The Salon's Annual New Year's Eve Eve at The Copacabana

The only place to be this Friday is The Salon's annual New Year's Eve Eve party. This year's venue is the newly reopened COPACABANA, one of the most famed and historic clubs in New York City. Since 1940 everyone has performed at the Copa, from Sinatra and the Rat Pack, to Ella, Liza, Edith Piaff, The Supremes, and the list goes on, and on. Now in the heart of Times Square, the new Copa boasts one of the largest dance floors in town, with beautiful new Brazilian-wood floors, numerous bars, and state of the art sound systems.

As a celebration of the Copa's musical heritage, The Salon is proud to present some of the hottest talent in town representing the many eras of the Copa's illustrious history. Please join the crew for the final event of THE SALON's 10th Anniversary year!

Live Music by:
THE GEORGE GEE SWING ORCHESTRA
featuring vocalist John Dokes

QUEEN ESTHER & THE HOT FIVE
Grand Prize Winner, Jazzmobile Vocal Competition, 2008

MICHAEL ARENELLA QUINTET
The hottest of the hot jazz bands in town!

Intelligence Agents are invited to our top-secret roof from
6 to 9pm for the SPY LOUNGE, with classified performances by:

SARAH TRACEY & THE JET SET QUARTET
Album Release party for her debut full-length CD "Tell No One"

The Spy Lounge commences covert operations with
DON GATOR & THE KINGS OF SPYROCK

Spy lounge music spun by
DJs JACK FETTERMAN & GINA OF THE JUNGLE
 

Throughout the night performances by:

THE MINSKY SISTERS
The '20's Tap Dancing Sensation

GAL FRIDAY
Miss Coney Island 2009

LEGS MALONE
The girl with The Thirty-Four and a Half Inch Inseam

HAZEL HONEYSUCKLE
The Delicate Flower

Plus, our lovely Go-Go dancers and Stage Kittens
EVELYN VYNL and SYDNEY SUNRISE

Behind the Bar
FREDO - the Salon's Cocktail Impresario from Loungerati.com

DANDY WELLINGTON
Master of Ceremonies and Emcee Extraordinaire

DJ RYAN SWIFT
Keeps you dancing all night long!

The Salon's signature commitment is equal billing for quality performances, dancing,  AND cocktail culture. In that spirit of bon vivant, Loungerati is honored to be included in The Salon's 2010 NYEE party as their in house cocktailian. On that libation front, we have a special Holiday in Havana circa 1959 themed menu co-sponsored by Dutch's Colonial Cocktail Bitters.

This is the lounge and swing scene's biggest night out, so get dressed up, come see old friends, and meet new ones.

THE SALON: New Year's Eve Eve
Friday, December 30th, 2011
Doors open at 6pm with live music from 6:30pm to 1:30am

THE COPACABANA
268 West 47th Street
(Corner of 8th Ave) New York, NY (Map)
21+ (ID required)

HAVE WE GOT A DEAL FOR YOU...
$25 - Advance Tickets
$30 - at the door (cash only)

$70 - VIP Tickets
Skip the line at the door, and gain exclusive access to VIP-Only areas, with cocktail tables, seating and more. Limited availability.

(Early Bird tickets sales ended on December 13th)

for tickets and more info, please visit:
http://www.thesalon.biz/

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays! Merry Christmas! Buon Natale! Feliz Navidad!

For the Yuletide festivities we are taking it way back yonder to the days of Walt Whitman for the Granddaddy of egg nog and old time Christmas standard -The Tom and Jerry cocktail.  Below is Fredo's modified version in a single delicious serving:

Tom and Jerry

½ simple syrup

1 oz Grand Marnier

1 oz Smith & Cross Jamaican Pot Still Rum

¼ oz St. Elizabeth allspice dram

1 egg (optional: yolk and whites beaten separately)

4 oz hot milk

Ground nutmeg

Tools: Mixing tins, Tom and Jerry cup or Irish coffee mug, jigger, egg separator, grater, Hawthorne strainer

Method: Combine ingredients in mixing tins (except milk), dry shake for 5-10 seconds to emulsify the egg. Strain into a T&J cup or Irish coffee mug, add hot milk, and garnish with ground nutmeg.

Read more about the Tom and Jerry cocktail and Fredo's recipe on Umamimart blog.

All the best to your family and friends!

-The Loungerati Staff

Celebrate Your Constitutional Right to Have a Cocktail!! - Repeal Day 2011 Destinations

Loungerati's Fredo at Employees Only Repeal Day Party 2010

Repeal Day Destinations
In ten years, Repeal Day partying will stand shoulder to shoulder with Cinco de Mayo and other alcohol related holidays. Luckily, it is still in its infancy but growing stronger every year thanks to ongoing cocktail renaissance. So enjoy these rather intimate gatherings now before the amateurs take over!  Lastly, I want to make a toast to the an unlikely hero in this tale of repeal - The State of Utah! Utah was the final state that ratified the 21st Amendment repealing the 18th Amendment to the US Constitution on December 5, 1933. Cheers to Utah!

We recommend the following 4 destinations for proper celebrating!



1. 1534 Cocktail Bar - Repeal Day Party to Support Bottomless Closet
Zacapa Rum teams up LUPEC's New York chapter, and the 1534 fellas to support Bottomless Closet, an organization that helps disadvantaged NYC women with professional development, financial management and personal enrichment. No secret passwords to get in, instead bring an item to donate to the Accessories Drive. In return,  guests will be treated to pre-prohibition style drinks courtesy of Zapaca, food and music! Finest prohibition dress highly recommended.
 
