Hello DownByTheHipster.com

Hey everyone. Great news! This is going to be our final post on blogger. After 551 posts, we have finally figured out this intertube thing and have moved over to our own domain. Goodbye blogspot, and hello DownByTheHipster.com! We ask that you please reset your rss feeds and bookmarks and continue to visit us on a daily basis for the most up to date news on New York City nightlife and hospitality.

Good on ya!

Rebranding the Chelsea Pub and Hotel

What happens when a big, fancy developer opens a new hotel down the street from you and has the audacity to steal your name? That's the predicament that the Chelsea Pub and Hotel found itself in when the casino-less resort was dubbed the Chelsea Hotel. So the original Chelsea Hotel hired themselves Hotel Internet Strategies to rebrand themselves, lest anyone be confused. HIS has suceeded and let us know about it, saying "just wanted to inform you that The Chelsea Pub and Hotel is now the Chelsea Pub and Inn". Genius! Please note this down so you don't get confused making reservations this summer.

The Smokeless Nights

You can put up all the signs you want. Drinkers still love to smoke, and they love to do both at the same time. So despite the smoking ban that Mayor Mike passed in 2002, some places still turn the other cheek when their patrons light up. But can the state use a tax increase to do what the City couldn't? We are about to find out, because "on Tuesday, the state tax on cigarettes will rise by $1.25 a pack — to $2.75 from $1.50 — driving up the cost of a typical pack in New York City to around $8.50." That is also the cost of one Manhattan beer (when you factor in tip). You have to think that while the die hards and casual smokers will smoke no matter what, this may help some in the middle decrease their habit, and that may just make your favorite nightlife spots even that less smoky. Gratzi NY State.

· $8.50 A Pack! Why Not Quit? [City Room]

[Photo Credit]

Economy Ruining Summer Party Season

Is the woeful economy going to ruin the Summer of 2008? It just may if there are more people like our Little Birdy and their group of friends who have cancelled plans to head to the Hamptons to hit the hot spots, saying it "seems many of my friends from last year aborted attending [Hamptons] for financial reasons....can't blame em given the state of the economy". We feel your pain, but would reccomend selling some clothes on consignment or plasma to raise the money to hit up Lily Pond. We want to see some NYC hustle.

Pros and Cons of subMercer

Our first few trips back to the recently re-opened subMercer have been pretty positive. Division Street, a seemingly brand new brahg, has also gone and has come up with a handy list of pros and cons, which we would love to share with you.

Pros of Submercer:
* No reception = no drunk dialing/texting. Saving us all from sending this text: "out at submrcer, but woud rather be with u”…to more people than we’d like to admit.
* "You called me? Are you sure? I was at submercer, the reception there sucks. Sorry. Maybe we’ll hang out next weekend!?"
* Bomb scare? I know where I’ll be.

Cons of Submercer:

* No one can really meet you there on a whim. It has to be planned and finalized before going under. Like marriage.
* Rolling out around 3:19am and receiving these 3 messages from New Crush:

“Hey” 12:58am

“Still want to hang out? Would love to see you!” 1:39am

“Ok. I guess you’re not into it. Call me never.” 3:18am

Curses! You were THISCLOSE to sealing the deal…
* The ceilings are about 3 inches lower than Beatrice. Which is officially too low. Models: get ready to put “the slouch” to use.

The verdict: Great for parties, nice change of scenery, and by the time you make 5 lefts and 3 rights and another left before getting in, you'll feel like James Bond.

Cheeky Division Street. We'll be watching you.


[Photo by Phillip Angert]

Donald Trump Serves Up a Margaritaville

Donald Trump is the greatest real estate developer and casino operator in the entire world. Hell, he is the greatest person ever. Fact. So what happens when the Trumpster built his fabulous Trump Marina Hotel Casino in fabulous Atlantic City. Well, not so much. Apparently, King Donald has sold the property to Coastal Marina LLC, an affiliate of Coastal Development LLC, for the bargain basement price of $316 million. But here is the kicker - they are turning it into a Margaritaville! As in Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville, the biggest kick in the groin a resort town trying to re brand itself could ask for. And as our Little Birdy points out, "they're trying to market that chelsea hotel there as the AC hipster property, right? but any hipster worth his salt (heh!) would choose to go to margaritaville for purposes of irony." 100% correct. Stay classy Atlantic City.

· Trump Marina sells for $316M, turns into Margaritaville [Crains]

Ins't or Ous't: Antik

Name: Antik
Address: 356 Bowery, NYC
Statu: Ous't

Don't tell us you're shocked. While this place seems to consistently attract a crowd, it's Antik's operation that has branded it officially Ou'st. We aren't sure what ad wizards decided to open a lounge without a bar, but it is one of the worst concepts we have ever seen. Because of the weird operation, most people make a bee line for the basement bar King's Cross, which when we went was staffed by one bartender, totally overwhelmed by a normal size crowd attempting to order drinks in a room that had no air conditioning. Impossible. So it's back back upstairs to Antik, only to remember that there is no easy way to order drinks there. So in that situation, what else can you do but leave without ordering anything?

