You know when Easter Weekend rolls around, there is a lot to do in town. That's an annual guarantee. What's a girl to do?

Well, here are some suggestions:

I'll be adjudicating this one with someone from Project Runway and someone from Studio 58. A race in high heels? It's taking place at the Langara College. If you're interested and want more info on the event, email or call the organizers via the contact information on the above poster.

And in case you've been living under a rock for the past year, the Gay Top Model Finale has finally arrived at Celebrities Nightclub on Davie:

To quote: 

"On Thursday, April 1st, 2010, the city of Vancouver, Canada will go all gaga in support of the fine young men vying for the title of Gay Top Model. The spectacle show that includes fashion, catwalk, special guest performers in music, dance, drag and circus, as well as local personalities as hosts is now an annual favourite that raises funds for Friends for Life Society."

Who will win the Top Model crown this year? I'll posting some information on my pick tomorrow. Your vote counts, so come on down and make it count.

And finally: the afterparty. Big Rogers Events is hosting Tribe II at Gorgomish, which means after all the Top Model shenanigans, you will have a place to go and blow some steam:

Don't be a fool. You know what I'm saying. Make sure you start your April off right.

My little Kiki just turned into a man. If you didn't hear the news, Icky Martin came out yesterday via a message he posted on his website. And if you don't care, I don't blame you because I don't really care either. I don't mean to be a bitch, but the only bombas Ricky is dropping nowadays are probably directly related to his protein intake. Shit girl. Literally.

Still, I had a small crush on Kiki back in the early 2000s, when Hispanic panic hit pop music big time: Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, Enrique Iglesias and, of course, La Martin.

So here's an Up Your Alley tribute to the man behind the man behind the singer who needs to release something good to re-kickstart his career (duet with Bear Force?)

And who could forget that beach day he spent with his brother? Note the anklet... which in my experience indicates a 100% chance of homosexuality.

You go, girl!

Wow what a weekend, Vancouver! Check my print column next week for a full review of the 560, Vancouver's newest megaclub. My head is still hurting and it was great to see DJ Honey Dijon do her thang once again in our city.

There was also the Xtra Facelift party on Sunday night, which celebrated the new look to Vancouver's favourite LGBT publication. I emceed that bad boy and for an audience of my peers, let me tell you that was one tough room! Yamahama! Xtra's Mark Kowalk was taking photos. If I can get him to send me some, I'll post them here this week.

Now, while licking my wounds, I managed to get my hands on a copy of the newest Vice, which features an interview with you know who by Bruce LaBruce:

(Self-Portrait by Karl Lagerfeld)

Lagerfeld is an enigma wrapped in a puzzle wrapped in a pair of designer sunglasses. Read the interview here.

And now for an excerpt to wet yer whislte:

BLB: I hate it when photographers are like, “Can we have one with your glasses off?” Why? You can see me just fine.
Lagerfeld: I had an interview once with some German journalist—some horrible, ugly woman. It was in the early days after the communists—maybe a week after—and she wore a yellow sweater that was kind of see-through. She had huge tits and a huge black bra, and she said to me, “It’s impolite; remove your glasses.” I said, “Do I ask you to remove your bra?”

In a word: dewicious.

Invites to review restaurants, clubs, music and other products and services have been piling up over the past few weeks and who am I to say no, people? We're approaching my two year anniversary here on Up Your Alley and I'm going to implement a few new features, including a review section. First up on the docket: Charlie's Restaurant & Bar

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Location: 1265 Hamilton Street Vancouver (between Drake and Davie)

Reservations: 604-568-6685 or click here.

A new restaurant in Yaletown? You don't say...

I'm just clearing the air upfront so you don't go into this review the same way I read over my invitation to Charlie's Restaurant & Bar the other night. I should also admit that I'm not a huge pizza fan either. So why would I go to this kind of opening?

Well, any excuse to rub elbows in Yaletown. Yes, I am that guy. I also know their publicist and since he knows what he likes and isn't afraid to tell people about it, that was enough for me to come and check it out.

The first thing I noticed walking in, of course, was the bar (see photos below). It dominates the room and in a good way. Walking up to get a drink is an exercise in visibility. While ordering, you can be clearly seen from both lounging areas and also from the table booths that line this resto-lounge. It is very much a "look at me" experience and would appeal to anyone who is out to be seen.

Did I like? Bless my fame-whorey little heart. I loved the visibility factor! And was also fascinated by the spider light-fixture installed over the bar (come check it out for yourself).

As for the artisan pizza, Charlie's is on to something. The Vegetarian in particular was drool-worthy and was the perfect companion to a glass of Russell Cream Ale. 

When to go: Charlie's is perfect for starting a night out over cocktails with a few close friends or would be a good last stop after the clubs for those who demand more than what Megabite and Flying Wedges of the world currently provide.

Noteworthy: I saw Patrick and Donovan from Homorazzi there. As well as some of my favourite Vancouver bloggers:

With Victoria Revay, blogger from Beyond Robson.

With Sheryl Yen, blogger and social reporter for The Socialist.

(Photos by the amazing Geoff Wilton! Thanks, buddy!)

A new gay nightclub opening here? In Vancouver? It must be true cause I finally saw some posters out on the poles on Davie St.... It sounds like I'm going to be taking Xtra photographer Brandon Gaukel there on Saturday night to document the opening for the new Xtra Vancouver.

It's not every day a new dance space opens in this town... which is why I'm giving you plenty of notice so you can come too.

Here are the details:

For the record: Honey Dijon was the first DJ I bought a ticket to go see. She's AMAZING.

And maybe one of the DJs will be kind enough to play this for me:

See you Saturday?