SceneTracker New York

This Metro North Train Goes South of the Border

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Let's face it, when you first heard, 'one fish, two fish, red fish blue fish'. You never thought it would turn to, 'one tequila, two tequila, three tequila, FLOOR!' Yet when you come to recently-opened La

Biblioteca, you combine the two to understand exactly what Dr. Suess was thinking when he wrote that book.

The name literally translates to, 'The Library' in spanish and it fills out the definition to the fullest, only instead of books, the sacred derivitive from the agave plant (tequila) is checked in and out. You can literally come here and check in your favorite bottle of tequila, say- 750mL of Avion silver (6 months free of charge). But don't just stop right there- there are over 400 different types of tequila. That's right, 400. Or maybe you can just go with what the librarian suggests, with a large guacamole and fresh tortilla chips.

At $5 you can't go wrong! But if you've got more of a sweet tooth, opt out for the churro; $3. Help from the librarian here is well needed, as they will aid in pairing a good shot of tequila, with that cinnamon sugary confection. The decor of the room is best described as everything you'd expect a lounge to have- antique persian rugs, leather couches, candles everywhere, and to keep the latin theme going, there are quite a few mexican chairs for a perfect dash of character.

The one point that is primarily highlighted is the fact that you can come here and lock up your bottle of tequila and keep it on reserve. Save it for that big promotion, or one of those nights that you're out studying late, the name does translate to 'library'.

Sexiest Fall Lounges 2011

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Remember that scene from 'Goodfellas', when Henry Hill (Ray Liotta), escorted Karen (Lorraine Bracco) past the line at the Copacabana, through the kitchen, somehow navigating his way to the main floor of the club. Then getting a fresh table setup for him right in front of the stage. Fellas, this doesn't mean you go through kitchens now...There are many other ways to impress that special someone.

'Party' -Beyonce f/ Andre 3000

Autumn is the perfect time to express yourself to someone. It's a time of year someone falls for another, whether literally or figuratively.

3. The Back Room- For the dimly lit lounge with velvet cushioned couches, a textbook exposed brick fireplace, and the classic undertones of the Lower East Side, head over to the Back Room, on Norfolk street. This place actually used to be a speakeasy when they were all the fad. When you get to 102 Norfolk street, the sign will read, 'Lower East Side Toy Company'. When you get past that gate, down some industrious stairs (watch your step), past a narrow alley with a flickering light, then up another set of stairs, you'll arrive to an old fashioned door, complete with peephole! Insert Copacabana reference. A couch right by the fireplace should suffice sometime during a Nor' Easter this coming Winter.

2. Pegu Club- If you're with your beau and have a more animalistic vibe, head over to the Pegu Club in SoHo. Three blocks south from Washington Square Pare, right on W. Houston and a few stairs up, you will find this tropical Asian-themed bar. The venue gets its name from a famed late nineteenth century British officers club. The windows are dressed with geometric wooden grills, so be sure to come a tad early to snag a key spot for people watching throughout the night. The mood is perfectly set with the touch of yellow lighting, and Asian paper light fixtures. Try the whiskey smash, whichwill top any and all mint juleps you've tasted in the past.

1. Tillman's- And last but not least, for the ultimate mood-setting venue, call your black town car and tell him to head to Tillman's. Upon coming here for the first time it looked like another security steel gate on the outside. But beyond the 250 pound doorman, a faint sliver of a red light illuminates the way to Tillman's. Inside walls are flooded with red light along with accents of mellow yellow and soft white, to complete the romantic vibe, there are candles also. There's even a fireplace with fine mosaic tiles placed all around it with a small loveseat. This, by far, is one of the best hotspots for you and your special lady because not only can you come here for a good cocktail, theres also small bites. Just enough to satisfy that little guy in your gut.

The Naked Apple: Lavo Celebrates Their 1 Year Anniversary

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 17:30:00 -0400

Lavo celebrated their 1 year anniversary last night with DJ Laidback Luke. I just want to thank Noah Tepperberg, Jason Strauss, and all the peeps at Lavo for making this year so much fun for so many people!!!! I have spent many priceless nights at this establishment. I've seen countless world famous DJs like Calvin Harris, Erick Morillo, Steve Aoki and so many more this year at Lavo -not to mention the private parties they hosted this year! Such as the NFL draft party, Victoria's Secret after party, and Heidi Klum's Halloween party --all of which I was lucky to go to. Thank you again to all the Lavo family, the amazing resident DJ Steve Powers for constantly setting the party mood, all the fun waitresses and hosting staff, that could arguably be the best looking in NYC. Here are a few of my pictures from the year at Lavo, ENJOY!