To add insult to Antikury, a Little Birdy lets us know that he was threatened by the Antik doorman 45 feet from the entrance, saying "I walked out Antik because it was so terrible, and the doorman was busy talking to girls rather than manning the rope. I just walked around it and he told me that I have to wait for him to let me out. I told him that he should relax, and he started yelling at me for no reason. After walking down the street, the guy wouldn't shut up, and wound up running after me to get in my face, threatening me. What kind of bullshit are they running? Place is a joke"

Customers that can't get a drink, no air conditioning, and door men that threaten people is a losing combination. Antik is officially Ous't.

The End of LeNell's?

Some sad news to report. Racked has learned that LeNell's, perhaps the finest liquor store in New York and a Red Hook staple if there ever was one, has lost their lease and may have no where to go. According to Tanya "LeNell" Smothers herself:

Our lease is officially up this month. I know it will take months for a formal eviction should it come to that. Sad to say that the space that we had a draft lease for fell through this week.

Tragedy. There seems to be no other options in the area, and no other part of Brooklyn will suffice. The only possible rainbow in this vast real estate storm is that LeNell's may be willing to consider Manhattan if no Red Hook space materializes.

Mondrian NYC Sets Its Plans

The still under construction Mondrian on South Lafayette still hasn't locked down an opening date as of yet, but that doesn't mean the folks at Morgans aren't busy little hoteliers. We have heard that they are close to locking down a deal with a restaurateur for the hospitality space. Most importantly, a Little Birdy tells us Morgans is working with "a great creative mind on a new lounge concept." Too bad it's not DBTH. Wouldn't that be something. As always, we will keep you posted

Sex and the City Premiere Eats Bunny Chow

Didn't get into the Sex and the City premiere last night? Don't cry - you are probably better off. No need to fret, because Bunny Chow has the next best thing, a SATC shindig featuring a cocktail reception from 10-12! Oooh, cocktails! That's what Carrie drinks. Ooooh.

Serious Singles Get Ready For Loving

Are you lonely? Do you love WNYC? Hallelujah, your prayers have been answered. WNYC is hosting a series of singles events throughout the summer and you are all invited! The first one is June 18 at the Chelsea Museum and is geared for the LGBT community, and is described as

There’s an art to meeting the right person, so head over to The Chelsea Museum. Mix, mingle and have a glass of wine with other WNYC listeners at the second annual LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) Singles Event. Richard Hake, Local host of The Takeaway, emcees the evening. Complimentary wine and hors d'oeuvres included.

Hate to break it to the organizers, but that sounds like everyone's cup of tea. This is the first of four planned mixers, so hopefully there will be one catered to you.

Randolph Switcheroo

There is more than just basement work going on at the Randolph. A recent stop at the Broome Street bar reveals that the space has been rearranged. Gone are the banquettes that previously lined the wall, and in are several smaller booths that create a more intimate space to enjoy the expanded cocktail list. And also the Hunt parties every Thursday night. Hurry on down to say hello.

Surf Lodge a Smashing Success

A lot haters tried to throw cold water on the opening weekend of the Surf Lodge, the rehabbed waterfront property in Montauk. But it seems that the opening weekend couldn't have gone any smoother. According to a Surf Lodge insider:

It was so crowded. I don't think montauk has seen so many people before. All elements of the property (the hotel, the deck, the bar, the restaurant) were running at full capacity. The on-site Tracy Feith boutique opens this week. There were many locals, industry types, and celebs in attendance. Many for multiple nights in row. And everybody was raving about Sam talbot's food.

What everybody needs to realize is that this is not a nightclub and to not compare it to those other places. Its a chill spot, open seven days a week. If someone's first thought is "Montauk?" Then its probably not for them.

These pictures sure look like they are telling the truth. Check out that sky behind Julian Marley! Like co-owner Jayma Cardosa said, Montauk is just a bit different, and they don't expect a Dune type scene. Different strokes for different folks. Early congratulations all around.

[Photo Credit]

Living It Up at Lily Pond

We sent our most trusted correspondent Nicolette from Nicolette and the City out east for the weekend to have a little looksee at some Hamptons night spots. On Saturday night, she checked out Lily Pond and lived to tell the details.


Summer 2008 started off with a wild Saturday night at Lilly Pond. We arrived at 11 and the valet was already full, with a crowd of at least 60 people trying to argue their way into the club. After finally finding parking on some side street, I walked along the side of the road in four inch heels back to the club. When we arrived, there were now about 100 people trying to fight their way in. Great. It was chaotic but about twenty minutes later we finally made it in with a little help from Kristian Laliberte, one of my hosts for the evening.

