JoAnn’s Matinee Bar

Today’s the birthday of a lady with panache close to my heart—my mother, JoAnn. In the early 1960’s she owned a nightclub called The Matinee Lounge.
Above: My mother posing on the hood of a customer's car in The Matinee parking lot, circa 1960.

The Matinee was a destination club out in the boonies, as the advertisement below said—“Just drive out west...until you run out of gas.” It was a stand-alone building in the middle of nowhere, west of Denver, going towards the mountains.

Above: An old newspaper advertisement, it was very faded and I tried to darken it so the type is more legible. The tagline "The poor man's Belmont" is in reference to another niteclub/lounge that was downtown at an upscale hotel.

The Matinee was torn down years ago—I think it’s an office park now. People went there because of my mom’s personality, and the vibe she created at the club. The Matinee was fun, warm, elegant, and a bit glamorous—just like my mom.

Above: The "uniform" dress my mother is wearing in this photo is very “Moulin Rouge,” with layers of pink and amber velvet. She had them made for the staff, and years later her dress became a regular Halloween costume for the girls in my family.

My mother was one of those ladies with panache that lit up a room. All of the gentlemen customers had a crush on her (including my dad), and all of the ladies wanted to be her friend. When my parents got married, her club ownership days ended, but they still shared a love for jazz (read here). Years later, when we would attend bars and clubs together, she would critique the establishment, usually about how they were losing money and not properly managed.

Above: A worn yellow matchbook, with silver foil printing. The tagline makes me laugh—"Where smart people meet."

She was a night bird that loved parties. Running a club suited her personality well—it was like hosting a party every night. My mother had a big heart, and everyone felt like she was their best friend.

Above: My mother (center) behind the bar.

The club’s exterior was painted pink, and the inside was 1960’s “Las Vegas” lounge style—dark-but not too dark, a circular bar, with tables and booths. Some evenings there would be live music and dancing—coats and ties were required for the gents. In the summertime she would make mint juleps with the mint that grew outside, behind the bar.

Above: My mom (at right) posing and having a laugh with the girls.

Her staff was all ladies, and many became life-long friends. My mom designed the uniforms, and frequently changed them up—sometimes dresses, other times Capri pants and blouses...whatever inspired her. She would buy apparel items, or sketch out outfits she had in mind, and have her tailor custom make "uniforms".

My mom and Nancy, a life-long friend of my mother’s—and one of the last gals still around from The Matinee, besides my mom.

Above: An old polaroid of my mother posing atop a booth at JoAnn's Matinee Lounge. I sort of like the the gold patina over the photo, from the old chemicals in the polaroid.

My mother was very particular about the atmosphere of the club, and how the drinks were made—both had to be perfect. She would appreciate the new generation of “mixologists” who strive to craft the perfect cocktail.

Above: Stag sandwiches for $1.00!

If you have a cocktail this weekend, a coat and tie isn't required (but nice), make a toast to the previous generations of cocktail aficionados. I'll be toasting my mom!

Keep Calm, and Carry-Ons…

Traveling can be stressful for various reasons. Having a carry-on bag that works with your specific needs can alleviate some air travel annoyances, and help keep you calm and collected.

My father always traveled with his alligator carry-on bag (above in Palm Springs). I don’t know where it ended up—probably lost in some high-stakes poker game. I have a couple of his kangaroo leather duffle/gym bags. I rarely use them, because I don’t want them to wear out (for sentimental reasons).

This kangaroo leather duffle/gym bag (above) was my father’s, probably from the early 1960’s. It’s black with metallic gold piping. It’s all kangaroo leather—which is super durable and lightweight. It looks like it could be a Marc Jacobs bag with the scale of the zipper (below) and it’s styling.

If my dad liked something, he would buy multiples of the same item. He always had a bag in this duffle/gym style for traveling to golf tournaments. I ended up with two of these hand-me-down bags in the exact style and colors, but one is a few years older. I wish I had used my dad’s strategy of buying multiples of favored items and products, because so many of my favorite things have been discontinued over the years.

I can’t afford an alligator bag like my father used. This alligator bag, with a detachable handle, is similar in style to my dad's carry-on...and it’s the price of a small car.

Here’s a faux (vegan) alligator bag with a similar silhouette, but a considerably lower price tag (and it's on sale too).

Mr. Peacock loves this boxy leather carry-on trolley bag in pebbled leather with a blue lining, and hidden wheels! Most carry-on bags with wheels and pop-up handles aren’t very attractive, but this bag has a simple elegance.