1534 - 20 Prince Street, SoHo, New York - 7pm - 9:30pm


2. Clover Club - Annual Repeal Day Party
Hot 1920s jazz from Michael Aranella and his Dreamland Orchestra fills Brooklyn cocktail den Clover Club for this special party. Drink specials all night long sponsored by Plymouth gin. Naughty surprises from burlesque mavens Darlinda Just Darlinda and Peekaboo Pointe! Don't miss the easiest holiday of the year. No presents to buy, no pies to bake and no costumes to rent. Just legal good times!

Clover Club - 210 Smith Street, Brooklyn, New York - 8:30pm - 11:30pm

3.  Louis 649 Bar - Francine's Pink Room Repeal Day Party
Francine (aka singer/burlesque performer Franny Fluffer) returns to Louis 649 to celebrate Repeal Day - the 78th anniversary of Prohibition's Repeal. Expect a decadent evening of classic jazz, burlesque and mixology at intimate East Village cocktail stalwart Louis 649. In addition to the tantalizing teasing by Francine, patrons will be treated to performances from Medianoche and Sapphire Jones.There is no cover charge for this special event, however an RSVP - rsvp@louis649.com.

Louis 649 - 649 East 9th Street, East Village, New York - Doors open at 8pm, performance set at 9pm, 10pm, and 11pm, free admission with rsvp, $15 minimum per set

4. Employees Only - Annual Repeal Day Party
This legendary party is invitation only so if you have the luck to be an attendee, put on your sharpest suits or flapper dress and get ready to call in sick tomorrow to work. Employees Only has been celebrating since being named World's Best Cocktail Bar at Tales of the Cocktail. So expect this shindig to be over the top. Typically, the party include complimentary cocktails from the biggest booze sponsors. Last year guests were treated to Plymouth Gin drinks concocted by the stellar team behind the bar. Punches in monster tea cups, Southsides made to order, hot jazz, burlesque on the bar, tasty treats from the EO kitchen, and whose who of bar industry stopping by. 

Employees Only - 510 Hudson Street, West Village, New York - Private party

PS: Loungerati will be turning 5 years old. The group and blog were formed at a Repeal Day celebration in 2006. We will let the Repeal Day have its day and be celebrating Thursday December 8th at the Rum House in midtown!

(photo of Fredo by Gabi Porter for Metromix)

Best of Lounge 2011 - The Winners

Best Cocktail of 2011 - The classic Monkey Gland adapted by Julie Reiner

The Loungerati readers have voted via PollDaddy for the 2011 Best of Lounge Awards and the results are in:

Lounge Scene Awards

Best Burlesque Act or Performer: GRACE GOTHAM'S COUPE DE GRACE
Honorable Mention: The Minsky Sisters, Medianoche, Nasty Canasta, Angie Pontani

Diane L. Naegel Award for Best Lounge or Vintage Event: THE SALON: CELEBRATING SINATRA at the Edison Ballroom
Honorable Mention: Club Wit's End - A Monthly Celebration of the Jazz Age,  Liberty Belle Fourth of July Spectacular at the Empire Hotel, Champagne Riot at Duane Park, The Lounge Series at the Edison Ballroom

Viva La Musica Award for Best Jazz, Lounge, or Swing Band: GEORGE GEE SWING ORCHESTRA
Honorable Mention: Gelber & Manning, Dandy Wellington & His Band, Brian Newman Jazz Trio, Two Man Gentlemen Band

Most Sought After Ingredient for the Home Bar: BOLS BARREL AGED GENEVER

Honorable Mention: Cocchi Vermouth di Torino, Toasted Bitters from Flying Fig Market, Dutch's Colonial Cocktail Bitters, Suze

Best Dressed Lounger: GIN MINSKY of the Minsky Sisters
Honorable Mention: Dandy Wellington of NY Dandy, Eff Blangairdo of Yehoodi.com, Michael Haar of Freemans Sporting Club, Nicole Desmond of the Rhum Rhum Room 

Marcello Mastroianni Award for Lounger Number One: DIANE NAEGEL of Club Wit's End
Honorable Mention: David Liston, Esq., Jim Ryan of Hendricks Gin, Maxwell Britten of Maison Premiere, Joe Desmond of the Rhum Rhum Room

Cocktail Bars and Lounges

Best New Cocktail Bar or Lounge: ASTOR ROOM (Queens)
Honorable mention:  Maison Premiere (Brooklyn), Silver Lining (New York), The Tippler (New York), Bathtub Gin (New York)

Best Veteran Cocktail Bar or Lounge: CLOVER CLUB (Brooklyn)
Honorable Mention: Employees Only (New York), Death & Company (New York), Daddy-O (New York), Pegu Club (New York)

Best Barfood: WARD III  - PULLED DUCK SLIDERS
Honorable Mention: Mayahuel - Fish Tacos, Maison Premiere - Oyster Happy Hour, Oyster Bar at Grand Central Station - Oysters Rockefellar, The Commodore - The Fried Chicken

David A. Embury Award for Best Cocktail of 2011: THE MONKEY GLAND, Julie Reiner for Monkey Bar (New York)

Honorable Mention: The Tipperary by Sean Muldoon for the Dead Rabbit (New York), The El Presidente by Employees Only (New York), Bitter Mai Tai by Jeremy Oertel of Dram Bar (Brooklyn), Dark Horse by Leo Robitsheck of Eleven Madison Park (New York)

Editor and Staff Picks:
Best Seat in the House: BACK BOOTH AT MAISON PREMIERE (Brooklyn)
Honorable mention: Corner End seat at Rum House (New York), F14 at Clover Club (Brooklyn), The "Regular" at Employees Only (New York), Any bar seat at Dutch Kills (Queens) 

