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Gala - Festive occasion, especially a lavish social event or entertainment

As ah miss meh Parang bad, and since ah ent making meh way to Lopinot this year, ah had was to jump at de opportunity to hear some real parang at Rango's All Inclusive Christmas Gala. So ah do de research to find out exactly what to expect. Especially after ah read that the dress code was semi formal. De invitation included a boat ride and boasted to be All Inclusive. Boy, Rango had it on point.

TJJ work like de post office. Ignoring all warnings of snow and ice storms we hit de streets hard. Risk the high cost of parking tickets on the streets of NYC and run down de port to board de boat by 8:30pm. Word is board @ 8pm and set sail at 9pm. We believe the word 'sharp' was tucked in somewhere there? However like a Jet Blue flight in winter, we sit awaiting departure for some time before de captain raise de anchor. Small thing though.... cause promptly @ 9pm, de festivities started... i.e. bar open, or should we say 'Open Bar'. Free Drinks for everyone... and top shelf at dat!

So on boarding we realize that we was early.... imagine TJJ opening and closing a party? Is dat a first? We must say, we thought it was a New Years Eve Ball. Everybody was impressively dressed. Lots of gowns, jackets and ties... forget bout semi formal, when Trini people doing it up, is real fancy business!

We assume a position at de stern of de boat, behind one of de many food stations. We choose the pastel, turkey and ham station. All eats were catered by Chef Toyo and family and we ent hear one person complain or see one plate with food dat get leave back. Amazing considering how high de food was heaped on a few individuals plate. We see macaroni pie, callaloo, lo mein, stew chicken, fry rice, fresh fruit... oh gorsh ah hungry! Ah must confess dat meh favorite was the fish broth served towards the end of the boat ride - which was a great remedy for the non-sober folks. Punch-a-creme was thick and smooth and de jello shots.... pressure!!! Let's just say by 11:30pm, we weren't sure if it was de boat or us swaying! Den again, who wasn't?

So one minute we standing on de boat with a little more than a handful of people, de next time we blink we eye... we rubbin' elbows to get a little dancing room. It happen so gradual, we're still amazed to think how many people was on de boat. DJs Anonymous and Cassanovas had the vibes pumpin' throughout the night.

Ah must say dat I definitely get my Parang fill thanks to Los Fuzioneros. De live band had little audio issues, but as you can imagine nobody can stop a quarto, bottle & spoon, chac chac and some good Espanol. Aarrreeeebaaaa!

We make de best of what seem like such a short time. So much home style cooking, drinks in abundance like de water we sailing on and well dressed company. It was a Gala to remember and be repeated. In fine style, everyone left with a Rango labeled bottled of wine as a parting Christmas gift. Nice touch! Ah saving mine for de New Year!! ;-)

See allya on de boat next year... and tickets go fast! Okay, on to our next appointment with Santa at Peppers...

Bon Voyage,
Dr. Ram Dass

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