The Magic Cabbie

From a Little Birdy:

I just got back from Johnny Utah’s, as per your recommendation. On my trip back downtown I am pretty sure I had the exact same cabbie as you did in the recent Socilista posting. He began telling me and my friend stories about NYC night life, and dare I say, perhaps knew his stuff better than you.[Ed. Note: Impossible] I asked him if he happened to be the same cab driver. Turns out he doesn’t have a computer but he did say he never gives out his “fucking number” and that he tells everyone the same Socilista story, so it was probably him. Btw, turns out he doesn’t give his number out because people always call when he is busy and he doesn’t need the business then, so no harsh feelings. Its funny I stumbled across him; you definitely should try to get him on board. He says that he has been approached by club owners to sign up because of how much he knows, but he is happy as is so good luck.

What a coincidence! This has to be the #1 nightlife cab driver in the City hands down. Doesn't this deserve some kind of recognition from The New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission?

The Woes of Socialista

There are thousands of cabs in Manhattan, but last night we stepped into the best. After giving our driver our cross streets, not only did he speak New York English, but also knew what was at that address. Our cabbie then began to regale us with stories about New York City nightlife, both past and present, and by the end we wanted to hire him to join this here site.

One of the most interesting tales we heard involved Socialista, Armin's snazzy little Cuban joint in the far West Village. According to our cabbie, even before the Hep A incident, Socialista was having trouble drawing the nightlife elite. It wasn't because of the location, the tight door, or the prices (although they probably all contribute), but because Armin ran such a clean joint. He has actively kept any known drug dealers out of the club, which means that his customers who dabble in that thing either choose not to come, or have to leave when the booze starts to make them sleepy. The club was in trouble before that, and this Hep A scare will either be the nail in the coffin or a real wake up call for him to change his ways.

Now, this was just the story that our cabbie told us. But the guy knew his stuff. A lot of stuff. And from our experiences at Socialista, the place is definitely on the level. But we will let you our readers make up your own mind. And don't feel too bad for Armin, Harvey W. and Cirpriani - we know a few hotel guys that would probably be happy to take that lease off their hands.

And when we asked the cabbie for his card, he politely told us "no", saying "you either already have it or you get lucky enough to get in my cab. I don't give my number to no one." And that's that.

Hep A @ Socialista

Look out! NY1 is reporting that people who went to Socialista on certain nights were possibly exposed to Hepatitis A and should get vaccinated. Apparently, a bartender came down with the disease and health officials are worried that the disease may have spread to some 600-800 patients. Yummy. Our Little Birdy who passed along the news notes, "Somewhere, a bunch of guys who got denied at the door are having the last laugh. And yet no one has (reportedly) contracted anything from the cross-dressing midget at The Box, who 'jizzes' 'semen' on random patrons... Madness." Oh how true.

Maybe Sophia should reconsider her choice of locales. But hey, what's a little Hep between friends?

Sunday Bloody Socialista

Straight out of the Inbox, a Little Birdy tells us:

"Sophia Lamar is hosting Sundays at Socialista and it started last night:

I JUST WANT.................
Body: TO THANK EVERY BODY THAT CAME LAST NIGHT TO SOCIALISTA AND MADE IT POSIBLE, SUCCESSFUL AND FUN. I CAN WAIT FOR NEXT SUNDAY.THANK YOU.

That's the bulletin she posted on myspace last night [Monday] and everyone that went said it was a great time.. i'll have to check it out next week!"

Everyone knows Sunday's are the night to really throw down and here goes Socialista, tossing it's Cuban hat into the ring. Thankfully, our Little Birdy will be there to let us know if Sophia and Armin can pull it off. We'll be waiting with baited breath.

Riverview Getting It's Demo On

Courtesy of our friends at HotelChatter, things are moving right along at Eric Goode and Sean MacPherson's newest hotel venture, the Riverview. Interior demolition has begun, and we have to believe they are making moves to try and clear the remaining tenants. We have also come to learn that the dynamic duo is going to turn the magnificent tower overlooking the water into a lounge. Very cool, if they decide to let anyone in or serve non-guests drinks. But we also wonder what their tenants at Socialista are feeling? More on this to come.

Goode and McPherson Buy a Riverview

After some joint work by DBTH and our friends at HotelChatter, the HC crew comes in with the final blow. Eric Goode and Sean McPherson, the hottest boutique hotel company this side of Jason Pomeranc, have apparently come to terms on the Riverview Hotel. According to an HC tipster:

The Riverview Hotel was purchased by Sean and Eric for approx $33.0 Million recently. The Hotel is an SRO (Single Room Occupancy), which means that none of the rooms have their own bathrooms, sinks, kitchens or even basic amenities.

The reason they are not accepting any reservations is b/c they would like to begin the process of removing any and all long term residents, most of which are homeless, drug addicts and drunks---similar to those you would find in the Whitehouse on the Bowery.

By not allowing any new "guests" they limit their risk and exposure for new problems. They will have a very difficult time removing most of the long-term stays, especially since there are strict laws prohibiting the harassment of such individuals.

Excellent point. But when there is a financial will, there certainly is a physical way. May we suggest hiring the Pinkertons, who we hear have been slowly rebuilding their forces somewhere in the mountains of West Virginia, waiting to be called on once again.

A Socialist(a) Hotel!

Tis the season for sharing, so we were excited when our friends from HotelChatter checked in yesterday with a rumor they had heard a month back, saying "we hear that some undercover construction work has started at the Hotel Riverview at 113 Jane St." They also wonder if the Riverview is "Eric Goode and Sean MacPherson's new project." Oh, you mean this new project? What the HC team missed is that a certain doorman opened a certain Cuban themed bar and cafe in the Riverview basement. We're talking Socialista, and if this is true then we have found a mega project. It would fit with Goode and McPherson's penchant for rehab projects, but losing out on the bar/restaurant space with an already established operator is a tough sell for hoteliers that thrive on food and beverage service. Calls to the Riverview were met with expected gruffness, but we hope to learn more in the coming days. Happy Friday.

An Evening At: Socialista

Last night, we were invited by the good folks at Radar to a little shimmy at Socialista, Armin's little commie outpost on the edges of the West Village. It was our first time being there, and we have to say we were quite taken with the place. Downstairs is for the food, and upstairs is for the drink. You know where we're heading. To the doorman, where we rolled +1, and we bound up the short flight of stairs and to the main level. There was quite a crowd waiting to check their coats, obvious rookies when the skies turn gray, but pushing through led us to paydirt.

Socialista does look like a fantasy version of Havannah. High ceilings, slow turning fans, loose strewn chairs. They hit some nice design touches. We grabbed a drink and grabbed a leather couch by the DJ booth. Comfy. The music was chill, the crowd was chill, the vibe was good. After a few hours, we snuck out the door and into the chill. There were still people maneuvering to get in, but the going was tough. Oh well. We stopped off at a local jaunt for a nightcap and called it a night.

We would love to show you some pictures, but they were not allowed. Spy-tech is on the way.