Once we got in we headed over to the Unruly Heir table, where UH creator Joey Goodwin and Kristian were holding court. They were there celebrating an event they held earlier in the day at Blue and Cream in East Hampton. Hanging next to their table was Whitney from The Hills and there was also a special performance by Estelle (unfortunately sans Kanye West), followed by DJ Berrie, who played mostly house with some random mixes of rock. The place was pretty small and insanely crowded; there were white and navy striped couches that served as bottle service areas in the middle of the “dance floor.” There were also banquettes along the side of the wall that served as posts for bottle service. There was an elevated stage at the back end of the club which had a few tables (ours and Whitney Port’s), which doubled as the stage and DJ booth.

The crowd was all twenty something’s that consisted of trendy Manhattan goers, a few socialites and models – think Tenjune on a Tuesday night except with all house music. There was one bar at the entrance of the club, which was impossible to get to and it took about twenty minutes to get a drink. Bottle service was a little slow here – they could use a little bit more staff, but I forgave them since it was Memorial Day Weekend. By 2:00 a.m. everyone was more than intoxicated and the place started to clear out. Overall, Lilly Pond went beyond my expectations. I didn’t expect this place to be anything great and I didn’t think anyone would show up – let alone Whitney Port (although she isn’t quite A-list) or a performance by Estelle. The party had everything you wanted - great music, booze, hot people, a few “celebrity” sightings and it wasn’t that far from their competition down in Southampton (on the way back we were by Pink Elephant 12 minutes after leaving Lilly Pond). I will definitely be going back.

More Monday Madness

The Page gets in on the Monday Night debate, detailing the feux fued between Butter and Bar Martignetti's Monday night parties. The Sixers state:

Bar Martignetti on Broome Street, which takes a dig at how celebrity-infested Butter's bashes are, hosted its first one last week. "Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, but after five years it is clear that everyone prefers the real thing. All Butter alternative products should remain on the shelf," quipped Akiva. Bar Martignetti owner Anthony Martignetti replied with, "Our party is a lot more fun."

Maybe they can settle this with a butter fight - where they all lather each other with butter and fake butter and wrestle on Lafayette. Who wouldn't watch that?

The Average Cost of a Table

As you and your share house friends prepare for your big weekend night out, we suggest your first check your bank accounts before you agree to go in for a table at one of Suffolk county's summer hot spots. And why is that? Because a table is going to cost you. According to a Little Birdy, "Hamptons folks seem to have colluded to all charge $2k a table at Lily Pond, Pink and Dune....and they're going fast as per a host friend of mine." Of course they are going fast, since people want to lock in at this low price before the summer gang of 3 jacks it to $2500. But imagine how cool you will feel when all of those other losers have to stand all night watching you and your friends sitting at your table. Now you see.

Photo Credit

SUMMER!

It's officially Memorial Day Weekend - the start of summer. We are off to the beach (or somewhere similar) and will see you all Tuesday. And for the record, we chose None of the Above.

Marquee and the Mortgage Crisis

Glen Pizzolorusso became a mortgage banker straight out of college, right when the housing market was exploding with ARM's and sub prime loans that were making many people temporarily rich. So how did he spend his money? By balling in New York City of course. In this clip, we hear Glen's heartwarming tale of living the high life, spending nights dropping thousands of dollars at Marquee with his friends.

Now we bet you are wondering - what does all of this really have to do with nightlife? Well, everything. You see, people like Glen fell ass backwards into jobs that paid him close to $75k a month for a job that any monkey could do. And when the monkey got paid, he decided to throw it around in nightclubs, which helped make others very rich. And now that monkey money is gone - but the successful clubs have paid a price. Some have seen declining business, others have dealt with rising rents they can't afford to pay anymore. Just proves that this credit crisis has an impact everywhere, in ways many haven't imagined.

Clip courtesy of This American Life.

Love For the Surf Lodge

While the voting is still going on, one new Hamptons spot that didn't make it to the poll is the Surf Lodge in Montauk. The refurbished hotel and restaurant space is a late entry to the game, but whispers from all around are leading many to believe that this could be the place of 2008. And with the all star Cain team, Kamali, and Sam Talbot all lined up behind it, you'd be a fool to bet against them. Just yesterday, Jayma Cardosa let us know her thoughts, saying

I have and will always love entertaining and sharing the joys of life with my friends. One of my secret joys has been my summer retreats to Montauk. It is here that I've found moments of great happiness, peace and enjoyed the simplicity of beach life. It is also in Montauk that I will realize one of my life time dreams of owning a hotel. I hope to see you this summer in a beach town that I hold doubly dear to my heart.

