7.27.2008

Celeb sighting

Spotted: Danielle Evans, winner of America's Next Top Model cycle 6, on the 1 train this afternoon. So gorg in person! Wearing a flowy tank top, leggings, and gladiator sandals. She was with who appeared to be her parents for a day on the town. They were all upbeat and seemed to be having a great time (she still has the trademark southern accent). She even rested her head on her dad's shoulder...adorable.

7.18.2008

This past weekend brought me to the East Village/Lower East Side for a string of birthday celebrations. (Isn’t it just wonderful to have a fall birthday and spend your summers bouncing from party to party where the birthday girl gets to look hot in her skimpy little birthday dress, while you practically have to wear a snowsuit when your own finally rolls around? Yah, I thought you felt my pain and jealousy…)

First stop:

Lunasa
East Village
126 First Avenue (b/w 7th Street and St Marks Place)
New York, NY 10009
212-228-8580
www.lunasabar.com

On my way to meet up with a friend at Lunasa, I’m already getting a text saying that prospects are low and we may switch locales soon. Translation: no cute guys. Surprising, considering I had heard Lunasa had quite the beer selection. This proves to be true…along with the fact that despite the no-frills atmosphere, there were indeed very few men worth pursuing. I’m lonely, single and on the prowl tonight, so this is not what I wanted to find. However, despite the lack of eligible gentlemen at Lunasa, I was able to enjoy myself while there. The music was good but not overpowering, allowing socialization with the group I was meeting up with at Lunasa (obvi not making any new, um, “friends”). They have an outdoor patio in the back which can be reserved for private events, and despite considering themselves an “Irish Pub”, the crowd is young and there’s no signs of spillage or bodily fluids on the floor…bonus! Anywhere in Manhattan that has a $7 glass of house champagne listed in chalk writing next to an extensive beer list is worthy of my seal of approval.
Rating: 3 stars


After making a long and unnecessary trek alllll the way to the LES (don’t mock me, I’m in heels) to another birthday party only to discover the line is long and unworthy of our time and energy, we stop for a hot second each at:

Libation
Lower East Side
137 Ludlow Street (b/w Stanton and Rivington Streets)
New York, NY 10002
212-529-2153
www.libationnyc.com

Tonight the line at Libation was long and we couldn’t bat our eyelashes to get out of the $10 covercharge ($20 for guys). Were we going in? Hells to the no! It’s my personal belief that nowhere in the LES should charge cover, but I digress. However, I have been to Libation in the past, so I shall report. Once you get in and navigate your way through the confusing labyrinth of hallways and staircases housing the coatcheck and bathroom, you’ll be faced with something totally new and different for the Lower East Side…a club *gasp*. I hate to admit it because this place takes itself way too seriously and is going to eat up any compliment I give them, but I actually had a great time! The DJ was playing a great mix of old and new danceable songs, accompanied by a live drummer adding his spin and giving the pop hits an interesting and unique intensity. We danced all night, stopping only to let potential suitors buy drinks (and there were a plenty…just not any worth talking to for more than the obligatory 5 minutes). Despite the B&T girls dancing on the couches and showcasing dance moves that only 10 cranberry vodkas can induce, Libation is a good time…if only it can get over itself.
Rating: 4 stars


Local 138
Lower East Side
138 Ludlow Street (b/w Stanton and Rivington Streets)
New York, NY 10002
212-477-0280

When I say we were in Local 138 for a “hot sec”, I’m not exaggerating. First impression: loud and lots of wood…and not in a good way. I personally am willing to stay for a beer, but my friends were so not feelin it. Despite the “manly” décor and pub atmosphere, the clientele seemed to be mostly sorority girls in too much eyeliner and too little dresses. Admittedly I was in Local 138 for no longer than 3 minutes, so I’m willing to be open minded and not completely write it off. But…I’m not exactly going to make a special trip to give it a second chance.
Rating: 2 stars


Pianos

Lower East Side
158 Ludlow Street (b/w Stanton and Rivington Streets)
New York, NY 10002
212-505-3733
www.pianosnyc.com

I’ve read many other reviews which have described Pianos as “trendy”, “spacious” and my personal favorite “a live music club that makes fashionistas feel at home.” Don’t believe these. This place is one step above a total mob scene. They feature live bands which thank goodness were between sets when we made our appearance. None the less, the music was way too loud to even have your drink order heard clearly. Most of the clientele were in need of a good shower…gross. When I saw one patron spit on the floor (and it was a nice juicy one too), I knew it was time to leave. But if hanging out with dirty, spitting, degenerates is your thing, then by all means…
Rating: 1 star


The Sixth Ward
Lower East Side
191 Orchard Street (b/w Houston and Stanton Streets)
New York, NY 10002
212-228-9888

www.sixthwardnyc.com

The Sixth Ward is a great standby for when all other bars in this highly dense area fail to please. Though admittedly there’s nothing standout about this place, it has a lot working in its favor: good beer selection, good music, a cute little outdoor patio in the back, pool table, dirty-sexy bartenders, and most importantly: an overwhelming guy to girl ratio. Score! You will never want for male attention at The Sixth Ward. You may have to fight off a few skeezers, but I’ve never walked out of this bar with less than 7 new digits in my phone from an eligible prospect. The crowd can be hit or miss, ranging from “OMG I can’t move or breathe or make it to the bar/bathroom” to “Where did all the hotties go?”, but none the less, The Sixth Ward has never disappointed.
Rating: 3.5 stars