“It's funny how money changes situation
Miscommunication leads to complication
My emancipation don't fit your equation
I was on the humble, you - on every station”
-Lauryn Hill

 As the world evolves so does nightlife and hospitality, so in the immortal words of Bob Dylan “times they are a changin’.” The backlash that appeared one year ago with calls for the death of bottle service and pay-for-play celebrities continues. I believe we are now in the heart of the transition; from the era of excess for the sake of excess has come a counterattack made by creativity, authenticity, and meaningful consumption. In nightlife, it began with products like the Beatrice Inn, where counter-culture is celebrated by the cool kids over whiskey and cigarette butts. These evolutions manifest in downtown New York and spread like wildfire to Miami, Los Angeles and other secondary cities. I believe this because it is not something that hasn’t happened before. As I understand it, because it was way before my time, the Mudd Club was counter-culture’s reaction to Studio 54. Similarly, Beatrice Inn was this generation’s response to the Tenjunes and Marquees of the world. Mudd Club happened during the late ‘70s and early ‘80s when New York was nearly bankrupt and people where tired of the excesses of Disco music and lifestyle; while today the same thing is happening with hip hop’s message, style, and culture. 

Our ongoing economic shift has created fear. Fear leads to anxiety, and anxiety leads to the changing of habits. Last year’s economic hangover has not left us, and won’t until the collective conscious feels confident enough to spend again. If anything, with Stuy Town’s recent foreclosure, it seems we are at the apex of an ongoing fear that there are still underlying problems with the economy and the overall American way. No longer do you hear the words “luxury” or “opulence” from Madison Avenue, or as translated into the words of club owners “we need more tables” or “I am building the next Bungalow 8.” Now you hear the words “value” and “meaningful consumption” and see more piano bars, more rock ‘n roll bars – less attitude, more fun. Yes, luxury will live on for a small group of people within this great mecca, but power lies with numbers and the “have-nots” will greatly exceed the “haves” in 2010. 

Side note: if anyone ever mentions that they are building the next Bungalow 8, this is a sign that they are naïve incompetents and know nothing about the business. Bungalow 8 was a moment created by Amy Sacco based on skill, luck, and circumstance. Don’t try and recreate that moment. Just “do you” and create your own moment.

Scott Sartiano and Richie Akiva, who I have yet to mention, are masters of creating authentic “moments.” They did it at Butter on Mondays and have also succeeded over the past two years in doing it at 1 Oak. One of a kind, yes I would definitely say so.     

How does all of this mumbo jumbo affect nightlife you may ask? Well here are my thoughts…

1. Creativity – Nightlife is a hotbed for creative types whether in the industry or surrounding it.  After Mudd Club came the Limelight (1983), Area (1983) & Palladium (1985), three of the most creative venues in the history of nightlife from luminaries Peter Gatien, Eric Goode and Steve Rubell/Ian Schrager.  There were also many other contributors to the art, music and management such as Keith Haring, Madonna, Steve Lewis (gratuitous). If this is any sign of what’s to come then we should be expecting a nightlife renaissance.

2. Opportunity – As with any business, chaos and change create opportunity. As music, art and other creative cultures evolve, the next players will bubble to the surface and others will fade into the darkness. Our business runs on youth, so watch out, here they come.

3. Less Attitude – Clubs, restaurants, bars, hotels – they all need business. When you have fewer customers demanding your product, and the consumer is spending less, there is far less tolerance for ‘TUDE.  If I am going to spend $18 on a Grey Goose martini in February you best be sucking my _ _ _ _.  Thank you sir, may I have another.

4. Authenticity – This is what I believe is the most important aspect to this coming cycle: in unstable times, people return to comfort. No more mega-Asian palaces or Kobe Clubs; people want something that feels real and shows thought. An extra “hello” from a bartender, a “thank you” from a server, a “welcome” from a door person – you will go where you are taken care of, where your business is valued.  This will be the biggest challenge in 2010 for multi-unit operators. How do you maintain this personal attention in multiple locations and in multiple cities? I was wondering why Danny Meyer did not go to Vegas, but the truth is he is one of the only operators to maintain this personal touch and for that he is flourishing in challenging times.

5. Musical Change – Remember when you experienced (or watched on VH1’s “Behind the Music”) a phenomenon whereby the ‘80s ended and George Michael’s “Faith” faded into Nirvana’s “Nevermind?” Well, I believe we are definitely moving away from hip hop’s days of excess and into an enlightened period of collaboration between genres. There are new styles emerging such as Electro & Dub Step, Indy Rock is flourishing, and no one has had a better year than David Guetta in the house music world.  There is also a burgeoning movement towards live music and alternative entertainment at venues such as Ella, The Box and Brooklyn Bowl.  

