Birthday party on the roof for Willie Vega

Willie Vega was King of the World last night at a birthday party thrown in his honor up on the roof of the Mayfair Hotel at the pool deck and bar.


From left: Rosy Quintero, Michelle Alvarez, Willie Vega and Lisette Vega.


As the sun set, guests enjoyed drinks and finger foods passed around. Monty Trainer, Michelle Niemeyer, Lili Dones, Cindy Bettner and Richard Issa were just a few good friends on hand. This Monday is part two on the birthday front, when we celebrate Lili's birthday at Mad Men Monday, also at the Mayfair, but this time down in the Lobby Bar. Stop by for a drink and piece of cake. It's from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.


At left: Luly Polorak, Rick Torrens and Carlos Bergouignan; at right Rosy serves up delicious sliders, plain and with cheese.


The party girls: Lisette Vega, Lisa Shallenberger and Michelle Alvarez.


Lissette and Willie at left; at right: Willie flanked by Oui Coulson and Lily Vandervest.


Michelle gets around, here she is again flanked by Andy Moreno, Willie's cousin and Ed Vega, Willie's brother.

Funny story: I had been there for about an hour before Andy showed up, so when I appeared a bit later to talk to Ed and someone else, who were standing with Andy, he thought I was just some guy who popped up and started chatting with them, not realizing that the whole rooftop there was full of friends for Willie. He thought it was just he and a couple of his cousins having a drink or two at the pool with Willie. I think he thought all the others present were hotel guests at the pool for drinks. So he was so surprised when he realized that I was a friend and all the others were friends. Another friend popped up and out of the blue mentioned that she had dated their uncle (Andy and Ed's) awhile ago and that floored both of them.

Then I was floored when Andy, out of the blue, asked Lili Dones and me if we were going to the Bed Race next week. He said he had seen a poster when he entered the hotel and that made him think of it. We told him we were both part of the Bed Race committee and he said he was part of the race last year, playing a horse on one of the beds. Small world. The whole night had little Twilight Zone moments with lots of laughs.

It ended up being a fun party. There was lots of food, drinks and happy people. The way it should be, especially on a Friday night -- the perfect way to start the weekend.