Holidaaaay! Celebraaaate!

Fourth of July weekend. Well, kind of. You get the drift. It's also the halfway point of 2007. Did you know that? Now you do. Really, that's what we're here for. To keep you informed. You know how we do.

We get it to you first.
We keep it fresh.
We are always willing to help out.

Have a great weekend.

Your friends,

DBTH

Note: The glitch has been fixed. Commenting features are now open to everyone.

Dear DBTH

When our readers ask for help, we do our very best to provide it. When we get an email with the subject 'A Plea From a College Student', who are we to turn a deaf ear? Says reader Jon:

As a 19 year old college student in the city for the summer, I find it extremely difficult to find anything good to do without the need of an excellent fake ID. Perhaps you could write a column (or solicit your readers' advice) and publish a list of good clubs/dance parties/concerts and such for the under 21 crowd.

While we can't do the list, we can solicit advice. Tips are welcome in the comments or through the Hipster Phone. Our suggestion? Find an excellent fake id.

Bricks in the Wall

Last week, we briefly mentioned the materials that are being used at the Bowery Hotel's second story bar. It's time to revisit them. There is a bit more to discuss. Ready?

1. The boys scored an entire building's worth of vintage bricks from a nearby building site. Cost? $3000. Actual retail cost today would have been 7 figures.
2. Srs. Goode and McPherson (along with others) scoured the surrounding area (venturing to other states) for vintage materials that could be incorporated.
3. When said materials were found, the space was redesigned if necessary. This happened multiple times. It helps keeps the workers on their toes.
4. The tiling is pretty slick ta boot. (ta boot!)

Like we said before, the entire thing is more than a home run. It's a grand slam. If only they would let us in.

Starr Heads South

Stephen Starr, the restaurateur that private equity longs for, is on the move. Well, at least his restaurants are. Pelican, a little Florida birdy, sings, "Starr is coming to the W Hotel and Residences in Ft. Lauderdale to open one new restaurant. It's either Buddakan or Continental. Hotel opens in early 2008, Starr will open soon after." Interesting. Very interesting. We thought Starr was concentrating on getting Continental opened in New York. Maybe that's off. Not too big a deal, because the place really is an expense account special. You won't miss it.

First Responder: McCarren Park Pool Party

This weekend marked the kickoff of JellyNYC's summer Pool Party series at McCarren Park Pool. A little birdy on the scene filed this report, noting, "things are almost exactly the same as last year. Dodgeball, slip and slide, Brooklyn Beer, food from the grill and hipsters galore. What is different is the heavy sponsorship from Helio, that weird phone thing that is advertised everywhere. They had set up a mist tent, a sales booth, and some other tents with lounge chairs for a few lucky guests. I saw most of the event staff running around, not using Helios. Superchunk wrapped up at 7, and that was it. Energy was a bit off from last year. Maybe the novelty is gone." Maybe birdie. Maybe. Perhaps everyone is just getting warmed up. It's going to be a long, hot summer. Can we get more mist tents spread around for the rest of us? Thanks.

Marquee - Not Terrible

As the 27th Street scene crumbles, it's time to check in with the area's most successful venue. Marquee. Yes, we know it isn't on 27th Street. But it's close. And apparently, it's still going strong. A little birdy reports, "was at marquee last Tuesday (don't ask) and it was completely full of young models. So much fucking talent. I have been in a place in nyc that stacked in a long time. I hate the place, but it was fucking unreal. And had Derek Jeter on one side of me and Maroon 5 on the other." Maybe hate is a strong word birdy. And we wish you would be more respectful to women. But we are glad you had fun. Please keep us posted.

17th Street - One of a Kind

Prepare the Floggine Machine. We were under the impression that Richie Akiva and Scott Sartiano's next project was going to be in the old Spa/Plaid space. It looks like we may have been mistaken. A little birdy writes, "Richie Akiva and Scott Sartiano of Butter (and of dating Meadow Soprano fame) are opening their new club on 17th between 9th and 10th. The working name is 1OAK (One Of A Kind)." Genius. Unless the bar is made out of kryptonite, we somehow doubt that this place will live up to its name. Whatever.