6. Multi Purpose Venues – Hotels with bars and restaurants, restaurants with clubs below, event spaces that are flower stores during the day, restaurants with all-day take-out windows: these multi-purpose venues are the rule not the exception in modern hospitality. Operators need to make money the whole time they are paying rent, 24-hours a day. Additionally, customers don’t want to make multiple stops because it costs more. Imagine being a tourist and staying at the Standard Hotel. Go downstairs you have Biergarten, go upstairs you have an incredible lounge (if you can get in), or walk within a one block radius and you have 20 other options. What could be better? There are very few places other than Las Vegas where you can have that type of experience right at your fingertips. At least it is real in New York and not some fabricated Disneyland. Maybe after the City Center debacle, the boys in Vegas will open a casino called “Meatpacking District.”

I would love to hear your thoughts on what you see coming in the next couple of years in nightlife and hospitality.  Please post in the comment section, as no one will have a better perspective than the many people who work, eat, and drink in this industry.  Collaboration is a key to the creation of new ideas.  

See you next week 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

Thursday night: go out, get drunk, eat late-night, run in the morning, and if not possible, steam. Repeat Friday, repeat Saturday, swear off liquor Sunday. This has basically been my life for the past 10-12 years. Now, this may qualify me for some not-so-glamorous procedures, such as a liver transplant, but on the positive side it makes me an expert on late-night dining. My business partner and best friend, Josh Shames, finds it very unusual that I crave split pea soup at 4 a.m. This is my version of late-night weight watchers. My preferred variety is at Cozy Soup and Burger, a favorite of Adam Sandler’s and, according to pictures, Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

In my younger years when my metabolism would swiftly erase any signs of late night bingeing, I was a regular at Mamoun’s on Macdougal Street.  After my 10-year high school reunion (last year, I’m not that old), a couple of friends and I ventured to Mamoun’s for Falafel and Shwarma (my preferred variety includes Hummus and Tahini in the sandwich).

As we crossed this sacred threshold into a world of Mediterranean delights, a younger gentleman was walking toward me with his girlfriend; a lovely couple by all accounts. He graciously said “excuse me” to which I replied, in my Patron-induced haze, “fuck your mother.” Needless to say he did not respond favorably.  A scuffle ensued, and the next thing I recall is pouring Mamoun’s famous hot sauce onto my fingers. When my friend asked me what I was doing, I replied “if he comes near me, I will rake his eyes with this sauce. It’s not only delicious but deadly.” Whether it was the sauce on my hands or the group of scrawny Great Neck Jewish boys surrounding me, the calm was kept, which I cannot say was always the case at Mamoun’s. G-d has a very funny way of working, though. When I returned home I went to take out my contact lenses, and MY eyes were the ones that got raked. The fiery aged Mamoun’s hot sauce seeped into my fingers burning my eyes like Dante’s inferno. Hell hath no fury like late-night eats.

My Favorite Late Night Eats…

Bistro: Pastis
I know, it’s so obvious, but it would pain me way too much to pick L’Express. Pastis is where the Meatpacking began and it should be where your night in the Meatpacking ends. It is a far superior option to The Diner and, as in its beginnings, maintains the essence of Manhattan with a taste of Paris. The food may not be quite as good as it was when the restaurant started out, but I would not hesitate to order Moules Frites or Steak Tartare – a clear sign that the quality is high and the operator very well respected. Btw, this place earns one of my votes for best fries in Manhattan.

Odds of being able to hook up after: 5-1
Local Nightlife: Almost Everything – it’s the Meatpacking District

Classic Burger: White Castle
When I was a young whippersnapper, my grandmother, Gladys Iannolino aka Lally, would show up once a week carrying a bag filled with White Castle burgers and fries. I don’t know if it’s my psychological attachment to the burgers or the fact that they’re just plain delicious, but these steamed patties make me salivate every time I think of them. There are smaller versions of the burgers in midtown, but for the true White Castle experience you have to travel to Harlem where they have an actual White CASTLE.

Odds of being able to hook up after: 50-1
Local Nightlife: Have not recently made it up to Harlem

Modern Burger: Pop Burger
More centrally located and probably featuring higher quality ingredients is our generation’s incarnation of White Castle: Pop Burger. The brainchild of Roy Liebenthal (Café Tabac and Lemon Bar), Pop Burger was the spark that started the “high end” burger craze. When a Pop Burger is good it’s as good as any out there, oozing with juice and the perfect amount of cheese, although occasionally they’ll come out dry. However, the best part of the restaurant is their selection of canned beers, which you can enjoy with your burgers without leaving the Meatpacking. 

