“So I'll start a revolution from my bed
'Cuz you said the brains I had went to my head”
- Oasis

What am I doing? What gives me the right to write down my opinions and send them to you as if they are fact? I can do whatever I want, that’s the new wave. Everyone is doing it, but why? Did you know that most people in our generation would rather take a job for less pay and have their opinion heard, then a higher paying position with less influence on their destiny? No more rich zombies, just poor ass hipsters with chips on their shoulders. Yep, clearly our country has a grand future, almost as bright as BP Oil and shrimp from the Gulf of Mexico. So what do you do with all of these opinions? Obviously you shout them from digital rooftops, change your status, tweet the shit out of ‘em, or if you are feeling really wild, delete your whole Facebook account. Who is watching and listening anyway? 

The truth is, what I am referring to—social media, blogs—is becoming known as “Citizen Journalism”, and it is changing the world, every minute of every day. Revolutions used to take decades, now they will take years or months. These revolutions will overthrow governmental regimes (ref. Iran), change fashions and music (ref. Lady Gaga), or create movements in the world of food (ref. molecular gastronomy/farm to table restaurants). Information is moving at the speed of light and the ideas and opinions of our generation are an unstoppable force that will forever change society. So take the job for less pay knowing your ideas are contributing to a global phenomenon, but if you can, marry rich.

Delusions of grandeur, you bet your ass. 

So now that I am the ripe old age of 31, with an eye for money-grubbers and an ear for fun, here is a round-up of what I have done, since June brought back the beautiful sun…

The Round Up

Fridays Comes to Union Square. Union Square was the heart and start of downtown Manhattan—from my first real night out at Lemon Bar, to my offices at 41 Union Square West, to countless lunches and meetings at Coffee Shop, and great clubs like Spa, Palladium, System, and so much more. I held on through Whole Foods, Virgin Megastore, Forever 21, and ugh, Filene’s Basement. But with the arrival of T.G.I. Fridays, I “say goodbye to Union Square, say goodbye my baby.” 34 Union Square East, New York, NY 10003.

0 out of 4 cocktails – I hate that this restaurant even exists. 

Travertine’s food is good, but for some reason they play the music really loud. I love loud music, but I don’t understand why they play it so loud, because it doesn’t seem like they benefit at all from playing REALLY LOUD MUSIC. Simple rule, if it doesn’t drive more bar sales, turn it down. Chef Manuel Trevino is putting out some great pasta dishes including Pici with Sweet Italian Sausage, Gnocchi with Milk Braised Pork Shoulder, and Lasagna Di Casa with tomato braised Brisket.  My favorite part of the meal was the toasted bread they served when we sat down and the generously portioned quartinos of wine. The service was friendly but amateur; hostess texting on her blackberry and off-handed comments by undertrained staff. Coming soon is a downstairs lounge that should liven things up and speed up the lifecycle of this restaurant into its next incarnation. For the time being, enjoy. 19 Kenmare Street, New York, NY 10012.

2 out of 4 cocktails

Alidoro makes the best sandwiches in Manhattan. It captures the true essence of Italy and plants it in SoHo, combining the highest quality meats, cheeses, breads, and veggies available with a purely European ambiance and approach. I recently enjoyed a Michelangelo sandwich of prosciutto, provolone, arugula, and hot peppers, with the addition of house dressing and spectacular marinated artichokes.  I chose to have it on Semolina, one of 4-5 varieties of bread available. The taste of this sandwich was as good as a Peter Luger’s Porterhouse or Jen Georges Molten Chocolate Cake.  Take your time, savor every bite, and wash it down with the perfect summer accompaniment, cold San Benedetto Iced Tea. 105 Sullivan Street, New York, NY 10012.   

4 out of 4 cocktails – Best in Class

Cookshop is the perfect restaurant to take someone above 40 years old in the Meatpacking District. It is the anti-meatpacking restaurant. A stone’s throw from the madness, Cookshop is a serenely vibrant restaurant that is executed perfectly. All of the food is fresh and well prepared although it lacks that spectacular dish—the dish that makes you have to come back, rather than just want to. The drinks are generous and they garnish their martinis with Cerignola Olives, a very nice touch. The restaurant is not expensive for its class and feels more like it should be in San Francisco because it is young, but more about the food than the scene. I love this restaurant and recommend it highly, just not for those searching for Manhattan’s standard action. It is incredible that Marc Meyer and Victoria Freeman are able to exist under the radar with simply perfect food and hospitality. It is never forced and always delicious. Kudos. 156 10th Avenue, New York, NY 10011.

3.5 out of 4 cocktails

Perry Street is a restaurant out of a bygone era of excess. Opened in 2005 during the go-go days of the real estate boom, Perry Street is austerely modern and cold. Although a fan of modern design, I have always felt that customers have no interest in eating or playing in cold, modern spaces. The food is still excellent, as is the service, but the restaurant is pricey and was slightly empty for my visit last week.  All the Jean George signatures still exist and the evening was great, but I think customers are calling for simpler dishes like he is doing at ABC Kitchen. Renovate this one and it will be the hottest restaurant in New York once again. Like Lebron, it just needs a different environment to flourish. 176 Perry Street, New York, NY 10014.

2.5 out of 4 cocktails – Food and Service still perfect, but the life is gone.

Grom & Pop Bar have made Bleeker St and 6th Avenue into the Gelato district. Grom is arguably the best gelato in Manhattan. It doesn’t blow me away like the Van Leeuwen Ice Cream truck, but it is definitely authentic and delicious. I think they probably struggle a bit to maintain quality because they are moving so much volume. Like always, I stick with the straciatella and coffee, or espresso in this case.  Pop Bar is a new Italian import that boasts Gelato on a stick, like a popsicle. It makes for a great visual (as you can see above) and surprisingly, it is quite delicious. The concept may be a little too kitschy for the general public, but you must try the banana flavor with chocolate coating… wowsas. (Grom) 233 Bleecker Street, New York, 10014. (Pop Bar) 5 Carmine Street, New York, NY 10014. 

Grom – 2.75 out of 4 cocktails

Pop Bar – 2 out of 4 cocktails – if I was giving style points they would get a half point bounce, but the fact is gimmicks fade.  