Best Cocktail for the Road: VIEUX CARRE WITH EL DORADO 12 YEAR AGED RUM by BRIAN SCHNEIDER of MONKEY BAR (New York)
Honorable Mention: Stinger with Cardinal Mendoza Brandy at the University Club (New York), The Barrymore with Bruichladdich Single Malt Scotch, Ramazotti Amaro, and Yellow Chartreuse at Rum House (New York), The Old Hickory with equal parts Carpano Antica, Dolin Blanc with Peychauds and Orange bitters adapted by Maxwell Britten at Maison Premiere (Brooklyn)

Best Saloon: DADDY-O (New York)
Honorable Mention: Ward III (New York), Fort Defiance Cafe (Brooklyn), The Richardson (Brooklyn)

Best of the Internationals: THE SALON, BLYTHSWOOD SQUARE HOTEL (Glasgow)
Honorable Mention:  The Everleigh (Melbourne), Curio Parlor (Paris), Experimental Cocktail Club (London)

Best of the NY Hotel Bars: RUM HOUSE AT THE EDISON HOTEL

Honorable Mention: M Bar at the Mansfield Hotel, Bull & Bear at the Waldorf Astoria (New York), Lantern's Keep at the Algonquin, The Blue Bar at the Algonquin (natch)

Best Dive aka "The Gutter Award": MONTERO'S BAR & GRILL (Brooklyn)

Honorable Mention: Jimmy's Corner (New York), Rudy's Bar (New York), Palais Royale (Albany)

Don't Bruise the Ice Award for Best Ice Program: HUNDRED WEIGHT ICE  & COCKTAIL SERVICE (Queens)

Honorable Mention: Dutch Kills (Queens), Wafu (Portland), Weather Up Tribeca (New York), Angel's Share (New York)

On the hit list to visit in 2012: Loungerati 2.0 Launch, Tales of the Cocktail's 10th Anniversary, The Manhattan Cocktail Classic III, and so much more.

Please join us on December 8th for Repeal Day Holiday cocktails at the Rum House in New York. It is also Loungerati's fifth Anniversary. 

(photo of Monkey Gland cocktail by Jena Cumbo for SOMA Magazine)

Lounge Essentials: Holiday Gift Recommendations

Jim Meehan's PDT Cocktail Book

The Loungerati Staff and Contributors share some of their Lounge Essentials holiday wish list:

For The Home Bar

Eff: A pair of Waterford Crystal Lismore Tall Martini Glasses. This pair of elegant cocktail glasses will enhance even the most well stocked bar. Waterford's Lismore pattern celebrates its 50th year anniversary and Eff swears his drinks taste better in them. A perfect gift!($180)

Fredo: Something for mind and body. Books - The PDT Cocktail Book: The Complete Bartender’s Guide from the Celebrated Speakeasy by Jim Meehan ($14.95) and Bitters: A Spirited History of a Classic Cure-All, with Cocktails, Recipes, and Formulas by Brad Thomas Parsons ($16) and Booze - Bols Barrel Aged Genever ($49.99) and Bitter Truth Apricot Brandy  ($30).

Grumpy Old Hepcat: We found this shapely pewter beverage opener in a Parisian bistro and just had to "borrow" it. Luckily, you can find a carbon copy on Amazon for $30 -  Nude Female Sculpture Pewter Beverage Beer Bottle Opener

Holiday Threads

Eff: Get ye to J. J. Hat Center on 5th Ave in NYC for a fedora called The Film by Borsalino which has a fuller crown and a 2 3/8" brim with a raw edge. It exudes classic Hollywood style with contemporary elegance. Might we suggest it in dark camel? ($350 and worth every penny!)

Fredo: Live out Tweed Run again with two tweed sportjacket options.  The Daltrey Donegal Sport Coat ($650) available at Epaulet New York features natural shoulder, elbow patches, and classic Anglo-American style. If the Daltrey is too steep, check out the black/cream herringbone tweed jacket from Ralph Lauren Rugby, three button, single vent, notched lapels, 100% wool, and fitted. ($398)

 

Viva La Musica

Eff: Old meets new with the Trends PA-10 for iPod Tube Headphone/Preamp.  A good old tube will warm up your MP3s for all your classic Holiday music.  ($279)

Loungerati Holiday Cocktails and 5th Anniversary - December 8th

December 8th, 2011
8pm -11pm

Loungerati teams up with Angel's Envy Bourbon and Rum House for a special Holiday Repeal Day Cocktail Party to celebrate five years of "Lounging, Life, and Libations."

There will be Angel's Envy drink specials, world class cocktails, and live jazz from the J. Walter Hawkes Trio.

Cocktail Party attire encouraged.

Please RSVP on Facebook.

Please mention "Loungerati" to the hostess to get in.


Rum House
228 West 47th
at the Edison Hotel
NYC, New York

(Artwork by Shag)

Best of Lounge 2011 - The Voting Begins

Welcome to the Best of Lounge 2011 Voting!

The Lounge series at Edison Ballroom

We have ten categories open to voters:

* Best New Bar/Lounge
* Best Veteran Bar/Lounge
* Most Sought After Ingredient for the Home Bar
* Best Barfood
* Best Burlesque Act
* Best Dressed Lounger
* Diane L. Naegel Award for Best Lounge or Vintage Event
* Marcello Mastroianni Award: Lounger Number One
* Viva La Music Award: Best Jazz/Swing/Lounge Band
* David A. Embury Award: Best Cocktail of 2011

Additional categories will be voted by the Loungerati editors and contributors.
They include:

* Best Saloon
* Best Seat in the House
* Best Cocktail for the Road
* Best of the International Bars
* Best Hotel Bar
* Best Dive aka the Gutter Award
* Don't Bruise The Ice Award for Premier Ice Program

Lastly, we will be showcasing the Best Saloon winner in a special editor's note by Loungerati Director, Mark "The Senator" Vasto.