Odds of being able to hook up after: 10-1
Local Nightlife: Everything – it’s the Meatpacking District

Chef’s Favorite: Blue Ribbon Brasserie
The pioneer of late night fine dining, this almost 20-year-old brasserie is the king of “foodie” food and drinks after midnight. Conveniently located in Soho, Blue ribbon has an extensive menu and wine list better than most restaurants that operate at half the hours. The must-try item is the “Bone Marrow with Oxtail Marmalade,” served with Challah toast and sea salt. This is just one of those dishes that perfectly combines fat, salt and sweet, indulgent like a meat lover’s Magnolia cupcake. 

Odds of being able to hook up after: 5-1
Local Nightlife: Southside, Cipriani Upstairs, Greenhouse

Chinese: 69 Chinese Restaurant
This place is straight out of a movie: the walls are covered with "dolla dolla" bills (a “69” restaurant tradition) and the waiters are still wearing those 1970’s Chinese restaurant uniforms. Most of the staff doesn’t speak English and the food is good and consistent. My favorite part of the restaurant is the crowd, because it is so diverse and entertaining. On my last visit I saw a couple of tables filled with Asian students, a Spanish family, and two Russian guys in fur coats sitting with three girls, that I would bet had gotten paid for sex at one point in the last 10 years.

Odds of being able to hook up after: 30-1
Local Nightlife: Apotheke, Southside, The Wooly

Deli: Katz’s Delicatessen
Legendary in every sense of the word, Katz’s is the “kosher-style” deli in Manhattan, which means it’s not serving the more expensive kosher meats, but can still charge kosher prices: genius. Considering that this place is loved by all ethnicities, it doesn’t really matter if it is kosher. It is as much about the delicious pastrami and hot dogs, as it is about the show going on at the counter and the completely unusual checkout process. I would really love to investigate the economics of this place because, in my mind, it has to be one of the highest-grossing restaurants in the country. 

Odds of being able to hook up after: 40-1, the only orgasm that comes from Katz’s is Meg Ryan’s in Harry Met Sally
Local Nightlife: Ella, Gallery Bar, Rivington Hotel

Diner: Coffee Shop (East) or Cafeteria (West)
These are the precursors to the national hip, “modern” diner craze. Coffee Shop in Union Square is making over $14 million a year pumping out sesame chicken salads and, my personal favorite, the breakfast burrito. The main reason to go? Always has and always will be the waitresses. 

Odds of being able to hook up after: 4-1, if you go to NYU, 2-1
Local Nightlife: Forum, Union Square Lounge, Kingswood, Underbar

Cafeteria is THE late night dining spot for the nightlife community, featuring downtown and nightlife personalities on the cover of its menus. The food is high quality (I have always been partial to the green eggs and ham) while the crowds come in for the mac ‘n cheese.   

Odds of being able to hook up after: 6-1 if your straight, even money (1-1) if you’re gay
Local Nightlife: Avenue, 1 Oak, Splash, The Gates

Hot Dog: Gray’s Papaya
There is nothing cheaper and there is nothing more delicious late at night than the recession special at Gray’s Papaya. Just to clarify, I am referring only to Gray’s Papaya, not Papaya King or any other variety. For $3.50 you get a drink and two dogs, along with a side of very interesting people. My preferred variety is mustard, extra kraut and if I am feeling very sexy, onions. The surprising thing is that Gray’s Papaya has never once made me feel overly full or sick – a little known fact that must be publicized for what I believe to be one of New York’s greatest foods.

Odds of being able to hook up after: Multiple Locations
Local Nightlife: Multiple Locations

Pasta: Umberto’s Clam Bar
Located in the heart of little Italy on the border of Nolita, Umberto’s is a place I recently ventured into coming from Southside and Goldbar at about 2:30 a.m. Now, I am not going to say I would ever recommend consuming spaghetti with clam sauce at that time, but if you are going to – which I did – this would be the place to do it. Umberto’s also has a decent red sauce, fresh bread and enough commercial Italian wine to keep the night going.  One thing: avoid the meatballs at all cost. I tried to cut into one and almost broke the fork; these things are meant to be bounced not eaten. It was quite possibly the worst meatball I have ever tried and I have an unusual affinity toward almost any ethnic ball of ground meat, Swedish included.

Odds of being able to hook up after: 15-1 (high garlic content)
Local Nightlife: Southside, Goldbar, La Esquina

Pizza: Pizza 33
The original of this pizza chain is located in the dreaded Murray Hill. Not to rub my bread and butter clientele the wrong way, but Murray Hill is where souls and creativity go to die on their way to suburbia.  That said, if you are on the way to die, why not have a slice of delicious pizza? Pizza 33 is actually go-out-of-your-way-and-risk-cultural-banishment-worthy pizza. I stick to the basic with its perfect sauce-to-cheese ratio and crispy crust. Conveniently they have recently opened on 14th St and 6th Ave.