Side Notes:

Villa Pacri is the new mega Italian spot in the meatpacking district from the team behind Bagatelle. They started in Bilboquet, quite possibly the smallest restaurant in Manhattan, and then moved to Bagatelle, RDV, and Kiss & Fly. Then they opened at the Gansevoort in Turks and Caicos, and now they are taking on this monstrous complex that has eaten two major restaurateurs in the last few years.  I wish them luck and hope they succeed, but with global aspirations and a midtown version of Bagatelle coming, there is a tremendous amount on the line. The ground floor will be an open-air rustic Italian café, dubbed La Gazzetta, which opens next Thursday. The basement will be a DJ lounge coming soon and then later this summer, you can expect a white-tableclothed restaurant on the second floor, a private banquet hall on the third, and eventually a rooftop bar. 55 Gansevoort Street, New York, NY 10014.

Torrisi Italian Specialties, I have a bone to pick with you. I think you need to remember that applause can go away, just as easily as it comes. Yes, your food is delicious, but you need to handle your customers with care, because they will keep you open after the press departs. I thought about getting nasty, but I have decided against it, for the time being.  If you tell someone to come back at 8:45 for a reservation, you hold that reservation until 8:45.  You don’t call them at 8:17 once, and then give away their table.  Especially if they came at 6:30 to reserve that table and you failed to mention, when they called the previous day, that you would be closed for a private event until 8:45. And don’t ever forget, you always have a chance at service recovery, make it up to a customer and they will be yours for life. 250 Mulberry Street, New York, NY 10012.

Avenue’s 1 Year Anniversary took place last night. Everyone was told to wear white and Solange Knowles was the DJ. For those of you outside the business, this is a very intelligent way to attract her sister Beyoncé and ever-present husband, Jigga.  And they, my friends, are a great draw for Page Six, US Weekly, and maybe even Extra or The Hills. 116 Tenth Avenue, New York, NY 10011.

In more interesting news, I am told Jayma Cardoso will be departing Cain Leisure to work with Strategic Group at their new midtown space, Lavo. It’s funny how money changes situations… the world of nightlife never ceases to amaze. Jayma’s departure from Cain Leisure, a company she was integral in building, is the nightlife equivalent of free agency, except usually the free agent doesn’t own part of the team he is leaving. I am sure this is not the last we will hear about this story.

The Charles has closed for renovations or just closed. I am told there was bickering amongst the partners and the future is unknown. 234 W 4th Street, New York, NY 10014.

The Lion will be inching up in the next release of the “Trend Set” as one of the hottest, if not the hottest, restaurant in Manhattan. 62 West 9th Street, New York, NY 10011.

Kenmare is, as expected, masterfully playing the roll out of their downstairs lounge. I am expecting big things from Nur-ski for fashion week. The boys have also struck a deal to partner in, renovate, and run Don Hill’s. I think this will be a particularly exciting undertaking, maybe the one to watch for changing the stream of things to come. Great ideas come out of necessity. I guess someone needed something. 98 Kenmare Street, New York, NY 10012.

Le Bain, the new rooftop lounge at the Standard Hotel, opened last night. It is a partnership between André Balazs and André Saraiva, a “paris based artist and nightlife impresario” behind super trendy venues like Le Baron. It is said to sport an “ironically trashy American aesthetic” consisting of six pink waterbeds and may be connected to the “Black Bar” across from the Boom Boom Room. 848 Washington Street, New York, NY 10014.

Tenjune is officially the first relevant nightclub to utilize the current internet craze of limited time sample sales to sell bottles. For a limited time they sold bottle service with guaranteed admission for four people at a 40% discount. I find this very interesting and think that it will catch on more in heavy tourist markets like Miami and Las Vegas. The question is, how can you protect the brand while utilizing these valuable new technologies? 26 Little W 12th Street, New York, NY 10014.

I was looking up a quote for this article and put “great ideas come out of necessity” into Google. You know what came up? My own quote, from an interview in Blackbook Magazine last year. How f*ing cool is that, seriously? I am officially a Citizen Journalist, now I just have to find my revolution. 

Delusions of Grandeur, I think not.

See you next time at Cocktail Hour, where more often than not one drink turns into ten and no one knows where and when the night will end.
-AP

“One cannot and must not try to erase the past merely because it does not fit the present.” - Golda Meir

One of the most brilliant moments in 1980’s cinema was the use of the “Spacetime Continuum” in Back to the Future Part 2. Peel away the flux capacitor, a youthful Michael J. Fox, and the unimaginable wonder of Mattel’s “Hoverboard,” and you are left with Robert Zemeckis’ and Bob Gale’s interpretation of the pitfalls of time travel. Actually a real physics theory, Spacetime is a math model that combines time and space into one continuum, whatever that means. The brilliance of its use in the film shines when Doc Brown illustrates the theory on a chalkboard in the derelict Hill Valley library (see above). He maps out how Bif shredded the fabric of time when he stole the Delorean Time Machine to bring back the sports almanac; thereby creating an alternate version of 1985. Bif managed not only to change his life, but (to reference the Butterfly Effect), send a wave through time and space, unimaginably changing the universe surrounding him for his own gain.

Personally, over the last couple of months, I have been thinking and learning a tremendous amount about the past. I have been making an attempt to unravel and understand the influences that have made me who I am. My Spacetime Continuum is filled with past relationships and friendships, incredible memories, awesome triumphs, missed opportunities, the angst of tragedy, and the lessons of near catastrophes. The effects of attempting to change or continuing to dwell on that past would be disastrous to my present. So although I believe in taking the time to examine the past, the key is to understand it, learn from it, and as swiftly as humanly possible, accept it. Once you have understood and accepted your past, you can use that information to define your present and future by making better decisions. “Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me,” a saying I have often quoted, applies just as strongly to your inner monologue as it does when dealing with the outside world. 

