When Michael and I first stepped into Gary's Wine Marketplace two Sundays ago, looking for a free tasting and a few new bottles of wine, the first thing we saw was a sign announcing Dan Aykroyd's forthcoming appearance at the shop the next weekend.
Apparently, he was to be signing bottles of his Crystal Head Vodka. This struck me as awesome for two reasons:
- Dan Aykroyd is my favorite Ghostbuster.
- I had actually blogged about his vodka back in October, and this could make for the perfect followup post.
So on Saturday, April 11, at 9:30 p.m., we joined the long line outside Gary's, me with my hat pulled down tight to protect me from the persistent drizzle, my Flip Mino in hand.
10 a.m.
The line does not begin moving. To pass the time, we befriend the two (extremely excited) ladies behind us, and discuss whether or not Dan's vodka video points to a marked loss in sanity.
10:20 a.m.
The line begins moving. One of our new friends screams.
11 a.m.
We actually enter the store. Our new friend screams yet again. This turns out to be quite the common occurrence. I begin dancing to the Ghostbusters/Blues Brothers music playing overhead. We pass sloooowly among rows upon rows of delicious-looking liqueurs and fine wines. We start to wonder if the store has expanded since we were last there. Farther back in the line, people begin chanting Dan's name.
11:10 a.m.
I discover that there are no more Ghostbusters DVDs for sale in the store. This makes me sad.
11:15 a.m.
I am cheered by the sight — from afar — of Dan Aykrord signing bottles whilst in sunglasses and a dark baseball cap. I can't stop fidgeting.
11:20 a.m.
We are almost there. We start considering all the different things we can ask Dan Aykroyd to sign. "Dan, will you sign my bottle of Jack Daniels?" "Dan, will you sign my Snapple?" "Dan, will you sign my sandwich?" "Dan, will you sign my cleavage?"
11:40 a.m.
We are there. I have Dan sign my $50 bottle of vodka, and a postcard with his photo on it. I plan on asking him some questions...or even just for a photo...but The Man moves me along quickly. In the end, I barely squeak out a "Thank you, Mr. Aykroyd." This is the best I do:
It is over before I know it, and I am left feeling oddly...empty. Still, our new friend manages to harrass him into revealing his favorite Dan Aykroyd movie: Blues Brothers. And, despite getting the bum rush, I find that I still heart Dan Aykroyd.
In the end, we also do a wine tasting because, apparently, Dan Aykroyd also has Dan Aykroyd Wines.
We take home a signed bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.99), which we will eventually drink. The vodka is placed in a spot of prominence within our china cabinet. It looks cool.
Final note: I still don't know what the vodka tastes like, but I will cherish this bottle forever.
In fact, it doesn't matter what it tastes like, because vodka makes me vomit.
Related: Happy Hour: Booze Brings Spiritual Awakening and Joy