More importantly, the tea leaves have been read and the tarot cards flipped. It is now official. Break out the DBTH stamp and have it notorized. 17th between 9th and 10th is the new 27th between 10th and 11th!!!

15' Above the Bowery

There has been some wild speculation this week about the status of the second floor/roof top space at the Bowery Hotel. After first disclosing some general facts about the room, we are now ready to share a bit more. But DBTH, how do you have more to share? We thought it wasn't open? Well, it isn't open. But they are preparing to open. Last week we happened to be given an all access tour of the space. Aren't you lucky? Let's begin.

1. The space is huge, and the indoor/outdoor quality is beyond unique for a lounge in the city.
2. Fungibility. This space has it. A capability to have a private party, large or small, and still be open to the public.
3. Pool tables.
4. Vintage materials, corralled from some unlikely sources. (More on this later)
5. Bars fabricated by a master European craftsman.
6. POS systems behind said bars. This baby is ready for commerce.

Take a minute to catch your breath. Better? Good. A bit more patience and admittance will be granted. In the meantime, may we suggest you hug a cop? We said it. Hug a cop.

The Daily Hipster

We are stepping into the way back machine on this one. Almost four months after we announced that Bobby D et al would be installing Ago in the Greenwich Hotel, along with some other choice details, Mr. and Mrs. Rush and Molloy have decided to break the same exact story. Good effort all around. Our original little birdy also notes, "They not only rip you off, but they got it wrong. David Rockwell really didn't design it. The folks at Greyling did." Thanks LB. We can always count on you.

An Evening At: Zouk and Velvet Underground (Singapore Edition)

Not satisfied with just bringing you the best in nightlife for Singapore's former British Imperialists, DBTH had to take in one of the world's great nightclubs: Zouk. Zouk has been around for 16 years and put Singapore on the map as a global party destination. A routine stop for international DJs from Deep Dish to Danny Tenaglia and Roger Sanchez to Erick Morillo, Zouk has a reputation as one of the most dynamic nightspots in the world. It's quirky owner completely renovates the club every few years, and we're not talking minor renos, but new designs that are consistently featured in Wallpaper* Magazine.

A few years ago, the owner decided to go upscale by opening a higher-end spot next door called Velvet Underground. Patronized by Singapore's jet-set elite, the place is decked out with the owner's incredible modern art collection. There are a half-dozen Warhols on display, Takashi Murikami lithographs, a large format Romero Britto behind one bar and a wall-size Keith Haring. Our favorite: A Warhol Mao portrait. Interestingly appropriate in a city that is 75% Chinese.

On Location: Slinging In Singapore

If we are one thing, it would have to be worldly. Thus, sometimes we will have to excuse ourselves from Gotham and head On Location. We don´t live in a bubble, and to make sure you don´t either, DBTH will fill you in on what the world has to offer.

On Location: Singapore

Singapore is much more than a place where Americans get cained and gum chewing is illegal. It just happens to be a place where they know how to make a cocktail. Which we appreciate. Thus, our first stop was of course the Long Bar at the Raffles Hotel. For those who do not know, the LB created one of the world´s most infamous cocktails, the Singapore Sling. We had to head to the source. Walking into the bar you could feel you were in a piece of nightlife history. Interesting twist: the bar has pigeons flying around in it and baskets of crunchy peanuts on the tables. Unique. The classic Sling has gin, cherry brandy, grenadine, cointreau, pineapple juice and bitters. Normally too fruity for us, but to be honest, it was pretty damn tasty.

Reduxe: Sakaya

Recently, we dipped our toes in the water that is Sakaya, a small, soon to open storefront on East 9th Street that will specialize in sake. We weren´t exactly sure what to make of this. Is it to be just another liquor store in a neighborhood awash with them? It turns out our guess was pretty spot on. How can we be sure? Well, Sakaya´s owner Rick checked in to clarify, saying, ´´We hope to have our liquor license by the end of the month....stay tuned, you're right about the synchronicity with Tinto Fino.Kanpai. ´´ Kanpai to you sir. Kanpai to you.