Although not always the case, this personal mantra also applies in the world of nightlife and hospitality. So often you hear people wonder aloud how this person or that organization reaches certain levels of power, influence, and monetary success. Sometimes briefly it is luck; however, more often than not, sustained success is derived from an ongoing professional evolution—learning from past mistakes and working hard not to make those mistakes again, while evolving with the market. In nightlife, people often get caught up in their past, believing their press, and staying too long at the party, never accepting that it’s over. You have seen them: the 50-year-old promoter or doorman that we hope to avoid becoming. I am reminded of Jack Lemon’s character, Shelley Levene, in Glengarry Glen Ross, praying desperately for just one last shot at the big time, the Glengarry leads.

“These are the new leads. These are the Glengarry leads. And to you they're gold, and you don't get them. Why? Because to give them to you is just throwing them away. They're for closers. I'd wish you good luck but you wouldn't know what to do with it if you got it.”

An example in the world of nightlife would be Noel Ashman, who I am positive still thinks it is 1999. Back then he owned Veruka, Derek Jeter’s favorite nightclub and one of the hottest in Manhattan. I still get phone calls from girls in his office every week. They usually start with, “Hi this is Brittany, I am calling on behalf of Noel Ashman, Samantha Ronson, Jesse Bradford, Michael Strahan, and Chris Noth to invite you to Friday nights at…” Click. I never really find out where the party is, because I hang up mid sentence, disgusted. Seriously Noel, you are a smart guy, some may even say a visionary. So get email or Facebook, and if you want to call me, call YOURSELF. As I see it, none of those celebrities either mean anything or want to be associated with your parties, so wake up and build a mousetrap that works. NY Magazine’s Grub Street reported that you are opening a new club that you say is going to be a mix of “Soho House, Bungalow 8, and Veruka.” Do you honestly think that is what the biggest city in the world is looking for? A repeat. As Warren Buffet says, “If past history was all there was to the game, the richest people would be librarians.”

Wouldn’t it be great if we could all just jump in a Delorean, hit 88 miles per hour (literally or figuratively), and change the mistakes of our past? Or maybe dance the bump and drink doused champagne with Andy, Jade, Halston, MJ, Brooke Shields, Calvin, and Steve Rubell at 54 or Palladium? I am pretty sure it would be a good mother fuckin time and they would look at us like a bunch of squares. Or just maybe, I could pop in on myself prior to the senior prom, and warn myself that if I wear this ridiculous looking tuxedo (see white lapel picture above), I will be reliving it and regretting it through pictures for decades (also don’t miss Josh dressed as a member of the Backstreet Boys). Note to self: when it comes to formalwear, simple is always better. I have begun to believe that past successes and mistakes define an individual’s humanity, and the only way you can unlock the endless possibilities of life, is to conquer yourself, accept the past, and embrace today.

“What you need to know about the past is that no matter what has happened, it has all worked together to bring you to this very moment. And this is the moment you can choose to make everything new. Right now.” – Unknown

See you next time at Cocktail Hour, where more often than not one drink turns into ten and no one knows where and when the night will end.
- AP

Have you ever seen the Seinfeld episode where Jerry dates the girl who looks stunningly beautiful in some lighting and putridly ugly in others? So is the contrast of Atlantic City. There is the natural beauty of being located on the Atlantic Ocean (with more gamblers in a 100-mile radius than any gambling city in the world), gaming revenues very similar to those of Las Vegas, and a rich and glamorous history. The other side is the personification of Sonny’s line in A Bronx Tale: “The saddest thing in life is wasted talent.” In this case, the talent refers to AC’s tremendous potential, which has been crippled by bureaucracy, greed, corruption, lack of vision, poverty, and just plain bad luck. Summer sun and visitors from the surrounding shore towns and feeder markets like Philadelphia keep Atlantic City moving. Winters are relegated solely to Friday and Saturday nights, along with a trickle of aging slot players during the week. Showcasing this unrealized potential is the half-built mega casino, Revel. $1.2 billion has already been spent and it stoically awaits an additional $1 billion investment to finish. All the while, billboards advertising flashy new competition from the surrounding areas, like Philadelphia and Delaware, attempt to put a stake in the heart of the boardwalk.  

But even after all that negativity, Atlantic City’s natural beauty, unique culture, and unrealized potential are still very much alive. The Borgata Hotel, Casino and Spa, built in 2003, is one of the most successful casino projects in the history of gaming. It has undergone multiple expansions, and is still generating staggering profits. The Borgata single-handedly proves that upscale customers will regularly visit AC for the right product. The nightlife, of which I have had a major involvement, easily drives over $100 million in revenue annually with continued double-digit growth. My company, SKY Group, has successfully launched nightlife programs for The Borgata and The Chelsea, both of which continue to drive revenue and club experiences on par with any major urban center. There is a vibrant food scene including multiple major food festivals, mega casino restaurants, celebrity chefs, and local institutions such as the White House, Chef Vola’s, and Dock’s Oyster Bar. New boutique casinos are the buzz of the town but are pending legislation. If this legislation is passed, it will allow smaller casino hotels to avoid being burdened by oversized development costs - an idea already being pursued by Hard Rock International. And finally, HBO along with the venerable Martin Scorcese, will premiere Boardwalk Empire this coming Fall, one of the most expensive productions in TV history based upon The Birth, High Times, and Corruption of Atlantic City.

As a businessman, I tend to follow the advice of the icons (or shall I say "Icahns") - in this case Warren Buffet and Carl Icahn. One of Buffet’s most famous quotes comes to mind when thinking about Atlantic City. “Most people get interested in stocks when everyone else is. The time to get interested is when no one else is. You can't buy what is popular and do well.” That makes me keenly aware of the recent purchase by billionaire investor Carl Icahn of the Tropicana Casino, and his current proxy fight with Donald Trump to take over Trump Casino Resorts. Is now just the right time to start betting big on the future of Atlantic City? What does he know that you don’t?