Odds of being able to hook up after: In Murray Hill, it is an utmost certainty
Local Nightlife: The Hill, Tonic East, Joshua Tree, Bar 515

Sushi: Sushi Seki
Seki is quite possibly the best Sushi in New York, period, not just in terms of late-night dining. Sushi Seki is a nondescript sushi haven on 63rd and 1st. What it lacks in style with its neighborhood appearance, it more than makes up for in quality, freshness and creativity. On many nights, the small sushi bar is filled with hardcore sushi addicts and cluttered with reserve signs until 3 a.m. The eponymous Mr. Seki is behind the bar. For several years, he worked with one of the city’s most inventive sushi masters, Gari Masatoshi, at Sushi of Gari, and he has brought many of the sensei’s tricks with him. I believe he has surpassed the master on many of his special creations and recommend the following pieces: Tuna Tofu, Salmon Tomato Onion, Yellowtail Jalapeño, Red Snapper with Salad, Broiled White Fish, and the Spicy Scallop Hand Roll. Everything that comes over the bar is brilliant, so if you are brave, let the chef make you an omakase you won’t soon forget. Don’t be surprised if Jean Georges or a titan of industry, slide up next to you for their taste of late night bliss.

Odds of being able to hook up after: Guaranteed – just get her there and the Seki will take care of the rest
Local Nightlife: Not sure there is any

See you next week 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

Music is the soul of nightlife and hospitality, and the DJs of New York, past and present, are some of the most talented and hard working people in the business. Long gone are the days of lugging crates of records for $200 a night, DJs are now the Rockstars known by all. 

Manhattan has always been filled with star DJs like Larry Levan or Junior Vasquez, but the current movement or the style I am focusing on began with the transformation of Mark Ronson from socialite club DJ to superstar DJ and producer. Before his arrival into the non-house music world, you would have incredible talents, such as Ted the Dillinger, rocking parties for $300 - $500 a night. I remember hearing Ted on “Tuesday Baby Tuesday” at Life right around the time Biggie was breaking with the preppy white kids. This guy did not drop a bad song for three hours straight, and to this day, his set was one of the top five I have ever heard. The set was great not only because of the musical choice but the way it consistently built energy until the room was at a fever pitch.

The arrival of Ronson and the transformation to the current PR-driven nightlife model, championed by such publications as New York Magazine and eventually US Weekly, has made the DJ more important than just the music. Their names and personalities are an integral part of defining a venue, and with that, the prices to book them have skyrocketed.  But don’t be fooled, as much as the DJs on this list are trying to become mini-moguls, they are very much about the music.  
 
The list below is compiled of my favorite DJs in New York – not yours, not your girlfriend’s, not the industry’s – mine.  Without their music, a beautiful room filled with beautiful people would be as dull as a library. With their music, a not-so-beautiful room filled with not-so-beautiful people could become a Paradise Garage. Music can fully alter one’s mood and perspective. As seen through cinema, saving the world without a soundtrack is just not the same. I always thought that Apple should create an iPod commercial where a person lives his or her life while listening to the music on their iPod. As they flip through the moments of their life, their mood changes based on the song.  In the end, it would say iPod, “the soundtrack for your life.”  Well the DJs on this list are the soundtrack to mine; they have made so many nights more memorable and fabulous with their creativity. Little do you know, they were all just kids (shy and analytical ones usually) who loved music and practiced for thousands of hours before they got behind the wheels of steel and made the crowd move.

By the way, I haven’t mentioned this, but 2010 is the year of the good guy. All the guys (and the girl) on this list are good not only in the sense of DJing, but as people. What goes around the turntable, comes around the turntable.

Berrie
The first time I heard Berrie was less than five years ago. He was big in the prep school set and was DJing for Dave Marino, I believe.  From there he headed to Tenjune and from there to the moon.  Watching his ascendance from a niche-market DJ to one of the best out there was incredible. They say when success happens it happens quickly. Well it definitely did for him. Berrie deserves the success, as technically, he is one of the best DJs around. I am sure the success looked quick to all of us, but Berrie must have spent years honing his craft before bursting onto the scene.

Brooklyn Dawn
In the words of Jay Z, Brooklyn “goes hard.” All I can say about Brooklyn is that she is the most passionate DJ in the game, not the most passionate female DJ in the game, the most passionate DJ in the game.  She is an artist in the truest sense, holding firm to her musical vision, with a constant chip on her shoulder to prove herself as an equal or superior turntablist to her male counterparts. The only problem: her authentic downtown style and waifish good looks sometimes hold on to your attention, distracting you from the music. 

