New York Gets a Picnic Club

New York City has all kinds of clubs. Now it may really have them all. Introducing the Picnic Club, "a members-only club dedicated to the enjoyment and promotion of the classic picnic". When we first heard it, we really didn't believe it, so we reached out to them to get the skinny. Here's what club founders Allison and Mike told us:

This is 100 percent real. We are planning to have our inaugural picnic in early May. The date and location have already been selected, and we will post the information
on our blog about a week before.

We have carefully selected content for our blog which we will post every few days between now and the announcement date.

We think that New Yorkers need to spend more time outside and think there is no better way to achieve this goal than to organize picnics. It is very much an underground, word of mouth, grassroots type operation but one that we feel could fundamentally change weekend afternoon activity in NYC and eradicate the misery that New Yorkers sometimes experience when they have a case of the Sunday Blues.

We want this project to have a very lighthearted, egalitarian feel, and we can't wait to meet everyone. The goal is simple, the execution even simpler--come to our picnics, bring food and drinks, and have a great time meeting other like-minded people.

Sounds pretty real to us. Unlike a few others, this is one members club we may have to join. Just don't ask us to bring potato salad.

Remember me? Halloween!

Next week is Halloween. You know that. Well, did you know that this day will forever hold a special place in our little hearts? Now you do. Anyway, DBTH wants to know?

·What do you have planned?
·Which day are you going to celebrate the most, this Saturday or the actual 31st?
·What's your costume?
·Know of any great parties to attend? Can we come?(Other than Nick Denton's - we know and weren't invited)

Please do drop us a line and tell us what you think. Or save a quarter and use the comments section. That's what they're their for.

Papa's Got a Brand New Store

Dulces. Or as the sign says, Tienda de Caramelos, Artesanos. That's candy to you and I. And we ain't talking Bolivia. This time we are talking gourmet candy, hand made by some real candy experts. We're talking Papabubble. The Barcelona treat has settled on a location on Broome St, just east of the San Gennaro. The storefront is still papered over because some modern day Oompa's are hard at work getting this place ready for a late October opening. Hopefully. Because we all love candy. And we all love you.

Tailor is All Sewed Up

We are glad to say our commenter appears wrong. Sam Mason's Tailor is poised to open on August 30, and the town is aflitter. Strange little notes keep flying coming in about the place, like one from a Little Birdy saying, "Fran Derby has recently rigged the kitchen of Tailor with a top-of-the-line surround sound speaker system and ipod connection so everyone will be on the same page during service. Ballin'!" If you say so. What's "ballin'!" to us is this rumor we are hearing from the cocktail menu. Beyond infused whiskey's, it seems Sammy has plans to serve a desconstructed margarita, breaking each of the ingredients down to highlight each of their flavors. Sounds fun. We like ours on the rocks with a lot of salt.

Gansevoort Park Unveiled

The folks at WSA sat down with the NY Times to reveal their plans for the second Gansevoort property in New York City. We wonder where C.J. Hughes found the inspiration for the story? Interesting tidbits are few and far between. Prime One Twelve has decided to dip their toes into Manhattan's over-crowded steakhouse waters, thinking they can bring some Miami sizzle to the City. Remember 112, City folk like their bacon thick and tasty. Here's what's most interesting:

Gansevoort Park’s top three floors, open to the public, will cover 8,000 square feet. They will include bars, decks and a pool, though the exact configuration is being kept secret, Mr. Achenbaum said, to prevent a competitor from trying to install a similar feature before the hotel is finished in the spring of 2009.

Oooh, a secret. Good plan Achenbaum. How many developers in this city are hoping to get a peek at your top secret roof plans? Could it be a roof pool with a bar? A roof bar with a pool? Maybe it's a lazy river ride with multiple bars. Now that would really be something.

Schrager Takes Boutiques Big Time

So the Mormons of Marriott have come knocking on Ian Schrager's door with the hopes of bringing the boutique hotel to the masses. Good for them. But is it good for the masses? The oh so boutiquey Gansevoort's expansion plan incensed a boutique hotel operator we know, who flittered off a note about the use of 'boutique' when it comes to these impostors hotels, especially Schrager's. This hotel guru says:

A boutique by definition is a shop or a firm that is small and specialized. The hotels I have owned and/or operated are independently owned and adhere to traditional hospitality principles of customer service and satisfaction. The hotel is the thrust of the business. That is a boutique hotel. Hotels such as this have been operating in Europe for over 150 years and this is the legacy that I aspire to be associated with, because it is these hotels that 150 years later are still in business.

Schrager takes credit for coining the term “Boutique Hotel” but he also deserves the credit for bastardizing the term. His biggest offense being the Hudson. 500 rooms, high design and poor service and he was marketing the hell out of the thing as a boutique hotel because it was trendy. Schrager applied this formula well when he created Morgans Hotel, the first boutique hotel he would have you believe, and he proceeded to roll out hotels that got further and further away from those traditional principles. If there is one thing I will say about Schrager is he is an absolute genius in the PR and Marketing arena, his ability to get out his message is second to none and people buy what he sells.

