When it comes to Hey Sid submissions, we get just as many in-depth sartorial questions as we do quick, light-hearted inquirires that may or may not have anything to do with clothes. We thought it'd be fun to highlight some of the latter, for a post-holiday weekend Lighting Round. They range from desert island albums to actual desserts… enjoy!
“Hey Sid. What is your favorite Foundations recording with Clem Curtis?” - @ca.philly via Instagram
Is this a trick question? Toss-up. "Baby Now That I Found You" or "It's All Right…"
“Hey Sid. Can you offer some insight on the tie knots you use and prefer?” – Bob W. via email
Four-in-hand mostly… unless it's a super-thick fabric like wool, and then it's a double reverse four-in-hand, taught to me in 1984 by a former member of the Iranian Air Force.
“Hey Sid, cake or pie?” – @randypeets via Instagram
Great question. Love both but REALLY love Ann's banana pudding… served warm.
“Hey Sid, what are your 3 favorite hotels in the United States?” – @hawaii1982abc via Instagram
1.) The first time I ever stayed in a hotel was on a vacation with my family in the late 1960s. A stop along the way was an original (Kemmons Wilson) Holiday Inn, with a pool outside… and I thought "man, this place is cool."
2.) When our daughter graduated from college in Austin, we had a nice weekend at the Hotel St. Cecilia – it's got sort of a high-low vibe.
3.) And lately, when visiting our Georgetown shop, Ann & I really have taken to The Jefferson in Washington DC.
“Hey Sid, yes or no on undershirts?” – J.A.D. via email
Used to be a full-time "yes" but now mostly a "no"… unless I'm cold.
“Hey Sid, which (musical) artists have inspired your style?” – Jake U. via email
Bowie, Bryan Ferry, 50s/60s Miles Davis, Rebop Kwaku Baah from Can and Traffic.
“Hey Sid, what are your top five things to do in Atlanta?” – @ehenriquez88 via Instagram
For me personally? I'd say…
1.) Take in a concert at Variety or Tabernacle
2.) Strike up a tennis game at Bitsy Grant
3.) Sit poolside at home with the Sunday Times, sun or no sun.
4.) Eat tacos at Taqueria del Sol or Little Rey Al Carbon
5.) Work. I love being in our shops & office and am there 6 days a week.
But for visitors? I'd probably suggest you…
1.) Explore Buford Highway, a 4-lane highway lined with food from all over the world.
2.) Stroll the Beltline
3.) Shop with us (and our friends) at Westside Provisions District
4.) Catch an Atlanta United game if you can; they're really good. The fan experience is unmatched.
5.) Dine at Miller Union, our latest James Beard winner.
“Hey Sid, I want to take the wife abroad — have already done Italy and Tulum — where should we go that has great shopping, good food and authentic vibes but not too overrun with le touristas and still somewhat affordable?” – @igilley via Instagram
If you've never been to Paris… hands down, you gotta go. There's tourists because it's great. Lean into it. The off-season will feel a little less crowded. And if you do, give us a buzz; we have a couple of favorite stops to pass along.
“Hey Sid, top ten desert island albums?” – @andrewnewby via Instagram
Listeners of our now-off-the-airwaves AM radio show won't be surprised at a few familiar faces. In no particular order…
1.) Miles Davis - Sketches of Spain
2.) David Bowie - Ziggy Stardust
3.) Brian Eno record – Before and After Science OR Taking Tiger Mountain (By Strategy)
4.) Al Green – Greatest Hits
5.) Roxy Music – Siren
6.) Todd Rundgren – Something / Anything?
7.) The Nutcracker score
8.) Gil Scott-Heron & Brian Jackson – Bridges
9.) The Beach Boys - Pet Sounds
10.) Belle & Sebastian – Dear Catastrophe Waitress
Bonus 11.) Gang of Four - Entertainment!
“Hey Sid, what's the temperature in Hotlanta?” – @biguntx via Instagram
Always hot, even when it's not.
“Hey Sid, not a question, but I officiated a wedding in one of your sharkskin suits, in Austin, in July. It was 103 and I was sweating like a pig, but the suit held up nicely and I did not die.” – J. Andrew F., via email
Maybe because you looked so cool! A win for everyone.