Her favorite club song now: "Ease Off The Liquor" by Timbaland
Her favorite non-club song now: "My Secret Lover" (Diplo Remix) by Diplo/Private
Who she would have DJ her birthday party: Questlove or Max Glazer
Her favorite DJ booth in Manhattan: Greenhouse
Where we can hear her weekly: Greenhouse, Above Allen, 1 Oak

Cassidy
He is definitely the reigning king of cool and an incredible DJ to match. Cassidy probably started out more heralded for his persona than his skills, but he cleared that up pretty quickly. No DJ in his genre of music, or out of it, can touch his outreach and respect in the world of music and celebrity. This guy has DJ’d for Oprah, Obama, Jay Z and so many more, but you will see him on special nights still holding it down in your favorite clubs; not to mention that he is supremely humble (I get a personal call every year from him verifying my address for his super fabulous birthday celebration). You think he can’t have someone else do that?  It’s called class and he epitomizes it.

Ian Boyd
Ian got into the game through his brother Josh and his partner Darren, the owners of Gallery Bar, Ella and the soon to be opened "Blind Barber." He spent his time jumping from manager, to bartender, to doorman, but found his true calling in the DJ booth.  Ian is a newcomer, still defining his game, but his skills are tight and he draws a crowd. Watch for this kid to continue to grow in the coming years and establish himself as a force within the New York nightlife scene.

His favorite club song now: “Memories” by David Guetta ft. Kid Cudi
His favorite non-club song now: “Walking On A Dream” by Empire Of The Sun
His favorite DJ booth in Manhattan: 1 Oak
Where we can hear him weekly: Thursdays @ Rivington Hotel, Fridays @ Ella, Sat @ Gallerybar

Jamie Biden
I met Jamie recently when I was staying at the Mondrian in Miami for New Year’s Eve. Jamie is humble, handsome and has a great sense of self.  He is a student of music who began by playing piano and spent the past decade exploring the world of rock. His initial band was known as Carte Blanche and more recently he had great success with Bloody Social. Now, rumor has it that he is working on new things outside of the DJ booth, but we are here to talk about DJing. As a DJ, his knowledge of music and taste is up there with any other on this list. Combined with the fact that he is Vice President Joe Biden’s nephew and that he is dating an incredible person, who also happens to be the beautiful model, Amy Bracco, Jamie Biden is a winning combination for the world of nightlife. This coming year will be a great one for him.  

Carlos Melange (aka DJ Los)
Formerly known as Los, Carlos Melange is a DJ who I had the pleasure of working with this summer at the Chelsea Hotel in Atlantic City.  A student of the craft, dedicated to learning and constantly evolving his style, Carlos is becoming a better DJ every day.  His female-friendly style and boyish good looks make him a constant favorite of the ladies whether spinning in Atlantic City, on the roof of the Gramercy Park Hotel, or on a weeknight at SL. Carlos understands people and that understanding allows him to play for a diverse group of revelers without ever missing a beat. 

His favorite club song now: “I Got A Feeling” (David Guetta remix), "Sexy Bitch" (DJ Chuckie remix) and “Memories” by Kid Cudi and David Guetta
His favorite non-club song now: “I'm Yours” (remix) by Jason Mraz ft. Lil Wayne and Jah Cure. It’s been out for a little while, but I just love the vibe and feeling of the song.
Who he would have DJ his birthday party: I’d have to say David Guetta. I love the vibe of his album and the music he's put out in the past year.
His favorite DJ booth in Manhattan: Simyone Lounge – two Technic 1200's and a Pioneer DJM-800 Mixer, really all you need. I like that the booth is ground level. You really feel like you’re a part of the party and get a great feel for the vibe of the place.
Where can we hear him weekly: Weekly residencies at Simyone Lounge and Tenjune. Monthly guest spots at Red Velvet and Butter.

Nick Cohen
I don’t know if he’s better known for his skills, the women he has been with or the sneakers he created, but either way if DJing were movies, this kid would be the Australian version of a young Johnny Depp.  Nick’s skills are great, but his music selection is better.  He is not afraid to play any song and has a knack for understanding what makes women dance.  Recent coverage in W Magazine and the following of a really interesting crowd makes Nick my choice for next to earn big dollars. Most importantly, whenever he is spinning, the party is fun. Good energy is hard to bottle and Nick has a lifetime’s supply.   

His favorite club song now: “Little Secrets” by Passion Pit
His favorite non-club song now: “I (Who Have Nothing)” by Shirley Bassey
Who he would have DJ his birthday party: Sam French
His favorite DJ booth in Manhattan: The one that I am in... I loved the booth at Bungalow 8
Where can we hear him weekly: Strictly private events, no weekly nightclub gigs

Price
I met Price when he was like 17, or looked like it, while he was DJing at my friend’s birthday party at Morgans Bar.  He did a great job at the party so I gave him my card. I think I received an email from him thanking me before I left and the next day he was in my office. This business-like approach to his career and an unmatched work ethic has paid off for Price. Recently signed by the late DJ AM’s Deckstarr for management and resident at the Chelsea Hotels C5 in Atlantic City, Price is right by me.