Crazy Candy Coming to NYC

Contrary to popular belief, we here at DBTH are not all about drinking and nightlife. We also enjoy the finer things in life. Like candy. Especially unique candy. That is why we are pleased to inform you that some of the finest candy makers on earth have decided to bring their deliciousness to New York City. Do you know who it is? No? That's ok, we will tell you. Papabubble. In NYC. Location is still TBD, but it will be downtown. And it will be sweet. Because after all, it is candy.

DBTH @ The Playboy Mansion

A few weeks back, we were invited to the Playmate of the Year 2007 luncheon at the Playboy Mansion. Hef was there. His ladies were there. DBTH was there. All in all, it was a pretty boring affair. There was some food, some mingling, some ladies, and a press conference. All in all, kind of blah. It was neat to see though. We guess.

The Shill We See

Without asking for it, your friends at DBTH have become a popular target for publicists. We find that odd, because most of them really dislike bloggers. Rest assured, the feeling is not mutual. That means you Gail Schoenberg! We've got (almost) nothing but love up in here. Today, just for fun, we'd like to point out one of the more comical PR blasts we receive. Every so often, Jenna Jameson makes some kind of public appearance, and a few days later we hear about it. Here is a sample:

Sex icon and adult film mega-star Jenna Jameson demonstrated her international appeal last weekend, strutting the runway for a good cause at the annual Life Ball 2007 in Vienna, Switzerland, marking Europe's largest charity event in the fight against HIV and AIDS. The weekend, highlighted by fashion house Heatherette, was filled with money-raising events.

"Being a part of Life Ball 2007 was an incredible honor for me," says Jenna. “HIV and AIDS awareness is a top concern in the adult industry and I felt it was very important for me to show my support towards the non-profit organizations that do their best to combat this overwhelming disease.

Congrats Jenna and congrats to Life Ball! Sounds like a great cause. Please keep up the great work and please keep up posted.

Speaking of Brunch

Speaking of brunch, DBTH happened to be brunching this weekend at the American, one of our favorite new spots, and saw some changes. Don't worry, these are good changes. Besides the big menu, solid food and short table waits, the American has come through with an expanded dining room. No longer are those booths in front the only seating option. There are several four tops available in the back, plus a bonus outdoor patio where one can enjoy some summer heat. Or a cigarette. If you enjoy that sort of thing. Apparently, it's been that way for two weeks. Next step: A Bloody Mary license. Hopefully.

Quick Change at the Bowery

Remember that stealth Japanese restaurant we told you about? The one that was being planned for the basement of the Bowery Hotel? Well, it seems things have changed just a little bit. Our little birdy from Miami checks in (Hello stranger) and let's us know, "Sean and Eric were in Miami a bit ago, hanging out with their buddy Andre B. They were so impressed with his hotel spa that they are building one at the Bowery in what was planned restaurant space." Translation: Eric Goode and Sean MacPherson were hanging out with Andre Balazs in Miami and are now using his spa as an inspiration for their hotel. See ya Japanese restaurant. That's OK by us. We have more than enough overpriced sushi joints.

Editor's Note: Normally, this would call for a Flogging, but we were initially correct. We can't help it if they change their fickle little minds.

Brunch News From the Bowery

The Whole Foods on Bowery opened big a month ago. A big party, tasting events and the like. But from an insider, things haven't been going so great. The place is apparently empty during the weekdays, generating a little more traffic at night and then filling up with weekend shoppers. How do you change that? Well, WF Bowery has an idea. A little birdy writes, "I walked by Whole Foods LES tonight and saw that they will be serving brunch starting June 10. You have to talk to a custie service person to get details, but I was late for dinner." That's ok birdy. We still love you. Now, we know retail is not our specialty, but brunch definitely is. We can picture it now. A big Saturday night on the town. You wake up, feeling like $5 bucks. All you are thinking about is brunch. Solution? The City's biggest supermarket, full of bright lights, loud shoppers, and piped in market music. That's where we want to get our rancheros. And scene.

Photo Courtesy of Electric Stove/Flickr