A little rambly but we couldn't agree more. Give Ian credit for creating a modern option when it comes to urban travel. But let's not make it seem like he had invented the wheel. It should also be noted that service and comfort are barely mentioned. To us, that is rule #1. If we don't get a great night sleep and over the top help from the help, why should we care about the note pads on the desk?

As always, your thoughts are welcome in the comments or via airmail.

Tailor-Made

We are starting to hear some very interesting coming from Sam Mason's corner of the Lower East Side. The former WD-50 man is getting ready to to open Tailor and his rep for messing around with molecules is already well known, so we know the menu will have a few twists and turns. It's a given. But what is interesting to us is the drinks. We hear Sr. Mason giving whiskey the once over, giving the American classic a new twist with multiple infusion treatments. An example: Brown butter. Say what? Like it isn't sweet enough without anything, this guy has decided to spike it with a dose of brown butter. Look out! We are always up for the new, but when you mess around with whiskey, you mess around with our soul. Infuser beware.

Glass Invades Thomspon Street

Alright you out of towners, listen up. In-towners, you better listen too. We got news from the hotel game, and it sure seems pretty. According to a precious Little Birdy, it looks like Soho is about to get a new hotel. Says our LB:

A new hotel is being built by Brock Capital (who the fuck are they?). The location is the corner of Thompson and Broome, right across the street from 60 Thompson. Given some building constraints (they can't go that far underground), the hotel will actually have a lobby located above the ground. Guests will enter a glass elevator on street level that takes them up to the lobby. Word is there are going to be some other quirky design concepts. Some subs who are involved in the planning stages are saying that the design is going to be pretty crazy and should give 60 Thompson a run for it's money.

Wow. We had to stop typing for a second to catch our breath. Glass elevator! Where do they come up with this stuff? We predict a 2009 opening. Feel the heat!

Going Raw Dog at Blue Ribbon

While the world is atwitter over the impending opening of Six Columbus, the Blue Ribbon boys have quietly gone about their business. The BR empire is poised to open their first uptown location, and apparently, they looking to add some new features to their current sushi menu. Or so says a Little Birdy, noting "this place goes way beyond the others. They are having the sushi, and adding a full raw bar and Japanese barbecue section. The menu will also be available to the hotel's guests. Apparently they are trying to revolutionize hotel dining." Muy interesante birdy. Muy muy interesante. We love revolutions. What say you, Hotel Guru, about their plans? "Every new hotel that opens says they are poised to revolutionize the industry. Hasn't happened yet, and I doubt it will start now. But I do think this is a winning combination." We agree Guru. Back to you Ken.

Break Down: Upstairs Bar

We don't want you to feel like we have left you hanging. So we used our DBTH skills and technological advancements to break down Upstairs. Starting at the bottom right and moving clockwise. Raise your hand if there are any questions.

1. The main entrance to Cafe Bari. You can enjoy their food or use their staircase to try and go Upstairs.
2. Behold! Door #2. A back entrance to Upstairs, or so we are told. Also the entrance to an international product mart.
3. Behind those dark curtains, Upstairs.
4. More curtains.
5. Again, curtains.

You get the point. Call your model and celeb friends, and let them know you are ready to get in on the secret. Or you can tell them DBTH sent you. But if you do, promise to let us know how it goes.

A Noble Venture

Our big Monday continues with another update from the Spring Street Corridor. It's time to make way for some Nolita Nobility. A little birdy reports, "I was walking home Friday night and noticed a new bar open a few doors west of Sweet and Vicious. I popped in and was told I had entered Noble Food and Wine. Wine bar up front and food in a small room in the back. The bar had 6 stools and a few small tables. They were hosting friends and family. It officially opens for business Wed night." Solid LB. Very solid. We are offering 10 DBTH points for a First Responder report. Act fast.

The Final Word: Vig Bar

First it was.

Then it wasn't.

And now, by way of a Little Birdy, the final word on Vig Bar. Says LB, "was on Spring Street this weekend. Vig Bar was open, and the normal pack of button down uptowners was queuing up to get in." Case closed.

Please stay tuned throughout the day. It's going to be a big one.

Make Way for Matt Schendell

Apparently, there is a new kid on the Hamptons power block this summer. A quick follow up from a little birdy, who chirps, "As an avid reader of your blog I decided to act on the opportunity to shed some light on the Dune situation. The owner of Dune is in fact Matt Schendell (Dip, Honey). I can't say exactly how the profits are shared, however Matt is there every night greeting patrons, and because his name isn't as publicized as Noah or Jayma, it has served me better to drop it at the door of the club during peak hours." Great job LB. You combined news with advice. Double Trouble. It's Dunetastic, baby Dunebastic.