Cheers!

The Loungerati Staff

Destinations: Halloween Weekend 2011

Make Diane proud and make it Wit's End!

There are plenty of "lounge" worthy events this Halloween weekend. However, we suggest you head on over to these jazz age themed masquerades from our friends Michael Arenella in  and Wit's End, then cap it off at the Rhum Rhum Room (if you can get in).

SATURDAY OCTOBER 29, 2011

Wit's End: The Third Annual Black Cat Masquerade!

Flute - 205 W 54th St, NYC

8PM -11PM

$15 +21 years old

The Jazz Age is calling all flappers and Gents!

In honor of Wit's End founder, Miss Diane Naegel, Wit’s End, together with The Dorothy Parker Society, present The Third Annual "Black Cat Masquerade!" Our future is uncertain, and this may be the final Wit’s End, it’s certainly for 2011!

Celebrate Halloween of the 1920s and 1930s and join us for an evening of vintage cocktails, good company, and the return of Bliss Blood and the Moonlighters!

Come in your finest 1910s-1940s vintage/vintage-style Hallowe’en or evening attire to spend a night in vintage speakeasy style with us!

Free Dance Lesson will begin before the band goes on (approximately 8:45pm) from our pals Jeri Lynn Astra and Neal Groothuis!

Want a seat for the evening? Call and reserve a table for Wit's End! 212.265.5169

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2011

Michael Arenella & His Dreamland Orchestra present... SILVER SCREAM

8PM – 2AM
320 West 37th Street, 14th Floor, NYC
$50 - Open Bar!!! - Advance Tickets Only
Sponsored by Bootlegger 21 NY Vodka

A spook-studded soiree to conjure the starlets and spectres of the Silver Screen. Brush the cobwebs off your pearls and the creepy-crawlers out of your silk hat as we celebrate the bygone glamour and ghouls of the silent movie era. 

For your eyes: 

*Burlesque naughtiness by: 

Grace Gotham - Humour's Favorite Temptress

Tansy - The Elizabeth Taylor of Burlesque

Medianoche - The Spanish Sensation 

The Maine Attraction - Inimitable Mover and Shaker 

PLUS * film projections of silent horror movies! 

For your appetite: 

*premium bar featuring fabulous custom cocktails, wines and beers!

*hot gourmet hors d’oeuvres (complimentary with admission)

*fresh-popped popcorn, candy and other movie-house treats!(also complimentary with admission!)

*Proudly presenting custom cocktails designed by Fredo of loungerati.com and served by Nino Cirabisi of Brooklyn Social!*

And of course, dance and revel in the hot music of Michael Arenella & His Dreamland Orchestra! 

Hosted in a gorgeous midtown loft with a private roof terrace offering breathtaking birdseye views of the city and the Hudson River. This intimate and exclusive event has only 200 total tickets available,SilverScream.Eventbee.com!and are only available for advance purchase at

Admission: $50 ( includes hot gourmet hors d’oeuvres and movie-house treats!)

Open Bar

MONDAY OCTOBER 31, 2011

Here it is - the Halloween event you have been waiting for, Lani Kai's First Annual Mahaloween!
Lani Kai 525 Broome Street,NYC

Pirates and Wenches meet in well...a setting they were made for.

Tiki Mondays (Brian Miller) joins forces with the crew at Lani Kai for what hopes to be, in the words of Miller's first mate this week, Brad Farran - "EPIC!"

The Wenches (Julie & April) will be upstairs serving $8 Mai Tais to everyone in costume, along with several other tasty LK classics while downstairs your favorite Tiki Pirates will be slinging a Mahaloween inspired menu featuring the sponsor this week Partida Tequila. Not to worry, there will be plenty of mingling between wenches & pirates !!

There will also be a best costume contest, with a winner to be announced around 11pm. And as usual, Happy Hour will run from 6-8pm with 2 special cocktails for $6.50.

After the Lani Kai, keep the Tiki vibe going and head to New York's Famous Rhum Rhum Room in the West Village for their Annual Halloween Spooktacular!!

(Undisclosed location)

This party is by invitation only so if you are one of the lucky few to make past the bamboo and attack parrot, you will get to enjoy all sort of rum libations including the 1934 Zombie!

(photo of Diane Naegel courtesy of Don Spiro)

Barfly's Beat: An Autumn Cocktail Crawl

The Old Wench is a keeper!

Big surprise! Autumn is our friggin favorite season. Besides the crisp cool air, the opportunity to wear tweed jackets, and enjoy the colorful foliage, there is another great reason to love the season. Imagine a time of year that has four months that end in the letter “R” in a row? Folks, that’s a helluva lot of oysters!! And seasonal boozy cocktails go perfect with oysters and other tasty bar foods!

Keeping this in mind, start your Autumn cocktail crawl off at the acclaimed Maison Premiere in Williamsburg, Brooklyn for Oyster Happy Hour (4 - 7pm) - there are over 60 types of oysters on their menu for half price! Order a duo of Autumn Absinthe Juleps to wash them down, then hit the Little Neck clams. I have never considered the julep a post-summer option but barman Maxwell Britten has successfully changed my mind with the Autumn Absinthe Julep.