She sure knows how to sell it. So maybe, just maybe, it's location in Montauk is a benefit, making sure those who go the extra mile will be justly rewarded. Only time will tell, but our money is on the Surf Lodge.

On the Circuit: Letter From Cannes

So, we decided to entrust a Little Birdy to be our on the scene eyes and ears at this year's Cannes Film Festival. Big mistake. We wound up not hearing from them for days, until finally we heard from them this afternoon. So Little Birdy, what do you have to say for yourself?

So, I just got back from the Jade Jagger Belvedere Dagger Party. It was a lot better than it sounds. Jade Jagger, P. Diddy, Ed Norton, Goldie Hawn, Kelly Brook, Billy Zane, Mike Tyson, Vikram Chatwal and me partying at club VIP. Belvedere all over the place. It was raining but the turnout was still pretty incredible. One of the production people told me over 2000 showed up. Funniest part was Diddy (what is he doing in Cannes?) showing up with an entourage of 30 people, scooping up as many Belvedere drinks that he could get his hands on. Isn't he the face of Ciroc? Good thing they pay him all that money. Anyway, Marc Ronson was the DJ, music was awesome, and this whole week has been awesome. Sorry to not check in sooner but I am too busy living the life.

You know what Birdy? If we paid you any money we would have to fire you. But we don't so we love you. Stay dry and try to check in more often.

Getting to Know Matt Abramcyk

Matt Abramcyk sits down for a little one on one time with the Observer to talk Beatrice, Chelsea and everything else, and boldly states the Beatrice Inn has "become one of the best places in the world of all time". You've got to love the moxy on this one. Plus, the author got some quotes from a familiar face, so please give it a read.

· Baron of Beatrice Inn Branches Out [Observer]

Paging La Playa

Our good Tim from the Pink Elephant checks in to clarify the PE crew's summer plans, saying "Pink Elephant will be operating as usual at Capri Hotel. The Tavern space will be now called La Playa. Same owners but unaffiliated with Pink Elephant. Two separate nightclubs with 2 different crowds. Hope this clears up PE’s role out East this summer. Pink @ Capri will be in full effect. Expect to see big things." Well, that's Capri apparently without the outdoor space, but still Capri. This makes our super DBTH Poll a little less accurate, but just a little.

Dark Room Drama

IMG_1633, originally uploaded by R. K..

We thank our hated enemies at Eater for sending a trusty intern to sit through the Community Board 3 Economic Development Committee meeting last night, where Dark Room's liquor license renewal permit was denied! According to Eater:

The committee rejected Ludlow Street's Darkroom for a liquor license renewal. They cited several infractions including noise complaints a few counts of selling booze to minors. The bar will have to plead its case with the full board later this month.

Underage drinking? In the Lower East Side? No! Maybe we need to bring back prohibition! We predict that they will make their case to some sympathetic Board members and the license will be renewed at the full meeting. What else would go into that basement space besides a bar? It may as well be Dark Room.

DBTH Poll: Hamptons 2008

OK Birdys - In honor of the start of the 2008 summer season, we bring you the next installment in our DBTH Poll series. What will be the hottest spot in the Hamptons this season? Answer now and answer often, because the world is watching. Oh yes, the world is watching.

SLA Disses Death & Co, Keeps Le Suck Alive

In a case of what the hell were they thinking, the Observer has news of two embattled East Village establishments, Death & Co. and Le Souk, who are both battling the fickle SLA. Amazingly, Death & Co. have not swayed the SLA to re-instate their license, while Le Souk has managed to hold onto theirs for another week. Exsqueeze us? Something about this is just off.

While we have had our issues with Death & Co with small operational items, overall we find it to be a rather well run cocktail den. Le Souk is another beast, with underage crowds, loud music, fights and a general garbage atmostphere. To sum up, the SLA should desire establishments like Death & Co. But since they are the SLA, they do all they can to run them out while Le Souk manages to remain open. No wonder the Governor needed some adult fun, he worked for NY State!

Dune Fridays Kicks Off

Dune kicks off its 2008 season with a big Friday night bash. How big? Well they busted their ad budget with a low budget, mind-numbing flash movie. Just means more profit from those $1500 bottles of Henny.

FDNY Hits the Beatrice Inn - Again!

What's the FDNY's favorite bar in New York City? Why, the Beatrice Inn of course! If it wasn't then why would they spend so much time there? A Little Birdy was there Friday night when New York's bravest stopped by yet again, and apparently this was more than just the old in and out. "They came on Friday night when it wasn't crowded at all and were there for a long time, checking the sprinklers and floorplans," our Little Birdy tells us. That's not a fun way to spend a Friday. Until this blows over, we expect the City's tightest door to be even tighter. A slow Memorial Day weekend might just be what the Beatrice's doctor ordered.

