Alban Vineyards – Syrah – Central Coast, California
Cost: $30/bottle
Wow— Anything Alban on the label is probably a rare find lately. This is why: This beautiful wine offers notes of smoky oak, bacon fat, blackberry, spicy peppers and loads of red and black fruit. The nose alone is intoxicating, but in the mouth — from the mid-palate to the back, it’s downright exhilarating. Velvety, polished and rich in texture. It’s really quite impressive that the least expensive offering from this winery is so unbelievably dominating.
Rating: 93
OK, we’ll bite.
With a Grand Opening slated for New Year’s Eve 2010, the 16,000 square foot Vanity, located at [7th borough of NYC] Las Vegas’s Hardrock Hotel, is an “eclectic jewel box… adorned with pearls and hand cut crystals fused with bronze and gold metallic surrounded by antique mirrors, rubbed brass and black chrome. The organized chaos of velvets, deep satins and rich tapestries add to the gleaming textures throughout the club creating the perfect backdrop of reflective brilliance. The heartbeat of the club is a cyclone chandelier of over 20 thousand lit crystals bringing the dance floor to life.”
Hmm, sounds… nice?
One question, though: Who the hell is “the Nightlife Group”?
Just curious— enquiring (competitive) minds want to know!
• Tuesday, December 1, 2009. 7:00PM – Manon von Gerkan, King, and Georgina Chapman at the Barely Private by Sante D’Orazio book signing event at Taschen in SoHo.
• Wednesday, November 25, 2009. 3:00PM – Ed Norton entering a townhouse on West 10th St.
• Tuesday, November 24, 2009. 2:30PM – Parker Posey, with little dog, exiting a residential building on Fifth Ave near Washington Square Park.
• Monday, November 30, 2009. 6:00PM – Sam Shepard exiting a residential building on Fifth Ave near Washington Square Park loaded down with shopping bags.
• Tuesday, November 25, 2009. 4:30PM – Sam Shepard picking up supplies at a delicatessen on University Place.
• Tuesday, November 24, 2009. 3:30PM – Willem Dafoe walking alone down 8th St in the Village trying to avoid eye contact with gaping starstruck fans.
• Monday, November 23, 2009. 7:30PM – Lois Freedman, sans broom and melodramatic temper tantrum, at Mermaid Oyster Bar.
Welcome to: Where I Spent My Day Off —by a NYC Restaurant "Insider"
So, what do you do in the industry?
I’m a Maitre d’ for a 110+ seater in a well-known upscale boutique hotel.
And you have how many days off a week, generally?
Until very recently I was up to three days off a week, but now we’ve just lost someone, so I have to go back and give up one of my days off.
What did you do for breakfast yesterday?
Met some friends for brunch at 10 Downing. It was my first time for brunch, and we chose it because I couldn’t think of anyplace else that’s good that would be able to accommodate 6 people without much of a hassle and no reservation. I figured if we met at 10 Downing and it was too busy, we’d have plenty of other decent options available in the area within walking distance. As it turns out, the weather was still warm enough for outdoor dining (if we kept our jackets on) so we opted for the sidewalk cafe, which was almost empty anyway. The dining room also would not have been a problem if we had chosen to sit inside.
The bartender recommended the fried chicken to me— he said it was "sooo good," but it turned out to be somewhat overcooked and possibly the driest chicken I’ve ever had. I did like the apple cider, though— my friend was having it and I tried it for the first time and liked it. I ended up having three, almost without even realizing it. My other friend kept ordering it for me; he himself was up to five beers by the time we left.
Everyone else seemed to enjoy their meals just fine, but the omelette that was custom-ordered ("just ham and cheese") looked the best out of everything.
Lunch?
10 Downing was still "lunch"— we got there around 1:30PM and stayed until about 4PM.
And afterward?
Went home. My friend from out of town who was staying with me had to pack his bags, and I sent him off in a cab to the airport.
