On Saturday, we went to Atlanta to start Chandler's birthday weekend. The Neely's from Food Network were making an appearance at The World of Coca Cola museum and we had gotten Chandler tickets as a surprise. He didn't know until the last minute, when we were standing outside of the closed museum and a security guard said something like "Welcome to the Neely event"-- until that point, everyone in line had coincidentally neglected to mention "Neely" and said "We're here for the 5 o'clock Event" instead... as if they too realized they were in on a secret.
Once we got inside, there was a short wait-- we had the museum to ourselves and more importantly, the international tasting room, where we were invited to taste the different Coca Cola products from around the world.
(We have done this before, but the idea that we had the opportunity in such a small and "private event" setting made it fun)
Meeting the Neelys was a lot of fun- they are such cut ups and really seemed to feel comfortable with the audience. Chandler asked a question of them, and they called him up for a chat. They talked about how much it meant to them to have children looking up to them and watching them on television rather than some of the alternatives... it was evident in their tone and repertoire with Chandler that this was a sincere expression.
Once we got inside, there was a short wait-- we had the museum to ourselves and more importantly, the international tasting room, where we were invited to taste the different Coca Cola products from around the world.
(We have done this before, but the idea that we had the opportunity in such a small and "private event" setting made it fun)
Meeting the Neelys was a lot of fun- they are such cut ups and really seemed to feel comfortable with the audience. Chandler asked a question of them, and they called him up for a chat. They talked about how much it meant to them to have children looking up to them and watching them on television rather than some of the alternatives... it was evident in their tone and repertoire with Chandler that this was a sincere expression.
The event was hosted by Coca Cola (obviously) and Publix, so each coursefeatured a Coke product as ingredient and most other brands were Publix. The food was ok, not really from the Neelys...just recipes that Publix/Coke gave them to follow along for the production. Chandler's favorite part was the Orange Fanta float... which he swore he had never had a float before, ever. To see his reaction, you would believe him, too.
(but he has! he just must not remember.)
Our seat mates were great too- we all switched contact info before leaving and they were just so impressed with Chandler, with his interest in the world around him and the conversations he had with them.
After the event, Clay and the younger two kids met us downstairs for dinner. We drove over to the Varsity, in keeping with the Foodie theme of the night and of Chandler's birthday in general.
The Varsity is celebrating its 80th year, making it appealing to Chandler in both historical significance and "real diner" experience as he so enjoys seeing on "Diners, Drive Ins and Dives" with one of his heroes, Guy Fieri.
He wasn't fond of the food, at all. But, of going there, he says "It was awesome!"
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Our seat mates were great too- we all switched contact info before leaving and they were just so impressed with Chandler, with his interest in the world around him and the conversations he had with them.
After the event, Clay and the younger two kids met us downstairs for dinner. We drove over to the Varsity, in keeping with the Foodie theme of the night and of Chandler's birthday in general.
The Varsity is celebrating its 80th year, making it appealing to Chandler in both historical significance and "real diner" experience as he so enjoys seeing on "Diners, Drive Ins and Dives" with one of his heroes, Guy Fieri.
He wasn't fond of the food, at all. But, of going there, he says "It was awesome!"
VIEW AS SLIDESHOW