostly by store manager Michelle who wanted to increase the amount of stealing and maximize drama. Actually, that insured a good time was had by all--even though some people inevitably came home with some weird stuff. (Wendy, Eloise, and I snagged a Pantone mug from either Eric or Ayako.)


Below, the other end of a picture you'll probably see on Eric's blog. Eloise was getting pretty faded by the end of the gift exchanging shenanigans.


This year's attendees from the L.A. shops, webstore, and mag included Eloise, me, Wendy, Eric, Brandon, Margaux, Abby, Seth, Michelle, Sasha, Carmel, Aaron, Pryor, and Chris. (Did I really spell someone's name wrong?) Not shown: Cate. No-shows: Keyla, Tru, Luana, Kira, Dario... We'll be expecting notes from their doctors or parents on Monday.


See you next year! Actually, it might not be too late to find some of the crew singing karaoke at Yuu Yuu... Good luck tearing the mic from Michelle...