Then I met up with another friend. We just walked around SoHo for a little bit and then decided to stop for a drink. I’d been meaning to drop by Brinkleys, because I’d heard a friend of mine just started working there, so I suggested we go there.
Unfortunately, my friend wasn’t behind the bar like I had hoped, and the bartender that was working completely ignored us for a good two minutes even though the bar wasn’t that full. I tried to sit in an empty stool but a minute later a girl walked up to tell me it’s her seat, even though the dish and drink that were on the bar were both finished; she must have been outside smoking a cigarette or something. So then I tried another seat and then some other girl claimed that seat as her own, too.
So then I got frustrated, because still after all this time, the bartender hadn’t yet pulled his face away from the computer terminal. So we decided to just leave.
Dinner?
Walked over to Blue Ribbon Sushi, which has been one of my favorite places for years. Normally, I make it a habit to avoid seafood on the weekends, but my friend was feeling up for it, and there are a lot of things on Blue Ribbon’s menu that aren’t necessarily served raw. It turns out I had the kanpachi anyway, because I couldn’t resist; to me it’s the best thing they have, and this time it was as perfect as I’ve always had it. They also make the best miso soup, so I had that too. We shared a wakame salad, pork shumai and rock shrimp, and my friend decided to order sushi of his own, because he apparently doesn’t have the same apprehension I have about seafood (especially raw) on the weekends. However, he did say afterward he felt "a little disappointed" about the tuna.
I’d already drunk so much at brunch, so we decided to split a small bottle of sake. I can’t remember the name of it, but they have one that’s $18 for a 300ml which I thought was very reasonable. Usually I prefer nigori sake, but this one was actually pretty good, and I would definitely order it again.
And afterward?
Met up with a bunch of friends at Rose Bar. It took a little while to get in, because they kept saying to wait for the doorman, but he was late showing up. Then when they said he’d finally arrived, it was still hard to find him, because he wasn’t at the front door. I know one of the guys that helps run the place, so I sent an email to his blackberry but I never got a response back. Eventually I did find the doorman I know, and he let all five of us in with no problem.
After our second round of drinks, my friend noticed that one of the managers was lurking near us, and she overheard him telling the waitress to "get rid" of us. It just so turns out that my other friend was already paying the check at the same time. He didn’t realize that the gratuity is automatically added, so he ended up paying a 45% tip. But then when he discovered that they were actively looking to bounce us, he hunted down the waitress and demanded the extra tip back (it was all paid in cash).
As we were leaving, my friend gave her business card to one of the managers, because I guess she felt like they were being rude to us. When he found out that we’re all from the industry, he said to her, "You didn’t tell me you’re here." It seemed like a moot point to us, but he apologized and I guess they made friends that night.
How much did you blow today?
$60 for brunch— I threw $80 on the pile, but for some reason they gave me $20 back. Another $8 cab fare to Rose Bar. My friend paid for dinner at Blue Ribbon Sushi, and my other friend got the check at Rose Bar.
Tommy Lee Jones pimping coffee in a can. What’s more awesome than that?
:)
MORE on Sevigny & Khan (& Civetta. Sort of.)
When we broke the story on Civetta’s closing, little did we realize it would become the *Nightlife Bloggers’ SAT on Reading Comprehension. Or maybe that’s more like the Jellus Bloggers’ SAT on Integrity and Pettiness? Whatever! We digress.
This just in from a tipster: "Did you see your old buddy Steve [Lewis]‘s column today? Funny how Nur [Khan] supposedly denies working with Paul [Sevigny]… from what I hear, they maybe are looking into a space in SoHo together, and Brad Zipper is their money guy… I don’t know how (or if) he fits into Civetta, though."