Lily Pond is for Music Lovers

Memorial Day week! Holy holy holy! Everyone is so excited. Especially one reader who can't wait for Mike Satsky's Lily Pond to open, breathlessly writing that the former Resort's space, "will involve a great A list crowd. With Jonathan Cheban heading the publicity this venue will be on fire. Frequented by socialites and major celebrities each table will be a sight to see. One of the most amazing parts of lilly pond will be the music. Their DJ roster consists of such names as DJ AM, Steve Aoki, DJ Berrie and many many more." Sounds awesome! We may just run and get on the Jitney right effing now. Uh oh - are we allowed to say that? It could be considered trade secrets or something.

[Photo Credit]

Wildwood Welcomes the Kid

One of our most trusted Little Birdies was on the scene last night at Wildwood, the new BBQ restaurant from B.R. Guest on Park Avenue South. The occasion? A Kid Rock post show after party. They filed this report:

Good crowd. Some SMOKING hot girls. Free BBQ ribs, which were excellent. Open bar - Coors (sponsor), Plymouth Gin, Jim Beam. Everyone was chilling basically just waiting for Kid Rock to show up, which he eventually did at about 1:45 with a bottle of Beam and a cigar in hand. Not a bad way to make an entrance. The food and festivities went until 4 AM I'm having a rough one today.

Late night BBQ and Beam sounds like an OK way to spend a Thursday night, even if you wind up paying for it on Friday. Kid sure looks happy up there. And it just proves that New York still loves the hours between 2-4.

LCD Soundsystem Sneak Show

A Little Birdy tells us that LCD Soundsystem is playing a secret show tonight at Webster Hall, just a few nights after throwing down at Studio B, the place with some pretty decent looking females. Go over there now and try and sneak in if you want to see the show.

Thompson Lower East Side Sets a Date

At long last, the shiny black monolith rising high over the Lower East Side is ready to open its doors. Well, almost. After several years, the Thompson Lower East Side is finally accepting reservations starting July 15. A standard room will run you $399 a night while the King Studio Suite will only cost you $40 more. So what do you get for all that cheddar?

Our studio suites have been designed with an industrial loft-like feel and feature a King bed with 400 thread count custom SFERRA linens and a spacious living room. Light box headboards feature Lee Friedlander photography. Bathrooms feature oversized terry robes and amenities by Fresh. Entertainment options include flat screen TVs with movies on demand and i-Pod docking stations. Each room also offers complimentary WiFi and minibars stocked with Dean and Deluca and Elia Zabar gourmet snacks.

How LES! How New York! How Thompson. So set your calendars for mid July and hope that there are no final delays that push it back to August.

Making Us Laugh

From the fun little Tumblr site Things You Can't Do Coked Up, a little nod to those who dabble while enjoying the NYC night.


USE THE BATHROOM ALONE

Ha.

Movida Movin to Vegas

Sammy Sass may no longer (or never been) involved with Noah and Jason's upcoming Lavo restaurant and nightclub at the Palazzo, but our LB was correct in Sammy's interest in Vegas. We just got word that Sass will be opening a branch of his London club Movida in the Palazzo. This follows the current Vegas strategy of trying to lure big spenders from Europe as the American economy hits the shitter. Especially with the slowdown in tourism and spending in Vegas. We always say the more the merrier, but Lavo and Movida going head-to-head? This should be interesting.

On The Circuit: Nicolette Rocks With Ronson

There are just so many events going on right now, we can't possibly hit them all. Luckily, we have our #1 correspondent Nicolette from Nicolette and the City there to pick up the slack.Last night I went to the Charlotte Ronson and Chrissie Miller “Summer Lovin” event at Blue & Cream. I showed up fashionably late with my cousin James at 7:00 p.m. (the event started at 6). We walked in and the doorman (same guy from Antik) said the ice cream was outside (served from two Mister Softee trucks) and the vodka was inside.

We headed on over to the open bar and we had a choice between sponsored Svedka vodka with pineapple, orange juice, or a pink concoction mixed with lemon juice, vodka, and pink lemonade. I chose the pink concoction and yes I chose it because it was pink. But hey Vodka is Vodka.

After grabbing our drinks we started to socialize. I ran into the designer of the night, Charlotte Ronson. After chatting it up with Charlotte I then ran into the Unruly Heir crew (who I met at the Unruly Heir event at Bloomingdales last week). I spent some time socializing with Kristian Laliberte and Unruly Heir creator Joe Goodwin.

After a few photo ops we headed outside. I had vanilla ice cream with rainbow sprinkles ( wow did I feel 12 again) from the Mister Softee truck while James chose Vanilla ice cream with chocolate sprinkles. We sat on the yellow ottomans outside, enjoyed our ice cream, and headed back inside for a few more drinks, some socializing and surprisingly some shopping?!? James ended up buying two shirts from Blue & Cream. By eight I decided to call it a night and headed home. It was a fun laid back night, in the nice spring weather eating ice cream and drinking vodka. Could you ask for more?