His favorite club song now: “Pon de Floor” by Major Lazer
His favorite non-club song now: “Mercy” by Duffy
Who he would have DJ his birthday party: DJ Jazzy Jeff
His favorite DJ booth in Manhattan: 1 Oak & Griffin
Where can we hear him weekly: Tuesdays @ Griffin, Saturdays @ GoldBar.

Ruckus
If Cassidy is the king this guy is definitely the prince. He’s got the looks (he’s a model), the connects (he’s related to Lenny Kravitz) and the skills (he is probably the most respected guy on this list from what I can gather). Once again, as is a theme on my list, the guy is a sweetheart. I have worked with him many times and I have never seen the guy get upset or lose his cool. He is at the top of his game and it is a pleasure to see him at work, whether he’s doing it for a crowd of 2,000 or 200.

Sam French
Sam is a descendant of the Nick Cohen school of DJing: play great music and look good doing it. He is young, but this kid’s got the swagger to make his mark.  You know when you meet someone – or in this case hear someone – and it just works?  Sam French works and he is already at a young age, an up and coming DJ talent and personality.  I am looking forward to seeing his evolution. I know from listening to him that he is playing tunes that are so of-the-moment, but not everyone has them in their sets. Being able to find those songs before the other guy will keep Sam French ahead of the curve and in our collective conscious for years to come.

His favorite club song now: “Nobody Lost, Nobody Found” by Cut Copy
His favorite non-club song now: “For Your Love” by The Yardbirds
Who he would have DJ his birthday party: Nick Cohen or DJ StoneRokk
His favorite DJ booth in Manhattan: The energy you get from the booth at Southside: Best. Feeling. Ever.

Skeet Skeet
Skeet Skeet is a real unique dude.  He is so much more than a DJ; he is like a modern cultural sampling.  I had the honor of spending a three hour car ride with him from Atlantic City, and though his knowledge of music is incredible, it’s his point-of-view as an individual that makes his music so intoxicating and more interesting than the other club DJs. Skeet embodies a moment, epitomizing downtown LA style combined with individualism and dedication to his beliefs. Not only can you see him DJ and hear his musical voice, you can follow his cultural outlook at eatskeet.com. 

His favorite club song now: “Mind Reader” by Kingdom
His favorite non-club song now: “Watching You” by Instra:Mental
Who he would have DJ his birthday party: Sammy Bananas
His favorite DJ booth in Manhattan: Wherever Trouble & Bass is throwing an event!
Where you can hear him weekly: No weeklies now, as I'm in the studio working on a few projects and travelling a lot, but http://eatskeet.com has the answers.

Vice
The first time I heard Vice spin I was taken aback and enthused by how hard he drove the crowd. A set by DJ Vice is like a musical energy drink that doesn’t stop for hours. His mix CDs are legendary; Breakfast Clubbin, was on my iPod for years.  I don’t know how he does it every night, but he has been rocking crowds across the country non-stop for the past five years. He’s also managed by Skam Artist’s Sujit Kundu, who is one of the best in the game with a stable of talent that is sure to be mentioned in upcoming articles.  With the unfortunate passing of DJ AM, in my mind DJ Vice will lead the next generation of the West Coast sound. Don’t be surprised if he is the next one to be seen on the MTV awards scratching behind musical royalty and paving the way for the next generation of spin.    

See you next week 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

Since the days of Caligula’s Roman orgies, the idea of entertainment, food and drink have come together to make for a much more satisfying experience. The first time I heard the term “vibe dining” was from Sam Hazen, former chef of vibe dining pioneer, Tao. He inevitably absorbed this term from Tao proprietors, Mark Packer and Rich Wolfe, who could easily lay claim to pioneering this concept (Packer ran vibe dining palace Canastel’s in the early eighties). With that said, there are plenty of others who could also lay claims to this term, including Jeffrey Chodorow (China Grill and Asia De Cuba) and Stephen Starr with his Philadelphia/New York Empire, Continental, still one of my favorite restaurants to this day. Last but not least, you can’t leave off the late, great Warner Leroy, who’s trendy venue, Maxwell’s Plum, was the inspiration and blueprint for so many of the afore mentioned restaurants. Drew Nieporent, proprietor of Nobu and Tribeca Grill, said it best when comparing New York with San Francisco: "The number one [difference] is that people go to restaurants in San Francisco for the food, not the mood." We are New Yorkers, we want it all or nothing at all.