Whatever happens, the future is unpredictable. So for the time being, let’s focus on the present. Atlantic City is a perfect weekend party destination for the summer of 2010.  Concerts this summer include Kings of Leon, MGMT, and Lady Gaga. The Chelsea Hotel, with C5 and Cabana Café, finally provides a sophisticated day and night party destination without the madness of slot machines ringing in your ears. And P. Diddy, for better or for worse, has relocated his White Party from the Hamptons to The Pool at Harrah’s. I guess maybe he was inspired by the success of his MTV Jersey Shore castmates. So hold your breath no more, or a little more if you are on the Jersey Turnpike, and get ready for Cocktail Hour’s guide to Atlantic City…

Nightlife

C5, located in The Chelsea Hotel, is Atlantic City’s only open-air nightclub and the newest spot in town. During the off-season, it is more of a cocktail/lounge scene, but once the weather heats up, it becomes the ultimate late-night party. C5 combines the energy of a nightclub with the sophistication and sensuality of a pool party in Miami. The crowd is a mix of the surrounding shore towns, casino executives, visiting entertainers, and weekenders, looking for a high-energy break from the beach or casino.

mur.mur is the only pure Vegas-style nightclub in Atlantic City. Located in the expansion of Borgata, mur.mur invests heavily in DJs and events from all over the country. They also benefit from Borgata’s extensive entertainment schedule, hosting most of the performers' after parties along with regular celebrity guests. 

The Pool at Harrah’s is like watching an episode of MTV’s Jersey Shore in a steam room.  This place is absolutely jam packed all year long and I have no idea why. Proceed at your own risk. 

The Backroom at Teplitzky’s recently launched at The Chelsea Hotel, offers Rock ‘N Roll and Karaoke. For those of you looking for a fun and cool scene without the attitude, this is definitely your best bet.

Gypsy Bar at Borgata is our recommendation for late night live music. Gypsy hosts some of the most talented Jersey cover bands and features an incredible pineapple-infused tequila.

The afterhours scene is dominated by B Bar at Borgata. After 4 a.m., this is the only spot worth visiting.

Daytime partying in Atlantic City is dominated by Cabana Club at The Chelsea Hotel. It is the only option for a Vegas or Miami style pool party in the city. 

If you are looking to make a long weekend of it… Sunday nights you should visit C5 at The Chelsea and 32 Degrees at the Tropicana. On Monday nights, the best spot is mur.mur.  The night to visit Dusk at Caesar’s Palace, the club by the late great DJ AM, is Tuesday.

Side Note: Borgata closed MIXX, their original nightclub, last week. They have begun a $2 million renovation of this club, which will re-launch under the same name around July 4th.
 
Restaurants

The food is surprisingly good in Atlantic City. There are famous restaurants like The Palm, Old Homestead, and Il Mulino, joined by celebrity chef spots by Bobby Flay, Michael Mina, and Wolfgang Puck. Philadelphia’s Stephen Starr has imported The Continental and Buddakhan to the Pier at Caesar’s, and local favorites include Chelsea Prime, Izakaya, and Steve & Cookies. Here are my recommendations…

Chelsea Prime is the steakhouse in The Chelsea Hotel. It is beautifully designed to evoke the glamour days of Atlantic City. It feels like a supper club, but instead of the star being Frank Sinatra or Sammy Davis, it's the steak. This is easily the best steakhouse in AC and maybe the best restaurant.

Cabana Café is the new poolside café overlooking the Atlantic Ocean at The Chelsea. With global bistro food and an extensive list of champagne floats and rose’s by the glass, this is the most sophisticated destination for daytime partying and dining. Think of it as SOHO by the SEA.

Izakaya is former Buddakhan chef Michael Schulson’s take on a Japanese tavern. A sort of amalgamation of Nobu, Koi, and Buddakhan, Izakaya is definitely the best representation of vibe dining. 

Teplitzky’s is the top spot to enjoy a classic comfort food breakfast. I am partial to the stuffed French toast, eggs benny, delectable coffee, and a bloody mary known as “The Teplitzky.”

Seablue by Michael Mina is fighting with Chelsea Prime for the right to be called “the best restaurant in Atlantic City.” If Michael Mina lived in Atlantic City, it would take the crown, but there is something about knowing he isn’t making my lobster pot pie personally that claws at my subconscious.   

Chef Vola’s is the Rao’s of AC and my favorite restaurant in town. Impossible to get a reservation without a direct connect to the family, Vola’s is THE place to experience the real AC. There is top quality family-style Italian food, an incredible ambiance, BYOB service, and a butterscotch cheesecake dessert that is out of this world. I was told Jay-Z and Barry Bonds went after the opening of Jay’s 40/40 Club. Barry tried to pick up the tab with his Black Card, but little did he know, “Cash Only.” Hova Hova Hova…

White House is Atlantic City’s answer to the sandwich craze. Opened in 1946, there is a line daily to try out one of these famous Italian subs.

Dock’s Oyster House is the oldest restaurant in Atlantic City (it opened circa 1897).  Deliciously fresh seafood and a well made martini complement this legend.

Side Note: the best late night food in town is a tie between South End Pizza and Noodles of the World. South End delivers pizza 24 hours a day and is without a doubt one of the best pies in the city. Noodles of the World is a noodle bar in The Borgata that serves gamblers delectable noodles, rice, and soups until the wee hours of the morning.

Hotels

There are only three hotels in Atlantic City that I would be caught alive in. There are a couple others I would not want to be caught dead in.

The Chelsea is a boutique hotel designed by Shaun Hausman who did The Standard Hotels. The Luxe tower has beautifully renovated rooms similar to what you would find in most boutique properties. There is an incredible coed spa and the only true outdoor pool scene in AC. The Chelsea also has its own beach complete with cabanas just a two-minute walk from the property.

The Water Club is the only other boutique hotel in an hour radius of Atlantic City.  It was designed to be a sanctuary for guests and gamblers visiting the Borgata, who wanted to get away from the casino. The Water Club has multiple indoor and outdoor pools, and a spa on the top of the building.

The Borgata is a 2,000-room hotel attached to the premiere casino in town. It looks a little weathered compared to its debut in 2003, but if you plan to stay in a casino, this is your best bet.

Insider Tips

• It takes two hours to drive to AC from New York City without traffic. It could take over four hours if there is traffic. Do not leave during rush hour, ever, especially on a summer Friday.