It comes in a honey brown...

...and red too!

This limited edition Fred Perry bag is a functional and sharp looking bag…at a reasonable price too. It's made of PVC with contrast piping and has an embedded metal laurel leaf logo on the bottom corner.

This rugged duffle style bag would only get better with age—as the leather gets a bit weathered a beat up a bit.

If your taste is a bit more refined, this luxurious zip-around pebbled leather carry-on bag would fit the bill—not too big, not too small...just right.

Mr. Peacock is very practical when I’m flying. I use an oversize LL Bean tote with a zipper top...

...or my blue canvas (with brown leather trim) zipper top tote that was a sample product on a gig I was working on.

What do you use as a carry-on bag when you’re traveling by air?

Hog diggity, dog diggity...

The dachshund is one of the most popular breeds of dogs in the United States. The dachshund aka wiener dog, hot dog, sausage dog, and doxie, was originally bred to catch rats. Their long bodies with short little legs have long been inspiration for art and home décor. Over the years I’ve owned a few vintage wiener dog planters myself. A little bit of kitsch goes a long way, but just a tad can be charming—especially in a modern interior.

(click image above to enlarge)
Here’s my wish list of hot dog goodies that pay homage to this little four legged friend:

1) This playful little brass dachshund placecard holder would make your dinner guests smile.

2) Yes, this trio of wiener dogs on this dachshund tote may be a bit campy, but it could be a fun tote for carrying your goodies from the farmer’s market this summer.

3) Mr. Peacock loves this wire dachshund garden topiary frame. It would be chic as an objet de art, resting atop of your Saarinen table.

4) The dilemma—black or white? These sleek stylized ceramic dachshunds would make a nice accent piece.

5) This traditional rectangular dachshund needlepoint pillow would look great on my transparent Eros chair by Philippe Stark.

6) You can find lots of vintage depictions of wiener dogs. This vintage Dachshund letter holder has a hole in the back for a pencil (tail).

7) This vintage black cast iron dachshund bottle opener would be a chic and charming addition to any bar.

8) Andy Warhol was a fan of wiener dogs. At one time, he owned a pair of dachshunds, Archie and Amos, who he depicted in his paintings, and frequently mentioned in his diaries.

9) This little dachshund lamp could be a welcoming beacon of light in your hallway when you come home late at night.

Mr. Peacock is allergic to dogs, but if I wasn’t, I’d probably adopt a handful of blind rescue dogs with three legs.

Years ago, Mr. Peacock attended the Dachshund festival in Washington Square Park, in New York City—which is always held in May. The highlight of the festival is the group singing of a special Doxie song (above). If you’re looking for a dachshund (or any specific) breed of dog there are many wonderful rescue dogs available here.

Do you own any kitschy dog ephemera?

Sleeper Style—Woody Allen

When I was a kid, my family would frequently go to an Italian restaurant owned by a friend of my dad’s. It was in the mountains in an area called Genesee Park, not far from our house—maybe a 20 minute drive.

On the drive there, I would always daydream in the back seat as we drove past the grazing Bison in Genesee Park (above)...

...and the Sculptured House nestled high atop Genesee Mountain.

The Sculptured House looked like a giant clamshell hiding in the evergreen trees. I would always imagine who lived there, and what the interiors looked like...and that I lived there.

The Sculptured House was originally built in 1963, and almost went into foreclosure this past month.

Woody Allen used the house in his 1973 movie, Sleeper

He filmed Sleeper entirely on location in the Denver, Colorado area. The title is in reference to the classic science fiction novel science fiction novel The Sleeper Wakes by H. G. Wells—which deals with a man in suspended animation who awakens in a dictatorial future against which he rebels.


Sleeper is a futuristic science fiction comedy about a nerdy Manhattan jazz musician and health-food storeowner, Miles Monroe (Woody Allen), who is cryogenically frozen without his consent, and revived 200 years later.

It is all part of a plan called the “Aries Project” to use Miles as a spy to infiltrate and over throw the dictator. The authorities of this police state discover the plan and want to kill Miles.

Miles escapes by disguising himself as a robot (above) and goes to work as a butler in the house (the Sculptured House) of socialite Luna Schlosser (Diane Keaton). Luna decides to have her robot’s head replaced with something more “aesthetically pleasing” and it forces Miles to reveal his true identity.