THE “NOW” LIST:

Abe & Arthur's
In my mind, this place is the current king of scene-based dining. Eugene Remm and Mark Bernbaum have managed to put out an incredible product, in the right location, with a great energy and spectacular eye candy. I have received feedback from people of all ages and one thing is clear: the food is deliciously consistent with delicious and juicy meat (both on and off the plate). There are multiple bars, a club downstairs and different seating areas that can all be considered prime. How the restaurant evolves will be interesting to see, but as of now, it's firing on all cylinders.

BLT Prime
Laurent Tourandel is without a doubt a supremely talented chef. He and his partners have always been able to attract the right crowd, building a brand that has spawned an empire, spanning all the way from New York to Hong Kong and Puerto Rico. With that said, the cooking and ambiance at BLT Prime are a perfect marriage of classical excellence and modern interpretation. The soundtrack, the cougars, the popovers with chicken liver pate and the Dover sole, make this the consummate female-friendly (and therefore male-friendlier) steakhouse. 

Cipriani Downtown
Oh how the critics love to hate on the Cipriani’s, although the restaurant has been serving up consistently high quality and delicious Italian dishes for years. It’s curious how the critics forget that Italian is supposed to be made with high quality ingredients prepared well and simply. Why would I want Prosciutto reduced into caviar balls when I can have the beautiful and powerful flavor in a restaurant bursting with sex, money and consistency? Now that the boys have beaten tax evasion, let’s let Giuseppe and Arriggo get back to what they do best: providing the most consistently overpriced (yet mysteriously satisfying) Italian food in one of the most important social destinations of our age.  

Gemma
The opening of this restaurant was the unofficial stamp on the Bowery as a realistic, all-night destination. No longer is the Bowery just for those who remember CBGB and Patty Smith, but now it is the next focus for New York’s constant reinvention. Following this restaurant’s arrival, Daniel Boulud, Keith Mcknally, John Varavatos, the Crosby Street Hotel, Double Crown and so many more have followed suit. Gemma is this neighborhood’s anchor with consistently well-priced Italian fare, including a Branzino that could compare with any Trattoria or bistro in Manhattan. I was there about a month ago, and I could honestly say there were two girls for every gent at the bar, multiple celebrities were having dinner or drinks and the “no reservations” policy made it easily accessible. Gemma is great – now let’s just hope it has more staying power than its Westside sister, La Bottega.

La Esquina
Serge Becker should be awarded the downtown visionary of the decade prize for this one.  What could be cooler than walking through a take-out bar and through the kitchen?  Into an authentic Mexican Taqueria, reasonably priced, in what I feel is the quintessential New York neighborhood, with a bar based around Tequila, the ultimate party drink not to mention a recent artisanal favorite.  I asked a close friend about the food and he said, I know I always like it, but it is really just a complement to the vibe.  Does that make “La Esquina” the quintessential vibe dining restaurant? All I know is that it is jammed all week long and there seem to be plans to take this show on the road. Vegas? Miami?  

Lure Fishbar
Lure started out as one thing and I believe became another.  I remember when it opened thinking that it was a serious fish spot that had replaced Canteen.  But in year 2 and 3 it has become more approachable, the volume and selection musically has become much more palatable, and the sushi quite good.  There is always a nice scene in the restaurant and the design allows for a bunch of really great tables.  I would have to give this restaurant the award for most improved and impressive turn around over the past year or so, and give John Mcdonald and his team applause for putting together what is definitely the best restaurant in its category, though I am still trying to figure out what that category is.   I will go with quasi futuristic yacht style seafood restaurant with sushi.  Hey a Grammy is a Grammy, at least they’re the best at something.

Minetta Tavern
Mcnally’s of-the-moment spot is the quintessential balance between great restaurant and vibe dining. Among other things, the one thing that makes the man great at what he doesis balance. Many people tell me that balance is the key to life, and whether that's true or not, I can tell you it’s the key to his successful restaurants. Not one single thing about his restaurants makes them great, but rather it's the whole package. With the mix of people, the authenticity of the food and décor and the overall consistency, Minetta - along with his staples like Balthazar, Morandi and Pastis - will always be good. If you are looking for the crème de la crème, it can be found these days in Minetta - the ultimate celebration of café society. I cannot wait to see what this man does when his new pizza joint, Pulino's Bar & Pizzeria, comes to the Bowery.

Nobu 57
Nobu has gone from a game-changing restaurant, to a global empire, and back to a game-changing restaurant. The man defined a new cuisine and, in doing so, changed Japanese cooking globally. How many mediocre local sushi restaurants serve yellowtail jalapeño rolls? How many Asian mega-restaurants have miso black cod? At 57th St, the Nobu team has a restaurant that is jammed at all hours of the day in a location that is not necessarily a cool and chic destination. Now the restaurant is way expensive, but dollar for dollar the value is there, as are the celebrities and the inventive preparations of the freshest ingredients available. Tribeca may have been first, but its younger and larger midtown counterpart is where the action can be found in 2010. 