• A direct train began last season which runs from Penn Station to Atlantic City on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. It is not exactly what I would call a “luxury train” as billed, but it is far better than sitting in traffic and you can drink alcohol while surfing the web.

• Atlantic City Outlets are great for “Woodbury Commons-like” discount shopping. There are outlets by Lacoste, Nike, Addidas, J. Crew and many others. I can proudly proclaim that all of my socks and underwear come exclusively from the AC Outlets. “I am not only the president, but I am also a client.”

• If you want to pay full-price for your goods, check out the Pier Shoppes at Caesar’s.  Developed by the same group behind the Forum Shops at Caesar’s Las Vegas, the Pier includes stores such as Scoop, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors, and Tiffany.

• The game of Monopoly is inspired by and modeled after the streets of Atlantic City, there are a couple of things I think Milton-Bradley got wrong in the game…
o You should only be able to build casinos in the game, because any homes or hotels would end up being repossessed. 
o They should have made one of the utilities "Cash for Gold" instead of Waterworks. 
o One of the "Chance" cards should have read, "Do not pass go, do not collect $200, do not eat an oversized Italian sub from White House or Dino's, don’t go to high school, and go straight to jail."

• The famed Steel Pier has been under pending redevelopment since 2007. It is currently still in operation until the pending development moves forward (it is now delayed till 2012).  Don’t miss your chance to experience this famed amusement park which has been open since 1898, over 110 years.

Paul Sevigny, proprietor of Kenmare and formerly the Beatrice Inn, is widely regarded as one of the hippest and most “on the pulse” New Yorkers. Before I got to The Chelsea, he and the crew from Beatrice Inn, ventured to take a shot at Atlantic City. Though they were unable to transport the hipster haven to AC, an unlikely combination, I am told by Chelsea owner Curtis Bashaw that Paul embraced the town. They spent time on the boardwalk enjoying the Steel Pier’s amusements (including Go Karts) while wandering the beach and boardwalk. I have found myself doing the same, igniting a strange and erotic love affair with Atlantic City. “America’s Playground,” like a great lover, is at once comforting and scary, delivering professional triumphs and personal challenges. After years of fighting the city’s grasp on my heart and mind, it now exists along with New York, the Hamptons, Florence, Italy, Los Angeles, and Miami as a vital part of defining who I have become.

Atlantic City may have fallen on some hard times, but the truth is, Atlantic City, like LIFE, is what you make of it. It’s all just a gamble.

“Sometimes you're flush and sometimes you're bust, and when you're up, it's never as good as it seems, and when you're down, you never think you'll be up again, but life goes on.” -Fred Jung (Ray Liotta), Blow

See you next time at Cocktail Hour, where more often than not one drink turns into ten and no one knows where and when the night will end.
- AP

“I had always heard your entire life flashes in front of your eyes the second before you die. First of all, that one second isn't a second at all, it stretches on forever, like an ocean of time...” – Lester Burnham (Kevin Spacey), American Beauty

No, this is not an article about the finale of LOST. Memorial Day is rapidly approaching, so rapidly in fact, that when this article is released there will be less than 24 hours until the “unofficial” beginning of the summer. May for me was all about the creation of my pop-up restaurant series, “The Hunger,” and preparation of my business, mind, and soul, for the high season.  Now it is here, anticipation is dissipating, the action is beginning, and I can almost taste the Coronas, smell the BBQ, and feel the frigid early summer ocean.

This time last year, I was turning 30, and my existence and beliefs began to unravel. After a brief self-imposed destruction of my reality, I began painting a new picture, built on truth, authenticity, and equal parts madness and tranquility. There are new rules – or no rules, actually. Life is now improv, being performed by a seasoned thespian and a carefully selected band of misfits, each with their own magical power. The winter and spring seasons have flashed before my eyes, with my point of view evolving moment to moment. I am now on page 200 of the 365 page book titled, “how to turn your life inside out, upside down, and right side up, without trying.” Why am I excited about Memorial Day? This book is a page turner, and I cannot imagine what is coming in the next chapter. 

Unlike the great heroes of our past, whose conquests focused on countries or empires, I will be remembered for my unrepentant desire and triumph over all things culinary, alcoholic, caffeinated, and I would like to think, chic. I have struggled with how I can continue to share these deliciously decadent endeavors without seeming sophomoric or presenting traditional reviews. What I have come up with for now is “The Round Up,” a collection of any relevant urbanite experiences that I believe you should get out and taste. I will attempt to be short and sweet, but if I end up long winded and acerbic, so be it. Don’t read if you don’t like it, biach.

This Week’s Round Up

Balaboosta is new restaurant in Nolita with an innovative design marrying two storefronts – one allowing you to see into the kitchen and the other, into the restaurant. I believe there is definitely a resurgent trend toward watching your food be prepared, but even more to “food as theater.” Einat Admony is the chef of this restaurant whose name means “the perfect housewife” in Yiddish. The restaurant has incredible service and really good food.  The only service issue is the regular crashing of flatware during the tableside Hummus service. Ambitiously prepared with a way-too-heavy mortar and pestle, it tends to crash to the floor prior to arriving at your table. Otherwise the restaurant is spot on, for food, I recommend the fried olives, falafel wrapped meatballs, chicken, and lamb prepared three ways. Pass on the shrimp "Kataïf." 

2.75 out of 4 cocktails

Torrisi Italian Specialties makes the best turkey that I have ever had in my life. Brined and then roasted and salted, the meat is tender, rich, and delicious. When I lived in Florence, Italy, I used to eat every afternoon at a sandwich shop called, Antico Noe. Torrisi is the closest thing to this style of sandwich shop in New York: artisan-prepared products served with homemade vegetables and sauces (I like the spicy one) on freshly baked bread. The most popular item is their sublime chicken parmesan sandwich, which is flavorful and prepared with top quality ingredients. The fellas who run it are super friendly and very passionate about their new business. They recently opened for dinner and have received four stars from New York Magazine for their efforts. On my last visit they had some issues with keeping up with the demand, but I am sure they will work out the kinks. Bonus: they have a picture of a young Billy Joel and Marino’s Italian Ice containers decorating their walls. I hope to make many scenes at Torrisi, definitely one of MY Italian restaurants. 