As an adult, I appreciate and like the humor of Mr. Allen, but as a kid I didn’t understand the jokes. But it was fun seeing my childhood church used as a futuristic McDonalds in the film (above).

I’m not sure who the architect was of my church, but I know skateboarders liked to ride the roof.

You don’t have to be asleep for 200 hundred years to own your own tuxedo!
Click image to enlarge.
1) This slim fit ten-pleat white tux shirt is a classic, and would look just as good with a tux as it would worn casually with your favorite jeans.
2) Every gentleman peacock should own a tuxedo at some point in his life. You won’t look like a robotic butler in this dapper 2-button tuxedo with peaked lapels.
3) Woody Allen has his trademark “nerd” glasses. You can have your own trademark specs too—these chic 2-tone glasses are far from nerdy, but would standout from the crowd.
4) You’ll always know the date and time with this sleek futuristic Microtimer watch.
5) A classic black silk bow tie is timeless!




In Sleeper, Luna’s house (the Sculptured House) was decked out in white, but Mr. Peacock thinks a black sofa would be more practical.
Click image to enlarge.
1) This white-on-white pendulum clock, sans numbers, reminds me of a full moon with numbers. The modern green “pendulum” hypnotically sways back and forth.
2) Six lights, on a diffuser, fill this organic shaped Atomium suspension light—it looks vintage and modern at the same time.
3) Free-form shapes create this On the Rocks sofa in black. It would be perfect for lounging on—now or in the future.
4) This Alexander Girard reproduction Moon Pillow, homage to the USA space exploration circa 1972, is also Mr. Peacock’s homage to Sleeper’s Luna.
5) Chrome and Carrara style marble are a timeless combination, and this round marble coffee table would look great with a modern or traditional interior.

If you’ve never seen Sleeper, or just haven’t watched it in a long time—Netflix it today. There are many classic “Woody Allen” scenes in Sleeper including the scene with the "orgasmatron," an enclosed closet that induces instantaneous orgasms at Luna’s house party.

Above: Mr. Peacock loves this reproduction French poster of Sleeper.

Maybe Apple will develop an iGasm to rival Woody Allen's imagined orgasmatron? What’s your favorite Woody Allen movie?

My apologies…

Mr. Peacock wants to apologize for the absence this past week. I’d like to say I was off on a wild adventure, but I was simply buried under project deadlines. But I’m back, and I hope everyone is having a fun summer! Thanks for stopping by, and for all of the wonderful emails and comments!

The Boys And Girls Cookbook

These are strange and crazy times—wars, economic collapses, and passing pop icons. One thing that remains constant, however, is the comfort of old-fashioned simple recipes and foods, like apple crisp, chocolate chip cookies, and mashed potatoes.

The Betty Crocker's Boys and Girls Cookbook was one of my first cookbooks as a child. Actually, I think it was a hand-me-down from my older sisters, who were 10 years older than me.

The cover of the book has a boy frosting a cake. Throughout the book there are illustrations of boys cooking by themselves and along side the girls.

This was interesting, especially for the era it was originally printed (the fifties), because it didn’t treat cooking as a female specific activity, like many children’s cookbooks of the time period.

I would spend hours examining the photos and drawings, and of course reading the recipes in this beginner’s cookbook.

I rediscovered my cookbook a few years back, while cleaning out my mother’s home. The pages are well worn and stained. I think I made almost every recipe in the book.

As a kid, I’d pester my mom, “Can I make this…?!” She’d always reply, “If you can read the recipe…then you can make it…”

I always wondered why my creations didn’t look as perfect as the photo. I didn’t know about stylists and art directors back then. My "Enchanted Castle Cake" didn't look nearly as dreamy, or neat, as the photo above.

"A picnic with a pal"...a plaid blanket, sandwiches, and "lumberjack cookies"—giant, the size of salad plates, gingebread cookies with pastel icing.

The book also had "menus" for special occasions like mother’s day, and father’s day. I’d plan my own menus too...

Starting with bunny salad…

...then Meatloaf ala mode.

And for desert—apple crisp...admittedly apple crisp conjures up cozy autumn evenings by the fire, but Mr. Peacock makes this old-fashioned comfort food with summer fruits—peaches, plums, and berries.

Here’s Betty Crocker's Boys and Girls Cookbook recipe for Apple Crisp, which I made countless times as a small child and adapted to a “Summer Crisp.” This recipe is so easy, and is a great starting point for whatever ingredients you have in your kitchen.

