All Things New York - Concierge Corner: Marissa is here
We meet again. In the city that never sleeps, I hope you are getting some now since we are running into the busy-season for NY’s holiday bashes. There is so much going on in the vein of restaurants opening and lounges hosting soft-openings…so keep posted for next week. Thank you for the comments from the last post, and to address Ara’s question about an Upper West Side wine bar - here are my recommendations:
UWS WINE SPOTS
$ RIPOSO 72 - One of my favorite Hells Kitchen wine spots births a little sister (or should I say big sister - about twice the size of their original location). This is one of my favorite places on the UWS. No attitude, wines by the glass for every palette (over 50 to choose from) and a slamming cheese plate. 50 W. 72nd St. (between CPW & Columbus) 212-799-4140
$$ BIN 71 - A really cozy little wine (and beer) spot that caters to the UWS resident. With panini and small plates, they make it easy for you to order a second glass. Don’t expect to be able to make a reservation here, but feel free to call to see what the vibe is like - 212-362-5446. 237 Columbus Ave. & 71st.
$$$$ BAR BOULUD - An offshoot of the Daniel Boulud empire, go here to prove to your fellow wine connoisseurs you are not scared about the economy. Small plates, big prices. 212-595-0303. 1900 Broadway, near 64th St..
The Week(end) Ahead
* Happening Hotels : Have you been to Gild Hall yet? What was that? Did you say, “Where is that Marissa?” It’s downtown, near Wall Street. Still clueless eh…well if you had been there drunk, you would have remembered it; So don’t bother calling your pals to see if it was the place you stumbled into last weekend. This golden spot of a hotel reeks of wealth and knowledge from it’s library to its elegant rich-red walls and well-appointed rooms. You will honestly feel like you are in ‘The Hilton’s’ private residence. The Thompson Hotel group is one of my favorites, and does not disappoint with this gem. Check out The Libertine (the restaurant) which serves classic but high-end pub food. The London-esque feel of this clubhouse will have you bringing a boss, long-time friend or parent to have some good conversation, small plates and spirits. A full raw bar also adorns the space. Not open late, check it out on the weekends, when there tends to be more of a crowd. But remember…this isn’t Underbar at the W…they be reserved folks up in here. Open from 5-11pm for dinner on the weekends, the bar is open until 2am. Did I mention it was a hotel too? So feel comfortable taking a date knowing you won’t have to trek to Harlem or Greenpoint once the Martinis kick in.
* Raising the ‘Bar’ : Ok. You have been here before. When it was one of three different places. Most recently, the old and tired wanna-be rock-star bar, Snitch. Well, there is a new kid in town. His name is Citrine. Backed by known nightlife guys here in the city, with contacts still intact from their event-planning business. They have already signed on some Celebrity parties and the Radar Halloween Party. It actually looks really really classy and nice inside. MUCH nicer than Snitch. It opened last night, but be sure to withstand long lines if you are going to go check it out this opening weekend. Skip tonight however, it’s a private party, unless you want to get rejected like Tara Reid at _________(enter your choice of washed-up nightclub). Bee there: Citrine - 212-727-7775. 59 W 21st St., at 6th avenue. Open 10 pm - 4 am.
* Ya ‘Heard’ it Here : Wax it back. Records-galore at this year’s WFMU Record Fair at The Metropolitan Pavilion. It is on today and all weekend long, with a live performance on Sunday - featuring a manic rock band. If that is your thing, don’t miss it. If it’s not, go any other time. For only $6 per ticket, you really can’t go wrong. I have bought more expensive used CDs from unknown-artists at East Village music shops. Bring the flavor of yesterday’s music back into your ears. 125 W 18th St (between 6th & 7th Aves) in Chelsea.