3 out of 4 cocktails

La Biblioteca at Zengo is located in the cursed space that formerly housed Tuscan Steak, English is Italian, and Wild Salmon. Richard Sandoval, who unbeknownst to me has about a million restaurants (more like 15) all over the world, has rolled the dice and a considerable chunk of change on this space. I have yet to have a full dinner upstairs, but because of my considerable love for tequila, I made it my business to visit the downstairs at “La Biblioteca.” Avroko designed the space and it is reminiscent of what I would imagine a tasting room would look like in a modern tequila distillery. They have 400 types of tequila along with a great bar menu. The guacamole was not well prepared, but the other items, including a tuna and chicken, were very flavorful and the perfect accompaniment to the tequila. I definitely intend to check out the upstairs restaurant, but recommend that Zengo invest in adding more vibe and sex to kick this restaurant into high gear, before it is too late. On the other hand, if you are looking for a night of sipping tequila, definitely check out La Biblioteca. I recommend Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia or Jalapeño flavored Tanteo.

2 out of 4 cocktails

Pulino’s has experienced its share of critic drama with the recent one-star review in The New York Times. The thing that I don’t understand is why this restaurant should be reviewed at that level. Other than the involvement of a notable owner and chef, it is just a sexed-up pizza joint with some obscure menu items to make it seem more than just that. The true appeal is the simplicity – a great scene, a great drink, a great slice, all in the right location. I guess Mcnally is trying to raise the bar, but bottom line, it is a trattoria. The space is not Mcnally’s best, which happens when he ventures outside of French cuisine. It feels like Manhattan, Paris, and Rome bumped into each other. Just enjoy it for what it is: a simple, flavorful, New York trattoria and pizza spot. It’s definitely one of the better pies around and they also serve a fabulous breakfast.

2.5 out of 4 cocktails

Ippudo was recommended to me by a chef who knows noodles, as one of the best places in Manhattan for Asian noodles/ramen. The space is done nicely and the theatrics are in place (i.e. the welcome “chant” as customers enter the dining room). Appetizers were mediocre, at best. The buns couldn’t hold a candle to Momofuku and the house pickles were also just average. The main event: Shiromaru Hakata Classic Ramen. Drum roll please… mediiiiiooooooocre. I say this less because of its preparation and more because of the fact that I don’t really love the dish to begin with. The noodles and broth were definitely well-executed, but the addition of egg and an array of toppings makes it too much for me. I would prefer a simple broth with noodles any day over this complicated “mishegas.”

1.5 out of 4 cocktails

Despana is the only market (and café) in NYC that specializes in all things Spanish, one of the most exciting and fastest growing cuisines in the culinary scene. Owned by food importers Angelica and Marcos Intriago, Despana features specialties such as Jamon Iberico, Flautas, Pintxos, and an endless variety of imported meats, cheeses, oils, and confections.  I recommend stopping in to try the Tortilla Despana, a Spanish style omelet of potatoes, eggs, chorizo, and peppers, topped with slices of fresh tomato on a Ciabatta-style roll; an authentic and delectable taste of traditional Spanish street food.

“I guess I could be pretty pissed off about what happened to me... but it's hard to stay mad, when there's so much beauty in the world. Sometimes I feel like I'm seeing it all at once, and it's too much, my heart fills up like a balloon that's about to burst... And then I remember to relax, and stop trying to hold on to it, and then it flows through me like rain and I can't feel anything but gratitude for every single moment of my stupid little life... You have no idea what I'm talking about, I'm sure. But don't worry... you will someday.” – Lester Burnham (Kevin Spacey), American Beauty

See you next time at Cocktail Hour, where more often than not one drink turns into ten and no one knows where and when the night will end.
- AP

“ [Gazing at the surf] Oh, jeez, I wish you could see this... the lights coming up over the water. I've never seen a painting that captures the beauty of the ocean at this moment. I'm going to make you rich, Bud Fox, rich enough, you can afford a girl like Darien. This is your wake up call, pal. Go to work.” - Wall Street, Gordon Gekko

When I watch this scene in Wall Street, I feel Gekko’s overwhelming emotion manifested in the beauty of a perfect Hampton beach at sunrise – the cool sand, the waves hitting the beach, and air perfectly fresh and salty. The Hamptons are a contradiction, a microcosm of New York’s battle between cultural ideals and animalistic materialism, played out over a mix of lobster rolls, sunset beaches, afternoon BBQs, incredibly beautiful houses, and striking natural beauty. 

My personal Hamptons story is an interesting one. It has evolved over the years, touching many aspects of the Hampton life. It started when I was just a few days old in June 1979. I came right home from the hospital and within hours, was in the car to the Hamptons and on the beach. My parents scrounged up their savings to purchase a small house in Southampton. I remember the outdoor shower, the neighbors, and a black and white TV with Atari. A couple of years later, they traded up to a larger house in Watermill. That lasted until about 14 when divorce struck and assets were sold and divided. 

From there, my Hamptons experience evolved into weekend visits to my father’s or my friend Russell’s house on Dune Road in Bridgehampton. I missed the nightlife scene of M-80 and the original Conscious Point by a couple of years, so my Hamptons nightlife story began with Tavern in Southampton, circa 1996. When we were about seventeen, my friends and I would make a table reservation at Tavern and each throw $100 into the pot. Our $500 plus a few hundred supplemented from Russell’s uncle, and we were in; a table with two bottles in what we were convinced was the VIP section. We were the first ones in the club and the last to leave. Usually one person would puke or pass out in front of the Tavern, or end up waking up in the pool room or sauna with a lady from Dalton, Nightingale, or Great Neck North High. At the Tavern, shots were courtesy of Jon B, then promoter now owner of Greenhouse, who insisted on pouring them down our throats behind the bar. All the elder statesman of nightlife where active in the Hamptons back then – the Von Broocks had the Euros at Tavern, Andrew Sasson (current king of Vegas) had the Financiers and the Yuppies at Jet East, and the young social set were at “Life’s a Beach,” the Manhattan club of the moment, Life’s Hampton outpost. The years after that would bring Conscious Point, the Lizzie Grubman incident, Ted Field’s parties, the Wilzig Castle, and Diddy’s White Party, the original, not the “I am greedy pay me to do it at a Guido club” version. Back then, celebrities didn’t sell their parties… they threw them for actual FUN!