Santos' House Party Party

The downstairs of Santos' House Party soft-opened last night after 3 years of construction. According to NY Mag, the too small space is "a godsend for anyone who has ever danced in the basement of 205 thinking the experience could benefit from a little more space and a much sicker sound system." Lovely. The upstairs part will be opening soon.

· Santos House Party Actually Houses a Party [Grub Street]

Cain Southern Plans On Hold

Jamie, Jayma and the rest of the Cain gang have long planned to escape their first home in Chelsea and set up shop somewhere else. After several false starts, they had apparently settled on an alley space at 408 Broadway. Uh, not so fast. After pulling their liquor license application from the last CB 1 meeting, a Little Birdy tells us that unfortunately, the plans may have to be scrapped completely. The Community Board is dead set against Cain, or any re-imagination of it, opening in their ritzy hood. Alley or no alley, lower Broadway or wherever. The Cain crew has not given up hope of pulling something off here, but it's just not looking to good.

DBTH Is Looking for Help

Hi everyone. DBTH is looking for some summer help, specifically people who :

· Spend Weekends in the Hamptons
· New Yorkers on the go
· Aspiring Photographers
· Just about anyone else

Everyone except Ben Leventhal and the former owners of Stereo are encouraged to apply. Interested applicants should include their resumes in an email (attachments will not be opened) and a few sentences about why you are interested. If you have a blog, links are welcome.

Pay is non-existent, glory is limitless, and the fun is capped at 3%.

Why We Removed the Stereo Related Posts

Unless you want to travel down the way back machine, you are probably going to have some trouble finding our earlier posts related to the Satsky, Gefter, Mullineaux and Cantor. Why? After receiving some worthless cease and desist orders from some attorneys, we decided to take them down. While we are positive that nothing we posted would ever proven to be libelous, it really isn't worth our time or effort to worry about dealing with half ass accusations.

After all we are only talking about the people that owned and operated Stereo, a little club that had a pretty good run for a few years, but is hardly missed by the nightlife loving public. There have been a thousand clubs that have had runs that were as good or better. These guys just had a pretty ugly falling out, and instead of chalking it up to lessons learned or a bad business deal, they decided to send nasty emails to us to try and settle their differences.

All in all, pretty lame. We are actually glad the lawyers stepped in to remove us from this "Battle of the Pansies". If this doesn't work, maybe we can all meet at Houstons and settle this once and for all.

On the Circuit: Time Out Makes The Kids Horny

We couldn't attend the Time Out Horny Party last night, so we asked a TONY insider to fill in the gaps. Apparently, the attendees were filling in more than that. Let's go to the correspondent . . .

The last time we played Spin the Bottle was tenth grade in our friend Steve’s basement, but that’s neither here nor there.

Last night we got down, drunk and dirty with Time Out New York at their Horny Party to celebrate their annual hormone (and nudity) filled issue. The Pinetree Lodge was brimming with sexually charged 20-somethings playing Truth or Dare and Never Have I Ever. Uh, never have I ever been so excited to see a burlesque dancer strip on a bar in Murray Hill.

The night dissolved into a gigantic game of Spin the Bottle. Guy and girl, girl on girl, guy on guy on girl on guy on Time Out New York staff member on bartender on bouncer. Us exhibitionists found ourselves making out in the back room while the voyeurs touched them selves at the bar.

And just like tenth grade, we went home agonizingly heated up, in need of a cold shower, and with a magazine full of naked people wedged in our messenger bag.

Sounds hot and steamy. Maybe next year we can attend.

Randolph Expanding?

The Randolph is a deceptively excellent little bar on the edges of Nolita. And according to a Little Birdy, it may be getting a little bigger. Our LB tells us that the owners are looking to expand the basement space a little bit to create a nicer lower level experience. We would be all for it, since it is a bit basement-esque down there, and it would give the City just a bit more space in which to enjoy a full pitcher of Manhattans. And what American can be against that?

McNally Not Buying Beatrice

Radar Online "broke" a story today that Keith McNally was looking to buy DBTH favorite the Beatrice Inn. Thankfully, Eater put the kaibosh on this rumor, with McNally telling them "I've barely heard of this place, let alone considered buying it! An absolute NO to the rumor, but I'm flattered (if that's the word) that I should be someone reckoned to be in the running." This one should have never gotten off the ground, since the space simply lacks the capacity to do enough business to justify McNally's time. We feel dirty doing a post on it, but it is our business.