Another source adds: "…I have seen Brad [Zipper] at Civetta a couple times — he does live around the corner and is quite friendly with the staff… but I wouldn’t say that he’s involved in Civetta…"
And yet a third ‘insider’ speculates: "If I had to make a semi-educated guess, I’d say it could be possible there are two deals in the works? If the so-called SoHo space with Zipper is a go, it might still be a ways off… the Civetta thing would be a way for them to start up now, get their feet wet, then move along to the next project once that’s in the swing of things…"
*By the way, what does "the new Beatrice" even mean? As far as we know, The Beatrice Inn is CLOSED, indefinitely— just as we predicted (despite various uninformed opinions throughout the blogosphere contrary to our deduction). When Eric Goode & Co opened MK, did they call it "the new" Area? When Peter Gatien built Club USA, was it called "the new" Limelight? Hmm, perhaps they were— by those who were narrow-minded, shortsighted and ignorant.
The Beatrice Inn was the name of the space at 258 W 12th St, long before Matt Abramcyk and Paul Sevigny took over. For anyone to take that very same name and apply it to another location would, in short, be asinine.
Might we suggest pulling your head out of your navel for a change, and try some real erudition on for size. You might be amazed at what you can learn about reality and our industry if you just freed your hands from that circle jerk, and say (for example)— picked up a book every once in a while.
Sandwiched on a popular stretch of Mercer St in SoHo, in an unassuming office buliding, past a nondescript desk, three flights up a modest elevator, down a conventional corridor past a row of plain, stark doorways, is a charming and sensuous hideaway to which you’ve never been.
Because it’s "by invitation only."
Once you get inside, cozy up to the rustic bar, and let the skilled mixologist craft you one (or four) of their specialty margaritas made with fresh and superb ingredients. Nibble on the savory complementary Mexican fare, and let the varied selection of deliciously infused tequilas work their magic on your senses.
Have your satiated fill and leave the premises without ever seeing a check. If you’re one of the "lucky ones," that is.
How’d you get to be so lucky? Why, you must be a Beverage Director or a General Manager of a fine-dining eatery or an upscale bar that might appreciate the outstanding quality and craftmanship Tanteo 100% de Agave Tequila has to offer.
Give it a try. You’ll see.
Yeah so I wracked my brain trying to think of a nice, warm-hearted, feel-good movie to recommend for the holiday, but LOL!— I couldn’t come up with a single one (you haven’t already seen). So perhaps try: The Valet.
It’s funny!
Ya know, just in case you don’t really feel like watching football or whatever this weekend.
Happy Thanksgiving! Gobble gooble.
See you Monday! :)
PX This presents THE F&F REVIEW
Hey, sorry we couldn’t make it to "Friends&Family," we were out of town/ had to work/ not invited. We’re really glad we finally managed to come by, though— it’s so nice to see you!
What’s that? You would still like Read more »
Chateau Les Grande Chenes 2005 – Medoc, Bordeaux
Cost: $34.99/Bottle
A young claret from the Medoc… becoming a star in my cellar after having had the 2003 and the 1996 vintages (indicating an assurance to live up to its reputation to age beautifully and gracefully). This wine exudes aromas of lead pencil shavings, cassis, walnuts, and toasted oak. It is full-bodied with good texture in the mouth, at a moderate acidity, with a plethora of blue and black fruit that swells at the taste buds. The tannins are dry and firm, and this experience is only a sneak preview of what may very well be a knockout of a Bordeaux within 6 to 8 years. Those who wait will acquire the greatest of pleasure out of this particular wine.
Rating: 92
Cain Cuvee – NV4 Red Table Wine
Cost: $30/Bottle
Dark purple wine, moderately full-bodied with an overwhelming explosive nose of crushed black and red currants, cedar, toasted oak, and baked cornbread. Very interesting and seductive. In the mouth, this has good velvety texture with firm solid tannins for short term cellaring. The NV stands for “Non Vintage” and the 4 signifies the four grape varietals used: cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc, and petit verdot…. Hence your Cain Cuvee. A steal for $30.
Rating: 92
= "personne extraordinaire"