AUTUMN ABSINTHE JULEP

By Maxwell Britten

1 oz Pacifique Absinthe

1 oz still water

1 Heavy barspoon Crème de Framboise

¼ oz Demerara syrup

1 Sugar cube

Ice: Crushed

Tools: Julep Tin, bar spoon, jigger

Method: Muddle, remove mint, add ingredients, muddle sugar, add ice, swizzle, add more ice, garnish with Mint Bouquet

Where to get it: Maison Premiere (298 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn)

Properly toasted with this refreshing aperitif and oysters, we head across the river to Soho and visit tiki haven Lani Kai. Forget Old Man Winter, autumn’s Old Wench cocktail is the one to watch out for! Share a delicious Pu Pu Platter (crab wontons, delicata squash tempura, char sui baby back ribs, and escabeche tacos) paired with Julie Reiner's tiki’d up this variation of the old fashioned called the Old Wench. This libation features potent Lemon Hart 151, rich demerara syrup, and Elemakule Tiki Bitters – which adds cinnamon and allspice essence to the cocktail. Make a date with the Old Wench - she’ll warm you right up.

THE OLD WENCH

Adapted by Julie Reiner

1 ½ oz Bourbon
½ oz 151 Demerara Rum
4 dashes Elemakule Tiki Bitters
1 dash Angostura Bitters
1 bar spoon Demerara syrup

lemon and orange twist

Method: Stir and strain over ice in a chilled dbl rocks glass

Where to get it: Lani Kai (525 Broome Street, Soho)
 

Next up, we head downtown to Tribeca’s Ward III to sample their autumn cocktail menu. Partners Michael Neff, Kenneth McCoy, and Abdul Tabini put together a top notch menu using seasonal ingredients. One of the stand outs is a boozy little number called The Stag. The Stag has a citrus fragrance and smoky nose thanks to the Balvenie 15 years single malt scotch which features smooth flavors such as vanilla, honey, bitter, citrus. The Gran Classico bitters blends well with the scotch without up staging it. Pair the Stag with some of Ward III's famous pulled pork sliders and that's dinner! This is a stud of a drink and will fortify you against the chilled nights.

THE STAG

2 1/2 oz Balvenie 15yr Single Malt Scotch

1/2 oz Gran Classico Bitter
3 dashes of Regans Orange bitters
Angostura rub

Tools: Mixing tins, muddler, jigger,
 

Method: Muddle 4 gloves with lemon and orange peels in a mixing  glass. Add scotch and gran classico. Stir with ice. Add a few dashes of angostura to a coupe and rub the inside of the glass with orange 

peel, serve up with a orange twist.

Where to get it: Ward III (111 Reade Street, NYC)

Finally, here is a great drink for your home bar compliments of drinks blogger Joshua Hoffman of SpiritedCocktails.com. This punch hits on all the classic Fall seasonal notes – cinnamon, apple cider, with the warming hand of Anejo rum – and adds some bubbly for effervescence.

AUTUMN HARVEST PUNCH

Adapted by Joshua Hoffman

2 oz Anejo Rum (Flor de Cana Anejo – 5years)
1 oz Apple Cider
½ oz lime juice
½ oz cinnamon bark syrup (Trader Tiki is recommended)
2 dashes aromatic bitters
Top with sparkling wine (prosecco)

Tools: Mixing tins, jigger, bar spoon
 

Method: Combine all the ingredients except the sparkling wine in mixing tin, add ice, and shake until well chilled. Strain into a frosted goblet and top with sparkling wine. Add a Star Anise or two as garnish.

Where to get it: At your home bar!

SALUTE!

Barfly's Beat: The Qualifying Round

Will you qualify?

by Chivalrous

We've all been there. Stop for a second. You've got a party to go to, but we are a block away from our favorite last minute. Behind the stick is a bartender you'll actually favor and undoubt to trust. Good friends to see…early morning ahead of you. Sure, we all say the same thing.

"Ok, I'll stop in… but just one cocktail. That's it! I swear. Just one and then I have to go. Really."

Who is kissing me? Who is it? Deep down, we all know there's no such thing as just one cocktail on our lips anymore than there, than there can be only one shoe instead of a pair. One cufflink. One Dean Martin.

The mere suggestion of such an undertaking is dead to be followed by smirks, and upon one's inevitable second round, some well-deserved and light hearted mocking. So what.

So what's a card-carrying member of the Loungerati to do? Not show up? Pull an Irish exit after one drink? Perish the thought of those shenanigans. Should one stand there empty handed and dry as a bone while your friends enjoy toast after toast? Don't make me laugh.

For years I struggled with this question until one hot July day the answer came bursting out of my TV. What amounts to an epiphany came from the most unlikely of sources – The Summer Olympic Games.

The Olympiad, a grand spectacle that has stood the test of time.

Our greatest athletes from around the globe compete on the world stage to tune the honor of their countries (and back in the athletes’ Olympic village, they get it on with each other in a way that puts Plato's Retreat to shame)!

But even Michael Phelps doesn't simply walk in, swim in one race and walk out with his medal. First, every competitor must partake in a qualifying round. And once the qualifying round is passed, they proceed to the first round, you and me, and to second rounds, and ultimately the finals.

I think you see where I'm going here.

The art of imbibing a cocktail is more of a cooperative undertaking than a competitive sport. We know that the cocktail should be savored, sipped, and celebrated. So it makes sense to have a two-drink minimum even when you are dropping in for “just one.”

Besides, when you think about it, it's downright rude to simply walk into a bar and order your final cocktail right off the bat. It's much more sporting, in fact it's just more respectful to chat with your barkeep and request a qualifying round to kick it off. Then once you've successfully quaffed your qualifier, you are fully capable of ordering your first round with a clear conscience. Heck, you may even qualify for a third drink on the house so put your kicks on the brass rail. Next one on me.