Fast forward a couple of years, let’s say 2002, after college to my first and only “share” house. Located in Quogue, I realized the share thing was not for me after the first weekend. Not only did I miss the best party of the summer because of my then girlfriend’s graduation (who dares to graduate on Memorial Day Weekend), but living in a house with random people and sleeping four people in a room, is for me, the equivalent of being in Guantanamo Bay. After an incredible excessive birthday celebration (see attached flyer), I stopped going and paying attention to that house immediately. Looking back this was probably an error in judgment. In early July, I got a call that the house was being raided by the Southampton Police. The call came at 8 a.m. from one of those animals living in high society squalor, and I decided it was in my best interest to turn off my phone and go back to sleep. 

With that, we were swiftly evicted (share-house’s are illegal in the Hamptons) and my partners and I plead guilty to get the charges dropped. In court, we were then forced to read a statement that went something like this, “I, Alan Philips, Josh Shames, (and not to be mentioned Persian partners), plead guilty to selling a share in the downstairs boiler room of 'not to be named' Street, with a lamp, end table, and a mattress…” As I read this statement, my partner Josh chimed in, “your honor, the end table really held the boiler room together!” Needless to say, the judge didn’t find that amusing, and we were asked to leave the town of Southampton indefinitely. 

Like the not-so-triumphant return of Tiger to the Masters, this was not the end of Alan Philips in the Hamptons. My friends and I have rented some great houses since these early stumbles. It is usually one person or a couple per bedroom, with pool, tennis, basketball etc. Some of my best memories of the last six years have taken place in these houses – great Friday night dinners, summer playlists, all day BBQs, inevitable late night stupidity, followed by late night debauchery, and afternoons playing sports or at the beach. For me, the Hamptons has evolved from a family escape, to the business of parties and nightclubs, and now back to a place of refuge and escape – less Playstation parties and more time spent chilling with friends.

The Hamptons is now in a transition, as it always is, ebbing and flowing with the economy and availability of disposable income. Sale and rental prices are undeniably down because as people feel less confidence in their net worth, they are less interested in committing to long term financial obligations. This inevitably leads to a slow season, weeding out the weak. That was last season, now this season is one of opportunity. New owners, new businesses, and new concepts will begin to come in this year, but even more next year. This season, there is less competition and I am going to go out on a limb and say it will be a banner year for the Hamptons. Fewer places means more of the people you want to see, consolidated to a couple of locations. 

Nightclubs:
I cannot, in good conscience, recommend any nightclub in the Hamptons. My favorite nightclub over the past five or so seasons has been Pink Elephant. Why? They played groovy summery house music, it was usually easy to park, they had an outside area for lounging, and I invested many twenties in being able to cut the bathroom line. For those of you who don’t know, Pink Elephant is bankrupt and the Capri Hotel is for sale, as it has been for a couple of years. I should have known this was happening when David Waksman, owner of the hotel, tried to sell it to me for $23 million, while acting as the reservationist and housekeeper, during our meeting. Now I am told his whole portfolio can be had for less than half of that. At least for his sake, the Capri is not located in Miami. Then it would be worth 10% of what he was asking. 

And then there were three. There are currently three nightclubs left in the Hamptons: Axe at Dune, Lily Pond, and RDV (formerly Tavern). Technically, that leaves only one reliable option for a pure nightclub play, two nights a weekend, and that is Dune. I spent many great nights at this place when it was Jet East, so I know the potential for some fun is still there. The people who run the venue are professionals and I am sure they will deliver on the general things that make a nightclub pleasurable. I have not had a great night there in many years, but if you must go to a “pure” nightclub in the Hamptons this summer, Dune will probably be your best bet.

The other two pure nightclub plays in the Hamptons this summer will be Lily Pond and RDV. Here is what to expect at Lily Pond: occasional, pay-for-play celebrities, mediocre service, great music, lots of good press, some bad press, and definitely some sort of backwards door policy. Not to mention it is only open on Saturday nights. Lily Pond is also in a legal dispute with their landlord who wanted to kick them out of the space, but won’t be able to until next year. If you are in East Hampton and looking for a great night out in the midst of a landlord-tenant dispute, Lily Pond seems like the best bet for you. Maybe one night at 4 a.m. everyone will get evicted. You don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here.

RDV is located in the former Tavern space. Tavern was always one of the best nightspots in the Hamptons, but years ago the Von Broocks leased it to some guy Bruce and his wife. They proceeded to turn it into a Guido club, bury its reputation, rebrand it a couple of times, and carry on operating on fumes. Now we are full circle and the Von Broocks have taken it back and teamed up with the crew behind RDV. They say they are investing heavily in the project in hopes of making a multi-year run, but who doesn’t say that when they are opening a new venue. Additionally, the entire scene has moved east, which is a major concern. On the flip side of this argument, inventory in the nightlife department is very low. Tavern is a great space and the RDV team is professional, so maybe, just maybe, the sun won’t rise in the east, and my compass is off, and RDV will save nightlife in the Hamptons.

Side Note: About an hour prior to publishing this article a “little birdy” told me that the current king of nightlife is strategically making a last minute play for the Capri Hotel. With a few days till summer, it will be interesting to see if it gets done, but this could turn the landscape of the nightclub scene upside down, or right side up for that matter…

For me, when it comes to the Hamptons, the nightlife action and all of the daytime action outside of a beautiful home or beach, lies within the restaurants and hotels…

Restaurants & Hotels:
It is far more fun to eat and drink at the same time in the Hamptons. You will generally, but not always, get more hospitality than at the nightclubs. Once at Suki Zuki Sushi in Watermill, the waiter actually gave my friend’s wife her tip back because it wasn’t sufficient, so it is all relative. In the case of some people in the Hamptons it is drink and look at your food, and in the case of some places, it is drink and wait for your food. At least there is a lot of drinking involved. 