The Picnic Club Curses NYC

Even though we love warm weather and picnics, we may have to officially come out against the Picnic Club. As we geared up for a weekend of warm wether, the Picnic Clubbers announced a planned event this Sunday. Right as rain, as the weekend approach, the weather report turned anything but suite, with meteorologists saying it looked like rain. So Allison and Michael have to cancel once again. Maybe, for the sake of all of us, the Picnic Club should just quietly go about their business without publicizing their first event. Let that one go off without a hitch and that we can all get back to picnic business. We can't stand the rain.

BREAKING: Home and Guesthouse Closed

From the weekend desk of DBTH, a Little Birdy sent us (and everyone else thank you very much) this quick note, "Both home and guesthouse are closed until further notice". Oh the humanity. Will NYC nightlife ever recover from this low blow to our souls? Will New Jersey and Strong Island keep their flags at half mast for the rest of the weekend? Will Steve Lewis get to redesign the clubs when they are taken over by another operator. It's way too early in the grieving process to answer these questions. You can tell the Guesthouse patrons above are wondering the same thing. Consider this developing.

UPDATE #1: When we asked our LB why the club was shut down, we were told it was the cops. Apparently they were cited for underage drinking and drugs. Maybe we should hang out there more often.

UPDATE #2: A mysterious go between drops a note to us, saying "Hi I'm sitting with Steve Lewis who just got a call and says..."home and guesthouse will be open tonight!" We are honored and wish to thank both you and Msr. Lewis. Go get em Guesthouse.

Beatrice Inn Shut Down Again

Straight from the beak of a Little Birdy who was on the scene, we get word that the Betarice Inn was visited by the cops again last night. Take it away LB:

I was at the Beatrice Inn last night and something was going down. Around 2 they stopped playing music and the dance floor cleared out. When I left a little while later, there were cop cars outside and the doorman was talking three cops. Maybe they got busted for not having a cabaret license again?

Except for running Manhattan's coolest bar, running the hospitality operations at a new Atlantic City resort, celebrity friends and possibly opening new bars on both coasts, these Beatrice Inn guys can't catch a break. We aren't sure why the cops continue this monthly game of saying hello late at night, unless they really want to see MK. And let's be honest, who doesn't? But the Angelo and the crew do a good job of keeping the street clear and we have seen the neighbors drinking at the bar. Just leave Beatrice alone!

Lavo is Hiring!

Got the New York City recession blues? Get your resume ready and call Uhaul, because Lavo, Las Vegas's next great restaurant and night club is now hiring!

Finally….you’ve waited long enough

From the creators of TAO Asian Bistro and Nightclub
Still….the sexiest temple in Las Vegas

LAVO

Restaurant and Nightclub is now accepting applications for the following positions:

Maitre’D
Restaurant Managers
Assistant Restaurant Managers
Nightclub Managers
Assistant Nightclub Managers
Sous Chef’s
Purchasing Agent

Their other operation, Tao, is the most successful restaurant in the country. Getting a job here will probably lead to some pretty good scratch. Just something to consider a you slog through another week in the meat grinder.

Miami Is Not So Pure

Based on their recent IRS troubles, PURE has had to rethink their pending expansion plans. How so? Well, according to our Little Beach Birdy in Miami, "PURE has killed their plans to open in South Beach. Their IRS problems has made it impossible to go through with the deal." So their planned Fountainbleau Hotel location will not happen. And that's why you never decide to skimp on your taxes. Allegedly.

Sub Mercer Books Up

We stopped by SubMercer for a repeat visit over the weekend and had a chance to scope their revamped cocktail menu, featuring the Tequila Mockingbird, a literary take on a the traditional margarita. Featuring maraschino liqueur, grapefruit and lime juice, it's the perfect tequila cocktail to keep you refreshed when drinking in a sub basement during the summer - if Stefan ever lets you in.

Now Meet Guest of a Guest. Really This Time.

Building up a mysterious internet identity is something we know a bit about. So did Guest of a Guest, until today. That's her up there wearing the vest and hanging out with pumpkins. Looks just like we said she did. She's our buddy, and now she wants to be yours too. Meet her everyone, and then Facebook her, and then call her, and write to her, and do everything because Rachelle is the [cough] force [cough] behind GoaG, and apparently she has some big plans and stuff and wants you to read all about it as she sits down with her Uncle Steve to chat. We're going to go call our Auntie Clara to talk about it.

Studio B Roof Makes People Angry

Studio B (which we all know has some hot ladies) recently opened a rooftop lounge, even though they apparently never had permission. New York Shitty has a real problem with this, stating:

Let’s imagine for a moment that I, a citizen, invited 140+ of my best friends to party on my rooftop (and I have a nice one, btw). Someone would call the cops and I’d be cited and/or thrown in jail.

In other words, it’s a matter of inequality. Studio B, despite having no permission to host events on their roof does so anyway.

It doesn't seem fair, but the party does indeed soldier on.