You are welcome.

Chiv 

Esquivel Tribute and Documentary filming at PKNY Oct 11th

Breaking news from our pals Jack Fettterman and mucho mu-cha-cha Gina of the Jungle:

"Tuesday October 11,  Primativa in Hi-Fi presents a tribute to Juan Garcia Esquivel at PKNY and we want you to help show NYC's love for the E-man!'

Director Arturo R. Jiménez  (from Mexico) is working on a documentary on Esquivel! and his influence and the musicians, DJs and fans who help keep his music alive today. He will be attending our PKNY party on October 11th to film footage of Esquivel! fans in a NYC bar enjoying his music today.

Shooting is scheduled for 7:00 to 9:00 in the back room. PKNY will be open to the public, but only recipients of this invitation will know that they will be filmed ahead of time.

The drinks and music won’t be such a bad reason to come either. 

Zu zu zu zu zu zu zuuuuuuuuuu..

PK-NY
49 Essex St.
NYC

Destinations: "Prohibition" Documentary Viewing Party & Cocktail Extravaganza - Oct 2nd

On October 2nd, why not kick off Autumn at a very special viewing of the new Ken Burns' documentary about Prohibition? No passwords required, dressing ones' best is encouraged, and period bourbon cocktails will be served at very attractive prices.

The Skinny: The new PBS documentary by the Ken Burns and Lynn Novick is all about Prohibition, and the Rum House is throwing a cocktail party to honor the occasion. Live music, food, and $5 Manhattans & Old Fashioneds crafted with Maker's 46.


Come in your best Prohibition outfit and walk away with a prize! Party starts at 6pm, after which The Rum House will show the documentary on the Big Screen in its entirety.

Rum House

228 W. 47th Street

(b/w Broadway & 8th Ave)

New York - New York

Barfly's Beat: Late Summer Tiki Madness

Barkeeps Tobin Ellis, Julie Reiner, and Brian Miller at LK

Aloha! You want Tiki! You need Tiki! Well if you do not have a home bar called the Rhum Rhum Room at your disposal then get your Polynesian cocktail fix this coming week at the following events that would make Trader Vic proud:


Tiki Mondays at Lani Kai
Starting Monday, August 8th

Tiki Mondays reunites Elettaria tiki night alums on both sides of the stick with head pirate Brian Miller crafting a special cocktail menu of tiki classics. The list of concoctions include the Donn Beach's 1934 Zombie, the Cobra's Fang, both Caribbean and Tahitian Rum Punch, Navy Grog, and Rum Barrels. A rotating group of guest bartenders (expect more Elettaria ex-pats) accompany Miller dishing out swizzles for your pleasure. We hear Jim Kearns is up next week. So bust out the Hawaiian prints and start off the week in paradise!

6pm - 11pm

Lani Kai
525 Broome Street
SoHo, NY 10013
http://lanikainy.com/

Lono Lounge Tiki Tuesdays at the Astor Room 
Starting Tuesday, August 16th.

Meanwhile, Astoria is putting itself on the cocktail map with the opening of the Astor Room. Listen to the authentic sounds of Exotica from the legendary Fisherman’s Tiki Trio while you enjoy classic rum cocktails and tiki –inspired dishes in one of the most historic watering holes in New York City! With special guests Bunny Love and Ekaterina for your tropical entertainment.

No Cover, but RSVP!
9pm - 11pm

Astor Room
34-12 36th St
Astoria, NY 11106
http://www.astorroom.com/
Email: info@astorroom.com

(photo courtesy of Guest of a Guest)

Tales of the Cocktail 2011

The 9th Annual Tales of the Cocktail, a culinary and spirits festival, kicks off with a Bols Genever sponsored "World’s Largest Genever Kopstootje" toast at the Hotel Monteleone at 2pm on Wednesday, July 20^th.  The world's best craft bartenders, taste makers, brand ambassadors, cocktail bloggers, liquor sponsors, and cocktail aficionados plus a legion of media and public relations people descend on the Crescent City for a week of booze filled seminars, "Spirited Dinners", tough talking competitions, liquor tastings, and brand sponsored parties.

The following is a list of recommended events and seminars to attend while down at Tales! Please do make some time away from the festival to enjoy what New Orleans has to offer. The Big Easy isn't only the tasting rooms of Hotel Monteleone, attending Tales is a great way enjoy the culinary tradition and support the city's tourism. Besides there is nothing like a fresh Muffaletta sandwich from Central Grocery so get on over there!

Recommended Seminars

David Embury & the Fine Art of Mixing Drinks

Thursday July 21^st, 3:30 – 5 pm, at the Grand Ballroom North, Royal Sonesta Hotel

Embury enthusiast Robert “Drinkboy” Hess drops the knowledge on the one of Loungerati’s cocktail heroes. We are curious to see if attendees will be drinking cocktail samples of Embury portions! This seminar is sponsored by Remy Martin & Cointreau

The Negroni: An Iconic Cocktail

Thursday July 21^st, 12:30 to 2 PM at The Queen Anne Ballroom, Hotel Monteleone

Paul Clarke moderates this seminar where attendees will be treated to the history of the Negroni and plenty of samples of the iconic libation. Panelists include Jacques Bezuidenhout and Livio Lauro. This seminar is sponsored by Bombay Gin and Campari (natch).