Apple Crisp (or Summer Crisp)
Makes 6 servings
Preheat oven 350 degrees

4 cups sliced pared apples (I used sliced peaches, plums, and nectarines with the skins on. You could also use berries, or any combination of summer fruits)
¼ cup water
½ teaspoon of cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar (I used a combination of white and brown sugar)
¾ cup flour (I used whole wheat flour)
1/3 cup soft butter.

1. Butter an 8 x 8 x 2” oven safe pan.
2. Evenly spread the fruits in the pan
3. Sprinkle with the water over the fruit (if you’re using juicy plums or peaches, use half the water)
4. Mix the sugar, cinnamon, salt and flour in a bowl. (Sometimes I substitute quick cooking rolled oats for the flour, or use a mixture of rolled oats and flour. You could also add nuts too).
5. Add the softened butter, and mix with a pastry blender until crumbly (or pulse in a food processor).
6. Evenly spread the crumb mixture over the fruit.
7. Bake uncovered for about 40 minutes.
8. It will be hot and bubbly, like lava, when you take it out of the oven. Let it cool for about an hour. It will thicken as it cools.
9. Serve with vanilla ice cream, or whipped cream.

This simple dessert isn’t fancy—but it sure seemed fancy when I was 7 years old. The bubbling fruit with the buttery crumbs is always a comforting treat—especially at crazy times in your life.

What was your favorite treat to make as a kid?

American Style—Bill Blass

William Ralph Blass, or should I say Bill Blass, epitomized classic American style. This gentleman peacock had an impeccable eye and it showed in his work, home and personal style.

Mr. Blass would have been 87 years old this past Monday, but passed away in 2002 from throat cancer—which was probably accelerated from his lifelong smoking habit.

In photographs, Mr. Blass is usually shot with his trademark cigarette (above: 1940's).

This boy from Fort Wayne Indiana, whose father committed suicide when he was only five years old, went on to create a $700-million-a-year fashion empire (above at the office in the 1970's).

Above: Smokin' in Indiana in the 1970's.

As a teenager, Bill Blass, was already selling his sketches of gowns to a New York manufacturer, and continued to design until his retirement in 1999.

During the 1940’s, when he was in the army, he sketched what would become his Bill Blass logo (above).

Above: Looking casually elegant in a turtleneck and denim jacket—Chessy Rayner and Mica Ertegun are in the background.

He was pals with, and dressed, many of America’s most stylish ladies including: Chessy Rayner, Mica Ertegun, Slim Keith, and Nan Kempner.

Above: A Blass menswear show from the 1970's—you can see Mr. Blass smoking in the background behind the model on the left.

His menswear line, like himself, was impeccably tailored and classic looking.

Because of the popularity of his men’s wear line, Bill Blass licensed his name to Revlon in the late 60’s-early 70’s. They created a Bill Blass men’s fragrance line that included bronzer, deodorant, soap, aftershave, and something called Men’s "Other" Deodorant—for the crotch!

Bill Blass even designed a Lincoln Continental (above), when he partnered with the Ford Motor Company in the 1970's.
When Mr. Blass was a newbie and starting out in Manhattan (above in the 40's), he looked sharp and had a chic apartment. He would buy the best quality things he could afford (Brooks Brothers clothing at the time), and later upgrade to more expensive and higher quality goods.

Above: A Maidenform ad from Glamour magazine, 1961.

Above: Bill Blass with Ralph Lifshitz (Ralph Lauren), c. 1970's.

Whether he was wearing a denim jacket or a tuxedo, this gentleman peacock was always elegant and well groomed. He knew what looked good on him and stuck with it—clean and classic clothing.

His homes were always chic and well appointed and he was a connoisseur of antiquities (above: his home at One Sutton Place in NYC).

Above: A well dressed table and well dressed gentleman—Mr. Blass looking chic in an oversized gingham patterned shirt, navy blazer, pocket square, brown belt, chinos, and his trademark cigarette.

His was passionate about his homes and gardens, and liked entertaining guest.

Mr. Blass bequeathed half of his $52 million estate, as well as several important sculptures to the Metropolitan museum of Art—including the piece above.

To learn more about this talented fellow, click here for numerous books about Bill Blass. Mr. Peacock salutes this quintessential American style icon for his taste and continued influence and inspiration for new generations of peacocks. Thank you Bill Blass!