The best recommendations for great service and delicious food, are the restaurant holdovers like Bobby Vans, World Pie, The Palm, Della Femina, Nick & Toni’s, Citta Nuova, La Parmagiana, Sen, The American Hotel and a few other standouts I am surely forgetting. Inevitably, each year there are also the scenesters that come on like fire and fizzle out just as quick – for example, Kobe Club. Others are beginning their second or third season, and we watch with hope as they burgeon to create new traditions; Georgica, Trata, Phillipe, and Sag Harbor’s Tutto Il Giorno. There are even a few that charge ridiculously high prices and for some reason are welcomed back again, can you say $36 Patron Shots at Nello Summertime’s. The guy doesn’t even use lube when he is fucking you. 

As for hotels, Sunset Beach started it and Surf Lodge took it to Montauk. Sole East then followed, with some nouveau hipsters bussed in to dress the room. Just as in Manhattan or Miami, hotels are the best spots to eat and drink in the Hamptons, day and night. Surf Lodge has a restaurant with celebrity chef Sam Talbot, along a great indoor/outdoor lounge with DJs and live music. Sunset Beach is classic elegance and Riviera style much closer to home, although you will still have to take a yacht or ferry to Shelter Island. You could complain about the trip to either spot, but the truth is they are both well worth it. On another note, coming next season, Sean Macpherson will do his version of a Hamptons Hotel.  He recently purchased the Crow’s Nest in Montauk and the proprietor of the Jane, Bowery, and Maritime will be renovating shortly.

On a final note, I would like to present the award for worst restaurateur in the history of the Hamptons (and maybe the world) to Jean Luc aka Ed Kleeflied. There are all types of legal struggles and debt over Jean Luc's Hampton restaurants, except for Grappa which has gone back to the landlord. He owes so much money that no one has figured out yet how to take over his properties because, from what I am told, "it would cost too much." He also managed for years not to make a deal with anyone to take over these spaces and get him out of debt, because of his incredibly large EGO. “None pities him that is in the snare, who warned before, would not beware.” Translation: he was such an asshole and was warned so many times that he deserves everything he gets.

Here are some of this season’s stories in the Hamptons restaurant world…

Georgica
Last season the old Saracen space was taken over by David Schulman and transformed into Georgica. Despite some bumps in the road, he was able to transform the place into a comfortable restaurant with tasty food and a great nightlife scene. This year is poised to be no different. Schulman is one of nightlife’s great collaborators, a good luck charm. He has brought in Eugene Remm and Marc Birnbaum of Abe & Arthur’s/SL to head up the Saturday nights. On Friday nights he has Benny Grieff and Dave Marino returning to head up the Hamptons’ best Friday promotion. Seth Levine of Hell’s Kitchen returns to the kitchen with his scrumptious Lobster Mac ‘N Cheese.

East Hampton Point
As I reported about a month ago and Page Six reported about a day ago, Derek and Daniel Koch have moved their Hamptons version of Day & Night to East Hampton Point. East Hampton Point has always been an incredible space with a great marina, but mediocre food. If the food is all the boys have to fix in order to make this a reality, East Hampton get prepared, because this is poised to be the hottest party the Hamptons has seen in a long while.   

The Boathouse
Matt Levine has moved on from Georgica and taken over nightlife marketing by branding the former Botswick’s space in Three Mile Harbor. The restaurant is owned and run by Michael Gluckman from Bamboo. Check out the shot on the right by Jerritt Clark.
 
Serafina East Hampton
Fabio and Vittorio have finally brought New York’s ultimate trattoria to the Hamptons. East Hampton locals and visitors should welcome their simple and flavorful Italian fare. I am sure it will work fabulously, and seems like it should have happened years ago. They are rumored to be negotiating with the town to have a Capri-style lemon garden, let’s hope they get it.

Laurent Tourondel
Fresh out of his split from long time BLT partner Jimmy Haber, the LT in BLT has his sights set on the Hamptons. He has a house in East Hampton and has been negotiating on the Grappa space in Sag Harbor. I personally looked at this space a couple of years ago, it is incredible and the town would be lucky to have Tourondel.

Navy Beach
Navy Beach is expected to be Montauk’s newest restaurant hotspot, run by veterans from Sushi Samba, Nick & Toni’s, and Asia de Cuba. 

Notable Places in FLUX:
• Prime 103 – Wainscott
• Madame Tongs – Southampton
• The Capri/Pink Elephant – Southampton
• Bamboo – Wainscott
• 75 Main – Southampton
• Pacific East – East Hampton
• The Laundry – East Hampton

Notable People Looking for Spaces:
• Nobu
• Noah Tepperberg & Jason Strauss
• Mark Baker
• Jon B.
• Bagatelle Owners Aymeric Clemente & Remi Laba
• Guiseppe Tuosto of Via dei Mille
• Keith Davis of The Golden Pear

CH Best List:

Coffee: Hampton Coffee Company (it’s like CRACK)
Breakfast: Golden Pear
Brunch: Pierre’s
Blueberry Crumble Toasted with Butter: Golden Pear
Traditional Pizza: La Parmagiana (Try an Italian hero – delicious)
New Style Pizza: World Pie
Shrimp Nachos: World Pie
Afternoon Snack: Panini at Saint Ambroeus
Lobster Roll: Lunch
Lobster Mac & Cheese: Georgica
Afternoon Drink & Raw Bar: Cyril’s
Boutique: Blue & Cream (It’s the Hamptons, save Intermix & Scoop for NYC)
Grocery: Citarella (Heirloom Tomatoes & Citarella brand Hot Dogs are a MUST)
Rainy Day Activity: Movies or Bowling
Food Stop While Driving Out: Kitchen Cabaret
Stay Away From: Lobster Inn, Neptunes, Suki Zuki
Notable Seasonal Events: Bridgehampton Polo, Love Heals, Super Saturday, Hamptons Magazine Clambake, Hamptons Magazine Season Kick Off, Hamptons Classic

“A life without love is like a year without summer.” And so begins the summer of 2010 in the Hamptons.

See you next time at Cocktail Hour, where more often than not one drink turns into ten and no one knows where and when the night will end.

-AP