The Sporting Life – And other Anecdotes

Friday, July 22^nd, 3:30 to 5 PM at Irvin Mayfield's Jazz Playhouse, Royal Sonesta Hotel

This is one of the most anticipated seminars judging by the cast of brigands assembled to spin the tales of the sporting life. Allen Katz, the Director of Mixology & Spirits Education for Southern Wine & Sprits, will attempt to “moderate” this crew that includes a cocktail history who’s who: David Wondrich, Gary Regan, Chris McMillian, Jeff Grdinich, Kimberly Patton-Bragg, and our gal Lynnette Marrero. If you can still get in to this session, make the effort!

Barrel Aged Cocktails

Saturday July 23^rd, 3 to 4 pm at The Riverview Room, Hotel Monteleone

The panel includes the top guns in barrel-aged cocktails Naren Young and Tuthilltown’s Gable Erenzo. Jeffrey Morgenthaler moderates this must attend session. Attendees are sure to be treated to barrel aged cocktails. This seminar is sponsored by Tuthilltown Spirits.

Recommended Spirited Dinners on Thursday July 21^st

Tujagues- The Jerry Thomas Bar and Beefsteak
Head to 150 year old institution, Tujagues restaurant and join the James Beard Award-winning cocktail historian David Wondrich, and Gin expert and experienced drinker Simon Ford and guest chefs, for a traditional New York City “beefsteak,” a nineteenth-century sporting life century institution where men and women came together to eat large amounts of sliced steak, drink, and toast their fellowship. In traditional beefsteak fashion, no utensils will be supplied. “It ain’t a beefsteak unless you get grease on yer ears,” as they used to say. Sponsored by Plymouth Gin.

Café Adelaide

A five-course extravaganza hosted by husband and wife mixology team of Audrey Saunders and Robert Hess.  If you can get in - Go for the this fourth course alone: Curried Colorado Lamb Chops, Beluga lentil puree, sweet onion-green tomato pickle and house made mint yogurt paired with the French Pearl cocktail: Plymouth gin, Pernod, muddled mint, lime juice. Sponsored by Pernod Ricard.

The Grill Room – Exploring Whiskeys

Renowned mixologists and bar consultants Jonathan Pogash and Hal Wolin (from beverage consulting firm, "The Cocktail Guru") will partner with Executive Chef Drew Dzejak of The Grill Room for an evening exploration into the world of whiskey. Sponsored by William Grant & Sons

Recommended Events

Pig & Punch Party

Saturday July 23^rd, 11 am – 4pm at Washington Square Park

This is one of Loungerati’s favorite events. A band of bartenders based out of San Francisco called The Bon Vivants (http://bonvivants-sf.com), get to New Orleans early and instead of hitting the party they devote their time and energy to helping reconstruct schools in neighborhoods that were devastated by Hurricane Katrina. Then on the afternoon of Saturday July 23^rd, they will host a free party in Washington Square Park where they are spit roasting two whole pigs and serving lots of boudin from Cochon, Creole tomato salad, Cajun cole slaw, piggy beans, cold watermelon and more. Plus delicious complimentary punches out of 32 gallon trash containers and cold beer is available! Attendees are encouraged to donate some funds, which goes right to the Arts Programs at a local High School. You feel great going to this event because it is so much fun for a good cause. We highly recommend this event.

Bartender’s Bar Room Brawl

Friday, July 22^nd, from 10pm – 2am at Generations Hall

The world’s best mixologists answer the bell and come out shaking at Tales of the Cocktail and Moët Hennessy USA's Bar Room Brawl competition and party. Bar teams from around the country will take the corners of our ring as they slug it out using their cocktail acumen to create original drinks using Grand Marnier, Hennessy, Belvedere Vodka and 10 Cane Rum. In the end, the judges will crown one team as the undisputed Bar Room Brawl Champions of the World, and the attendees will crown the people’s champion. Sponsored by Moët Hennessy.

The Plymouth Gin Bartenders' Breakfast
Saturday July 23^rd, 11:30pm – 3:00 am at The Board of Trade on Magazine Street

If a bartender has breakfast its usually after a shift at the crack of dawn. To pay homage to the bartending way of life Simon and Audrey’s Bartenders Breakfast was born 5 years ago at TOTC and its back again as the official unofficial wrap party for the festivities. Live music from Space Capone, DJ Gruners, incredible cocktails from some of the finest in the business, Pink Gins poured through ice and, of course, some bacon and eggs. This year it will be held at The Board of Trade just after the awards. Sponsored by Plymouth Gin.

After Hours

Vaughn’s Lounge in Bywater section

Thursday, July 21^st, New Orleans jazz institution Kermit Ruffins & his BBQ Swingers perform for the roadhouse crowd. Bring a taxi number to call for the ride home.

Every other night - Old Absinthe House on Bourbon Street. See my post from Tales 2010 for more information.

Bastille Day 2011 in NYC

Can Can Girls at Bastille Day Tribeca

Bastille Day in New York is chock full of great events. We prefer whats happening downtown  and recommend a Tricolor of pit stops for your revolutionary merriment! First, take a half day off from work and head to Tribeca around 2pm. West Broadway at Walker transforms into an outdoor celebration of French culture (circa 1920 of course)! Petanque, Can-Can Girls, hot jazz, foosball, and Ricard pastis is the perfect way to spend an afternoon. Then head to the East Village for more jazz and Lost Generation festivities courtesy of Dandy Wellington and the Made to Measure Band. If you still have your head, cap it off with the green faerie at 1534 in SoHo with a plethora of Absinthe cocktails. Dance in the streets and don't forget to sing your heart our when La Marseillaise comes on! Allons enfants de la Patrie!!

