Vintage places I wish were real
Mar 8, 2017 | by Becky Oeltjenbruns
Where you can make an entrance!
Hello dear readers, it’s been a challenging week so far – and it’s only Wednesday! There is a lot going on in my corner of the world. Between work, puppy vet appointments, and getting ready for a mini-vacation- it can feel overwhelming.
At times like these I like to de-stress by watching some of my favorite retro movies. This weekend as I coasted into nap mode I pondered on my beloved, fictional locations and I thought: how great would it be if I could go there? I humbly present my list of the top three vintage places I wish were real. Please let me know your top trio in the comments!
Harmonia Gardens from Hello Dolly!
This amazing restaurant is high on my list for a few key reasons: dancing waiters, an amazing band led by Louis Armstrong, and the grand space. If I could dine at the Harmonia Gardens in real life I would be there every Friday evening, dressed to impressed, and ready to have my food arrive to my table in style.
“Every Friday night, even when times were bad, every Friday night, like clockwork, down those stairs of the Harmonia Gardens we came, Ephraim and I.” – Dolly Levi
The amazing Lena Horne
Everyone who dined there was fantastically attired, the band was hopping, and there wasn’t a sad face in the room. This is the kind of place you spend your last dollar on just for the experience. I’m fairly certain Yelp! would break due to the volume of positive reviews…
Club Oriole from Duchess of Idaho
I became acquainted with this movie on Sunday and I’m in love. Esther Williams and Van Johnson at their best, set against a musical backdrop. The first restaurant we see is Club Oriole where Lena Horne is showcasing her amazing pipes. It’s the kind of swanky place where the champagne always flows and a hint of drama just adds to the intrigue.
Much like a trip to Harmonia Gardens, I would find myself inspired to dress to the nines. I could see this place as my Wednesday happy hour destination. A fun and vibrant place to relax, meet with friends, and cut a rug at. I don’t know that I would linger quite like I would at Harmonia Gardens, but I’d be there in my best form-hugging gown with sparkles!
My favorite movie couple
Anywhere Nick and Nora from The Thin Man go
I know this location is a bit of a cheat, but if you want a memorable time you are wise to be this couple’s plus one! Nick and Nora can always get you into the poshest parties and most exclusive events, but they’re no snobs. Give them a good dive bar any day and they’ll make the place sing. Nick inevitably will know someone, Nora’s quick wit will keep your conversation on its toes, and before the night is done you’ll have a mystery to solve.
“The important thing is the rhythm. Always have rhythm in your shaking. Now a Manhattan you shake to fox-trot time, a Bronx to two-step time, a dry martini you always shake to waltz time.” – Nick Charles
For me, a Nick and Nora adventure would be best reserved for Saturday night. The twinkling pulse of the city lights in the background when combined with the electric energy of the nightlife – you may find yourself in need of an alibi before the clock strikes midnight!