* What a Night : According to me, there is one place to be for Halloween. Roland Peralta of Six Degrees is showcasing the night’s best party. It’s at the esteemed Spiegel Tents. Speigelworld will be celebrating their closing night on the Eve of Hallow - Friday Oct. 31st from 11pm - 6am. You know what that means kiddies - by the time the Open Bar ends at the spot where all your friends will be, you can dash on over and experience a party like none other before. Carnaval drums will be roaring through the air as Samba dancers and Capoiera performers enchant you via Samba Nation. Exhilarating New Orleans jazz and funk will be played by none other than The Sugartone Brass Band while surrounded by wood and mirrors in these histroric and bewitching 90-year-old tents. Hmm, still on the fence? In one of the two tents, The Ancestral Tent, groove to epic electroranic globalbeats of mixed Arabian beats, Afro-Latin grooves, Jamaican House music and whatever else tickles the globetrotting atomosphere. With aerial acts soaring above you, your high will be like nothing else. In the other tent, The Futur-JuJu Tent, there will be dubwise acts spanning genre-bending turntablism and tabla playing; All while you get lost in the sultry grooves of bellydancers. Ok I understand, it’s so new you don’t know what to expect, well how is this: Free samples of Amazon energy drink and drink specials all night long, free Six Degrees Records CDs to the first 500 ticket holders, and the chance to win over $100 in prizes and gift certificates at a Best Costume contest at 3am. Note: there is a $20 penalty fee for not showing up in costume. So make sure you have something on! Tickets are (only) $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Spiegel World inside the Spiegel Tents at Pier 17 in South St Seaport (North Side of Pier).
* Rockin’ Restaurants : With a name that completely evokes the actual design inside, we present to you the Aspen Social Club. Yes it’s a new lounge/club with food that is opening, but no…it’s not another private member-only secret door locales. Joining its sister locations in the city, is this ski-lodge type newcomer in midtown. Yes, midtown - Times Square actually. A soft-open is this weekend, with the official opening next Tuesday we hear. 157 W. 47th St (between 6th & 7th Ave), 212-221-7200. Try to miss the opening-party, as it’s a private shindig and you’re probably not on the list (eek, sorry).
* Cool Culture : Just when the economy fails us and the election is around the corner, we can get uplifting scents of flowers, champagne and sounds of far-away lands. The New York Botanical Garden surprises us with some efflorescence goodness. Who said just because it’s cold outside the fun has to stop? Visit the site to purchase a ticket to enjoy - Kiku and Cocktails: The Art of The Japanese Chrysanthemum, A Flower Show and Art Exhibition. Now, through Nov. 16th. However, the most fun to be had is on Fridays - tonight, Oct. 31st , Nov. 7th, 14th from 6-8pm will they have the aforementioned Cocktails, and Japanese drumming along with traditional flute music. Their Cafe will be open for some late-night eats as you make your way on out. Find the Gardens via Metro-North Railroad. To make it there for the Friday night celebrations, take the 20-minute ride on either the 5:27pm or 6:02pm trains on the Harlem Line to the Botanical Garden Station. Bee there or bee square. Perfect for a first date, girls night out or to get some culture in your life. Sayonara!
* Bee Here : When I read about this event, two things struck me immediately. One - was how much I love the word ‘Pulse’. It’s so rarely used and moreover, it hasn’t been taken as a nightclub or lounge name here in the city. The second striking thought I had was - how awesome this idea is, much better than ‘The Gates’ in my humble opinion. A small-scale public art show by Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, who is a famed Mexican Artist. One of the city’s most underrated Parks turns itself into - Pulse Park. In a very exciting installment, Madison Square Park hosts an interactive light show. Based on sensors which will monitor visitors’ heart rates from the sites of two sculptures, your pulse triggers the lights. From all angles, about 200 of them, a display of just how relaxed or nervous you are will be visible to everyone. A great place to propose for all of you hopeless romantics; Make her heart pulsate as the night flickers from her undying love. Showcases tonight until Nov. 17th at 23rd St & Broadway . Daily dusk–10pm.
Until next week, feel free to tell us your reviews of said events or ask for some recommendations. Don’t bee shy now!
24. October 2008 at 5:38 pm :
Thanks Marissa! I dont have a lot of time during the week to search for things going on in the city - Its even harder to choose things worth going to. Lovin the Concierge Corner, keep it up! The WFMU Record Fair, Im there.
24. October 2008 at 5:39 pm :
whoo-hoo…so many new places to try! thank you, concierge guru!!!!