Votre Itinéraire

2PM - BASTILLE DAY FESTIVAL IN TRIBECA

Loungerati favorites Michael Arenella & His Hot Eight perform hot jazz and Parisian standards for a French-style outdoor block party replete with Petanque games, pastis and pomme frites! -plus- the bawdy and beautiful Can Can Dancers of The Love Show.....ooh la la 2-6pm in front of Cercle Rouge, a charming French provincial brasserie located in the heart of Tribeca. This is a free event! Cocktails from Ricard and Lillet.

Cercle Rouge

241 West Broadway 

(btw Walker & White St.)

Tribeca, NYC

7:30 PM - JAZZ IT UP LIKE THE LOST GENERATION AT ELLA LOUNGE

Another year of bow ties and boaters has come and gone, and instead of coming together to mourn the rapid passing of time, you are cordially invited to celebrate the birth of that New York native.....Mr. Dandy Wellington!

What does a perfect birthday celebration consist of for a dandy you ask?? Let's lay the foundation down with a room full of amazing minds, familiar and new.....then the mood is set with some outstanding jazz....add in a cocktail or two, a dash of impeccable dress, and the magic unfolds...

Flaunt your elegance, exude the exquisite, and emulate the effervescent in a room full of Dandy's closest friends, this Thursday, July 14th at Ella Lounge. #DW2011

Doors at 7:30pm, Show at 8:00pm Live Music by: Dandy Wellington and The Made to Measure Band

Ella Lounge

9 Avenue A 

(btw 1st and 2nd street)

East Village, NYC

10PM - A FETE NATIONALE: NOUVELLE VAGUE STYLE

Head over to Jacques at 20 Prince Street in SoHo and then downstairs to 1534 cocktail bar for an evening of absinthe-themed fun including cocktails served in absinthe fountains, absinthe Popsicles, burlesque performances by Mermaid Cafe, sexy music all night long and more. Barman extraordinaire Rafael Reyes and the 1534 crew will be serving up Parisian specials.

Wear a moustache and/or red lipstick to enter.

1534 Bar

below Jacques

20 Prince Street

SoHo, NYC

(photo credit: Sam Horine for Metromix)

Barfly's Beat: Ward III

The welcoming team at Ward III in Tribeca

At some saloons, one can attempt to become a regular because you think it is brightest new joint or have some sort of historical pedigree. Maybe you sat there one night and saw some regulars walk in, get the royal treatment, and said to yourself, "I wanna be that guy one day. I'll start coming here often and tipping well." Let me stop you right there.  In my opinion, you should never "try" to be a regular, you should only frequent places that make you feel at home and the rest will come. Ward III bar in the TriBeCa section of New York City's downtown is one of those bars where becoming a regular comes naturally because of the culture crafted by its owners.


Proprietors Michael Neff, Kenneth McCoy, and Abdul Tabini greet you with a smile, a handshake, and sincerity whether you are stopping by for your first drink or a nightcap. They execute quality drinks with fresh ingredients in a high volume environment and somehow make time to engage in conversation. They are true barmen and I call them friends. These guys care about their customers, the neighborhood, and take service seriously. This culture does not end with the owners,  their bar staff (I'd like to give the nod to Wes, Max, Shaun, and Danny) keep the drinks and food flowing with seamless ease and same attention to client service. And do you know what? This translates into you becoming a regular without trying.

The Baby Eveline Cocktail and a Whiskey Sour

What Ward III does right, in addition to service and top notch libations,  is provide an atmosphere that is welcoming and that lacks pretension. One can show up in a cuffs and buttons or t-shirt and jeans, in a celebratory group or solo with a book, and one can order beer on tap or a delicious signature cocktail. It is your call. Then there is the bar food menu, which is key when having a tipple or two of Ward III's potent combinations.  Our favorites include the mini-pulled pork or duck sliders ( Loungerati's  winner of Best Bar Food of 2010 ), the Moroccan Chicken Pot Pie, and Smoked Gouda and Caramelized Onion Quesedillas.  Top shelf booze, craft beers, come as you are attitude, and delicious bar food equates to catering to a wide audience without any compromises to quality. In true egalitarian fashion, there are no secret phone numbers or buzzers to ring. Just roll in.


Some Background:
Ward III was opened in June 2009 by three experienced barkeeps whose pedigree includes Grace Bar, Odeon, Macao Trading Company, and Ella. The back bar is constructed from vintage Singer sewing machines, the walls exposed brick, and the long hand crafted oak bar is a beauty. The liquor selection is absolutely stellar and they are known for their whiskeys. Every Monday is Whiskey Monday at Ward III, a special event that features a complimentary tasting of various distillers products that range from local producers like New York's Tuthilltown Spirits to Auchentoshan single malt scotch.


Ward III were the standout winners of Loungerati's Best Saloon of 2009  and in our humble opinion, they were robbed when it came to Time Out NY's 2010 Eat Out Awards - Most Democratic Bar. Bespoke Cocktails that you help create, what is more democratic than having it your way? On a recent night, out I suggested a friend try the bespoke list and she went with a Basil Gimlet made with Plymouth Gin, muddled basil, fresh lime, and simple syrup.  Not only was her cocktail made to order without delay but I believe the proprietors were impressed with its uniqueness. If the bespoke drink is a hit, it is added to their records for the next time you arrive. It is no wonder that that Loungerati has partnered with Ward III to hold our 3rd Annual Holiday Repeal Day party and will continue to make it a cocktail destination. 

Dress up or Dress down. Up or on the rocks. We will see you at your new regular joint.

Ward III
111 Reade Street
@ West Broadway
TriBeCa section of NYC
Phone: (212) 240-9194