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“Love it all, f**k it all”
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What people are saying …
Like one of Ryan Seng’s paintings splashed on the written page, “Love it All, F**k it All” bursts with imagery and energy that mixes the surreal, the outrageous and profane – all laced with a wicked sense of humor. This world of primordial creatures and other shady characters unspools in a restaurant industry backdrop that Seng captures with scintillating detail and a deep rhythm that carries from page to page. Shot of Fernet not included.
-- Chris Macias, “Best Food Writing” (Da Capo Press) contributor, 2015 and 2017.
Retro Powder
Now, fade back in. I guess I walked to the bar?
Paul, another regular of mine from my bartending days, is dressed in some ugly patterned suit and says something about an actor I don’t remember. “Roland!” Paul gives me a hug. “Your madame is lagging. Unusual for her. Can you help me out?”
Oh yeah, I’m looking for Dani because this john is waiting a long time for his slot with Mitzi.
“Hey, Paul, happy holidays, good to see you. You look great!”
“Thanks, man, you look sharp also. I’m set for Mitzi at midnight. It’s 12:30 already? A little sweaty tonight, huh?” He’s no stranger to this crazy white stuff, and he gives me a wink.
“You’ll love her outfit!” I excuse myself after buying Paul another bottle of champagne and a dozen Hog Island oysters. I walk back to the lobby and notice the ’80s band is playing instrumental versions of songs. ’80s songs are pretty dull without the lyrics and charismatic lead singers?
Through the loading dock and dressing room, I ask a newer Talent standing pants-less in front of a Kim’s old vanity, “You seen Dani? Or Mitzi?”
She looks at me while pushing up her breasts into a fur vest. She has
a knife tied to her thigh, and fur boots. She said something earlier in
the shift about “Elf Quest” Not sure what that is, but she looks fantastic.
So I just go with it. I think she answers my question, but I space out right after.