La Esquina Making Its Miami Move

Another tidbit of information that bubbled to the surface during the Cordell Lochin legal tizzy was Serge Becker had plans to open a second La Esquina in Miami. So exciting. Well, DBTH has learned a bit more intel on the project, and it's shaping up to be a doozy. The word from South Beach is that Becker and his posse have signed a deal to open La Esquina in the soon to open Mondrian South Beach Hotel and Residences, and that Becker will operate not only a La Esquina lobby restaurant but also a roof top bar. Good deal for Becker, but will taking a restaurant that is known more for its basement than its food to the land of Latin cuisine be a success? Will it diminish the strong La Esquina brand here in New York City? Only time will tell, but as one wise operator told us, "your brand is your brand it's best not to fuck with it." Indeed.

[PhotoCredit]

Don't You Wanna Dance?

After learning that you really can't dance at the Beatrice Inn, Grub Street snared a copy of the 2008 list of Manhattan establishments currently operating with the coveted cabaret licenses. Who has ever heard of these places? At least Sway, one of the tiniest dance areas in the City, has one. The full list is below.

Globorati Relaunch

We wanted to give a quick shout out to our friends Michael and Mark at Globorati, the go to resource for high end, non tourist travel intel. The site just went through a little redesign and we are more than a little jealous. One post a day, and it's alway outstanding stuff. Do check them out. You go Globorati.

Ian Schrager's Next NYC Project

Above, please find a gorgeous parking lot located on the corner of West 19th Street and 10th Avenue. Glorious, right? Really reminds you of colonial times. Anyway, what is now a parking lot is soon to be a new hotel project from the genius that is Ian Schrager. It's a bit of old news, but Schrager's plans to open a "combination of high-end hotels and less expensive hotels" on this site by 2009 seems doubtful. You know, credit crunch and all. But at least we all still get to use that parking lot, and then one day, people paying a lot of money and people paying a bit less will all get to stay right next to each other.

· An Interview With Ian Schrager [Portfolio]

Bowery Electric Raided

Well, that didn't take long. According to Eater, Bowery Electric was raided early Saturday morning, just 5 weeks after opening. No word if the bar was shut for the rest of the weekend.

UPDATE: From a Little Birdy - "Just wanted to let you know Bowery Electric was open Saturday night." Problem solved.

Photo Credit

The Rules of the Beatrice Inn

It's not just lewd behavior and illicit drugs that are banned at the Beatrice Inn - it's dancing and smoking too. Are you listening MK? That means you!

Flyer Follies: Two Thousand Eighties Returns!

After having their last party busted up by the cops before it ever got started, Two Thousand 80's returns to throw it down tonight at Blvd. And this time, they are armed with Talib Kweli. Ho! And according to the invite, "And because we want this to be extra crazy, everyone is F-R-E-E til midnight when you rsvp to hypelist@gmail.com. For those who RSVP'd for the Feb 29th bash, you're F-R-E-E all night." Go get em crazies.

Hallelujah! Upstairs Reopens

Drum roll please! According to a source at Upstairs, despite thenoisy stereo scandal, the amazing club is back open! According to our Little Birdy:

We are open for business this weekend. See you tonight.

Praise Him! Upstairs Be Thy Name!

Upstairs Update: Shutting the Place Down

After reading the earlier report that Upstairs was shut down by the cops on Wednesday night, a Little Birdy send us this email that explains the the semi-secret Soho club was closed again last night for the oh so tricky "legal problem with the sound system".

Dear beautiful people,
We have just been informed that Upstairs will be closed tonight due to a legal problem with the sound system. This only pertains to tonight - we will be back next week with the same line up plus more! We apologize for the short notice, let us make it up to you next week...!

We hate it when that happens! Still no word if they have reopened for tonight, but we will of course try to let you know. We weep for you Upstairs, and hope that you can reopen soon. NYC needs you.

On the Circuit: Downtown Meets Uptown

Belvedere kicked of their Downtown Meets Uptown party series last night at the new Rose Club at the Plaza Hotel. DBTH hasn't been that far uptown since... we'll we don't know when, but it was a pretty fancy soiree and we are still nursing our nosebleed. It was a mix of tuxedoed uptown society types, mixed with a handful of downtown hipsters. This was more than an event - this was a pah tay! The Belvedere and rose champagne were flowing (and mixed vodka drinks served in cute mini-Belveder bottles) and Citizen Cope performed an intimate set for the 200 or so guests. The A-List celeb crowd was out in full force and we spotted Harvey Weinstein (literally half the man he used to be), Matthew Perry, Malcolm Gladwell, James Gandolfini and enough models to bang all the Russian billionaires who reportedly bought all of the apartments upstairs. Judging by the female escorts these gentlemen had on their arms it is safe to say that if you get famous, you have it made.

For those of you who missed out, have no fear. This is the first of a series of events, and lucky for you, we will be there to cover them all. More like lucky for us.