Update: Vig Bar

After the initial shock wore off from Vig Bar's possible and untimely demise, our intrepid commenters have come through to calm the nerves. Apparently there has been a management turnover at the Spring Street watering hole, not to mention a small run in with the SLA. Says our commenter, "The sign on the door said that they were forced to be shut by the SLA for 2 infractions going back to 2005. Looks like they lost their appeals. But the mandatory shuttering was only for 1 week. They'll re-open this Thursday." Huzzah! Being closed must have put a dent in their bottom line. Why doesn't everyone pop in there sometime soon for a drink and show some support.

Spring Street Surprise

We may have lost an old friend over the weekend. A little birdy says, "Was meeting some friends at Sweet and Vicious over the weekend. As I was approaching, I noticed that Vig Bar was closed. The iron gate was pulled down, and there was some kind of sign in the door. I couldn't read what it said though, and didn't head over there to look." Wow. Vig Bar seemed to be doing alright. They also seemed well positioned for the nightlife shift that is taking place. We certainly didn't see this coming. Hopefully, it was just a one off thing. Calls to the establishment went unanswered. Consider this developing.

Trekkies Welcome on the West Side

It's been a tough stretch for our readers at the Beatrice Inn. Late last night, we received the following:

Just got back from a failed attempt to hit the Beatrice Inn for the first time. There was no line, there were no outside smokers, just a small door man(SDM) with a bad haircut and a bouncer type. It looked easy enough. When my friend and I approached, the following happened.

SDM: Which party are you with?
Me: Actually, we aren't with a party.
SDM: Sorry, can't do it.
Me: Can't do what?
SDM: Let you in.
SDM (looking down): And you are wearing flip flops. That goes against our dress code.
Me: What's the dress code?
SDM: No flip flops.
Me: Well, ok, what if I had a Star Trek symbol on my shirt right here, would that help?
SDM: Maybe.

We walked away after that. What a douche.

Ouch. That is a terrible experience. One bad evening can be random, two in one week reeks of a pattern. Love the Star Trek comeback though. Definitely some weekend food for thought.

Goodbye Belvedere, Hello White Star

It's no secret that Belvedere Vodka has run into some recent trademark issues. We turn to our Importing Guru for some background, who informs us, "basically, Belvedere Winery has sued the importer of Belvedere Vodka, Millennium Import, which is a subsidiary of luxury goods behemoth LVMH. A judge recently ruled against the vodka and as of now, Millennium has suspended all sales, marketing, distribution and fulfillment of orders of the product." Sucks to be LVMH. So while word of a relaunch has circulated, the real question waiting to be answered is what will the new brand be called? The rumor had been B Vodka (terrible), but a loose-lipped Little Birdy in the know tells us, "Belvedere will be re-branded as White Star Vodka. White Star is a brand that LVMH already controls as part of the Moet family of champagnes." We don't drink much vodka, but we guess that works. Give us a White Star on the Rocks. Give us a Dirty White Star. Rolls right off the tongue.

Heading Uptown to Get Down

Normally, we would rather head out of town than uptown. There are always exceptions, and this is one of them. The buzz over Jason Pomeranc's Six Columbus has been building for close to a year. The over-hyped, much delayed reno job has had many false starts, but observers are all atwitter with rumors that the hotel will be open soon. It's time to certify these rumors. You know what time it is. Little birdy time! Give it to us birdy. "Six Columbus is laying down the finishing touches. Look for the joint to be open for guests in the middle of August. Like the week of the 12th. Oh, and look for Blue Ribbon to open simultaneously, not like Gemma's delay at the Bowery." Explosion! That's hot Little birdy. Too hot. Burn ourselves. So hot that we are going to continue to stay downtown. But please, feel free to let us know how it looks.

Dear DBTH

We love getting mail from our readers on any topic. Even if they happen to disagree with us. Writes one reader,

Hey DBTH,

After your glowing review of the Beatrice Inn, my friends and I decided to check it out. What were you thinking? There were so many hipsters with ray bans and fedoras and lots of new order playing, it was laughable. Oh, and they had no AC, so it was just a bit warm inside.

We sure are sorry you didn't have fun. But we must point out, our report was from March, and it is now July. You know how fickle the scene is, don't you? Fedoras are a sure sign of the B team. Most kids are dressing like the Iron Sheik these days. Plus, the summer season is upon us. What were you still doing here this weekend? We chalk this up to poor timing, and will make a return trip to the Beatrice in the fall.

Got some a tip, news, gossip, or a questions. Please let us know. The Hipster Phone is never low on batteries.

The Week That Was

Totally random photo courtesy of Skeuzer/Flickr!

We keep saying it's a holiday week. We know. But isn't it? It is. Besides that, what else is going on? Hmmm, let's see.

An old friend finally got on their feet.
We had a new cocktail (or two).
We decided to spend more time outside.

Besides, who really cares what the calendar says?

Every week is a holiday when you are Down By the Hipster.

Have a great weekend,

DBTH