Three more houses, three more medals. Although unlike the first round, this one was more of a close call. And despite the fact that not all of the houses offered up free food and drinks (Switzerland, weâre talking to you!) everyone wins again. The Closing Ceremonies are upon us — what can we say, weâre in the Olympic spirit.
BRONZE Japan
This house is open to the public. Enough said? Although they do have an area upstairs for media and a place where athletes can lounge in private and sit down for interviews. Itâs also where youâll also find the open bar and afternoon buffet, although greasy spring rolls are hardly a selling point. Since the house closes at 8p.m., the big draw is the interactive booths on the main floor and interaction with medalists from time-to-time.
SILVER Switzerland
The Swiss house was all about location, location, location. Situated next to Nikeâs party house, it was still going strong well after midnight. Inside was quite spacious, but only one room was packed. And it wasnât because of the pay bar, but rather the strategically placed flat-screens showing all the events. The room blasted â80s music from its speakers and smelled of cigarette smoke (itâs still legal to smoke in most of Switzerland) and stinky formage (thanks to the machine serving up plates of raclette cheese). If youâve ever been to the neutral country, all of this will sound familiar, until I mention that the MC was an Asian lady. Pardon?
GOLD London
You could tell you were at the London House the minute you hit the gate. Even the Chinese guard had attitude, and convincing the door mafia that you were indeed on the list was not easy. But what was even more difficult was understanding why they were being so strict when there was a total of 10 people inside, at 11p.m. Little by little it started to make sense: The open bar included everything, not just beer and wine, like the other houses; the bbq was stacked with steaks and chicken and shrimp; and in addition, waitresses were walking around with little plates of what tasted like authentic fish and chips. I wish I could describe more but the lights got turned out at 1a.m., leaving guests struggling to get out. Come to think of it, not unlike how you got in.
— Lisa Costantini
