I’ve been laying around most of the day [Well, since about 1:45] trying to figure out the perfect way to help kick off the newest addition to the Metroblogging family. Unfortunately, it was too hot today to devise some sort of grandiose kick-off. I’m just going to be a lazy sod and start with a review and mention some local favorites.

I spent this last Saturday at the Orange International Street Fair. At least I think I did, because I spent far too much time on Denmark Street soaking up 2 for $5 beers. Needless to say, my memory is a bit hazy. I do remeber that The American Wake put on a fantastic performance tho. In their two sets on Saturday they managed to do a nice cross section of originals, traditional irish drinking songs and covers. If you missed them this weekend, they’re the house band at Gallagher’s Pub in Huntington Beach almost every Saturday night.

If you do go see The American Wake they’ll eventually ask for requests. Please don’t be clever and yell “Play some Skynard!”, because they’ll launch into a 10 minute rendition of “Freebird” without a second thought. What’s worse is they won’t stop until it’s done, and for the rest of the night you’ll be “That asshole who requested Freebird” to the rest of the bar.

I could also mention the great spot of curry I got at “Hollywood Bollywood” off Tustin in Orange last week. The staff there was absolutley wonderful and attentive and the food was spectacular. The garlic naan is a revelation unto itself. I felt guilty sopping up my errant curry gravy with it, but that was also too good to just waste. In one corner of the resturant sits a 72-inch HDTV which plays Indian TV all day. I’m always in search of a good curry house, and this is one I’ll definitely come back to.

Before I bring this post to a close, I ought to pimp my friends Gil and Ann’s cybercafe Plush. I know when most people in Orange County think cybercafe, they imagine the often tumultuous ones in Garden Grove where people get shot over CounterStrike. Plush goes for a different vibe, by offering a bank of eMacs chock full of design software and a decent WiFi connection. They also sell a variety of coffee drinks, sandwiches and bottled beers.

Right now Gil and Ann are the only two working there, and Gil’s just picked up a day job so he can hire a part timer or two. They’re extremely nice there and regulars are often greeted with a warm smile and a handshake or a hug. It’s one of the only coffeehouses I’ve been to in the county that I feel completely at home in.

Well, that about wraps it for this installment. I’ve got a glass of rum and cherry limeade calling my name.