Spotted Pig
With some help from close friend and consigliore Mario Batali, a chef recommended by Jamie Oliver, and a cadre of high-profile music-business investors Jay Z, A&R executive Ken Friedman opened Spotted Pig, the original gastro-pub in the West Village.  The Deviled Eggs, the Burger, and especially the Gnudi with Brown Butter and Sage along with a constant and unique vibe make this reasonably priced spot a continual destination.  The location definitely does not hurt, as well as the minimal seats available.  The question will be can they replicate this success at spots like The Breslin, without negatively effecting the original.  It did not seem they could at their short lived Meatpacking spot John Dory, despite stellar reviews.  I for one hope they do as I only hear good things and have only had good times at their locations.  The bar is perfect for drinking and snacks also,  

Standard Grill
If New York is the center of the world, then the Standard Hotel is the epi-center of the world, at least for people looking to go out and party. The fault line in the Meatpacking District once ran from the Apple Store through Pastis – but no more. The world shifted on its axis and everything important in the area circled right around this restaurant. The Standard is an entertainment paradise starting with the Bier Garten and topped off by the moment’s hottest spot: the lounge formerly known as the Boom Boom Room. Could you imagine being a tourist and booking a room at the Standard? What could possibly be better? When was the last time you took a trip to another city and were greeted by a scene like that?  The chef at the Standard is Dan Silverman (formerly of the defunct Lever House restaurant, uptown), and he has cannily constructed his one-page “American Bistro” menu to suit a range of currently trendy tastes. Like the city’s great brasserie genius, Keith McNally, Silverman has a knack for making everything on his menu sound delicious, and most dishes live up to their reputation.

Waverly Inn
A few years in and the Waverly still a tough reservation and considered a destination. My last visit included an appearance by twin tennis stars, a music visionary and a notable fashion designer. Most important though is that Graydon Carter can’t be there every night, but Chef John Delucie often is.  His food has thought, the restaurant is not too big and even without blaring music, the room has an energy that feels current. Waverly represents a moment, and lucky for us, its moment has not faded. There’s still time for us all to have a taste.

See you next week 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

Welcome to Cocktail Hour. I, Alan Philips, will be your weekly host and I am honored that you have taken a moment out of your over-saturated and hectic lives to join me for what is sure to be an exciting journey. Though my opinion and how it is expressed gets me in trouble regularly, we will have some fun with this – my first foray into regularly sharing opinions with you, my new mates on this journey.

Being culturally obsessed and generally OCD, I am an avid reader of newspapers, blogs, magazines; a constant consumer of media and a regular contributor to the hospitality and lifestyle landscape in Manhattan. I see myself, and this column, as a filter for those of you without enough time or energy to keep up with what is going on in Manhattan and other gateway cities around the world.

From where I sit, I don’t think that many people tell me the information that I really want to know. So often I read reviews from 50-year-old writers, with no access, telling me that this place is too loud and trendy, or this chef’s flavors are bold and too overdone. I want it loud, sometimes even trendy, and the average person can’t even appreciate the taste of sushi without sauces like spicy mayo and citrus yuzu. I read descriptions of clubs, including those featured on this website, that tell me “this is the ‘hottest’ and ‘most exciting’ place in the city,” though any self-respecting New Yorker hasn’t shown their face there in years. As young professionals, we don’t have the time to sift through bullshit. My goal will be to give it to you straight.

I will not be telling you that “Abe & Arthurs has an okay porterhouse compared to Lugers” or criticizing the place for serving Mark’s mom’s meatballs. The real point is that the restaurant is giving people what they want: a stylish and energetic hybrid of Blue Water Grill and Stanton Social. The food is quality and consistent and the location could not be more ideal for an evening out. The décor, though not groundbreaking, is laid out extremely well and any night you go check it out there will be plenty of good looking people and lots of action. Additionally, there is a club downstairs with as good a scene as most in this city, so it’s one stop shopping: a trendy department store for food, drink and scene. A&A’s is a nightlife version of Target, for hipsters, models and Japs. Proenza had a line at Target and Sean Penn once got dinner here, too.

As we know, our generation may be the “foodie” generation, but eating foodie food and drinking a boutique Cabernet blend without some good music and some entertainment is just mediocre. To be a good restaurateur or impresario you must understand the inherent need to be a showman. You better know how to cook a steak and also sell the sizzle.

So, without further ado, welcome to Cocktail Hour, where more often than not one drink turns into ten and no one knows where and when the night will end.

- AP