FAIR GAME:Bloomie’s tops it all

I’ve always loved to shop.

This week, just when I thought it couldn’t happen, the urge has gotten worse.

You see, Wednesday evening I had the privilege of experiencing the new Bloomingdale’s scheduled to open this morning at South Coast Plaza. The event was the opening celebration fundraiser benefiting the Education and Community Outreach Programs of the Orange County Performing Arts Center.

Bloomingdale’s — 292,000 square feet of Bloomingdale’s.

The company, in fact, designates this store as a “flagship” because of its size and because of its attention to merchandise.

Jeans, shorts, suits, dresses, handbags, shoes, jewelry, sunglasses and then even more sunglasses, in what seemed to be an endless collection of designer boutiques.

All in the most coveted styles, all perfectly folded and impeccably displayed waiting for their initial public mauling this morning.

Something tells me that it won’t take long. People, you’re going to love this place.

The store also features a state-of-the-art culinary kitchen, including housewares and linens. Eventually, the store will feature two four-star restaurants, both coming in the fall. One, in fact, is Charlie Palmer, named after the world-renowned chef.

To me, shopping in New York, Chicago and San Francisco is special. This, however, could have those beat.

Someone who will go nameless put it to me in not-the-most-elegant of terms, but in reality, it was spot on: “It certainly ain’t no Rob-May!”

The only thing in common with the old Robinsons-May is the shell of the building. Everything else is new and exquisite.

Perhaps the biggest smile of the night was that of Costa Mesa City Manager Allan Roeder. Sales-tax revenue from this new store alone could generate an estimated $80 million to $90 million in the first year.

That’s a lot of pot holes.

Something tells me that there’s going to be a lot of credit cards getting a big workout these next few days. Enjoy yourselves.

In last week’s column, I commented on Los Angeles Times sportswriter Mike Penner’s story and his lifestyle change to become Christine Daniels.

It was obvious that upon publication of the column and its attempt at humor, that I struck a nerve. That was certainly not my intention.

I’m sorry to all of people I may have offended.

I wish Daniels nothing but the best in her adjustment to the new and exciting life she has moving forward. And I commend the many people who have shown her their support.