Twitter @thenakedapple

Janet Malcolm at The New Yorker Festival

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 13:02:00 -0400

Another year and the 2011 New Yorker Festival proved to be as successful as ever. With appearances by Zach Galafanakis, St. Vincent's Annie Clark and Junot Diaz, just to name a few, the festival had panels for every taste. One of the most awaited guests this year was journalist Janet Malcolm, author of Psychoanalysis: The Impossible Profession, In The Freud Archive and The Journalist and The Murderer. The discussion was led by Ian Frazier who's worked with Malcolm in The New Yorker and is best known for his contribution for "The Talk of the Town" and his best-selling book Travel in Siberia.

On stage Malcolm was calm and pensive. She is the daughter of a psychiatrist after all. She is also one of those brilliant minds that is able to evaluate and form an opinion about her surroundings the minute she walks into a room. Malcolm seemed that perceptive. Her answers were succinct and on-point, like you would expect someones answers to be when they've been interviewing for as long as Malcolm has.Frazier, who' admiration for Malcolm was undeniable, kept the discussion lively with his occasional jokes.

Malcolm argued that her view on journalism had become much more light-hearted. It seemed to be that her more cynical view on the profession had lessened through the years. That skepticism, portrayed by her famous quote -- "any journalist who is worth anything knows that what he does is morally indefensible" -- was put to test during the Q&A. Malcolm seemed to recognize that under certain circumstances the journalist is but a mere story teller with no moral or immoral agenda. She specifically alluded to reporters writing about the arts. Her change of opinion on this regard was almost almost heart warming, especially for all the young journalists who attended her panel. Yet, it's hard not to think that Malcolm's cynicism has some truth to it. As journalists don't we pry for information, sometimes intruding people's personal lives and then make the story public? Some stories must be told and we must take into consideration the "greater good", but to some degree I am going to have to agree on young Malcolm's point of view.

The Naked Apple: Kibo Opening with DJ Mick Boogie

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 12:40:00 -0400

Wednesday night I went to the opening party for Kibo Restaurant, the new B R Guest spot on 111 East 18th Street, in the old Japonais space. A lot of the usual nightclub suspects were there, the same people I see at 1Oak at 3am. Of course there was an open bar and lots of sake! DJ Mick Boogie was the star of the night. I genuinely love how he so smoothly blends old school Biggie with Oasis. He plays a lot of stuff you wouldn't hear anyone else spin and I love it. Rapper Mos Def and his fluffy beard were rocking out to his beats. The space itself is enormous, with the restaurant and separate bar downstairs with a spacious lounge upstairs. I didn't get a chance to try any of the food as I got there a little late, but I'm excited to try it next week. Famed chef Joel Robuchon was the consultant for this first ever Japanese restaurant for the B R Guest group. I had a fun night, surrounded by fun people. I think this new spot will do well, just like all of their other venues.

Bottoms Up: NYC's Latest Bar Openings

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 10:30:00 -0400

Fresh out of the oven, here are your four new openings for the beginning of Fall 2011. These warm, funky atmospheres will have you craving a slice of that NYC magic we all know and love. You know the feeling- the wonderment filling within as you take in a new spot, privy only to those who love all things nouveau. Go ahead, take a look:

The Tippler

Leading down a plain staircase, you wouldn’t expect much of The Tippler, hidden in the recesses of Chelsea Market. That is, not until you see the books, perfectly placed around flickering candlesticks. Then, you turn and as you notice the reclaimed wood from an old water tower, the train rails retrieved from the Highline, all shining against the Americana pendants, you realize that you are reliving a piece of New York history. With its definitive red brick arches and warm décor, The Tippler has primed the paramount atmosphere for any intimate situation, whether with friends or your hubby. This, fellow clandestine-seekers, is, by far, the newest old Chelsea night hit, since it hasn’t been open to the public since 1890. With thrill-drinks like the Screaming Greenie Lushie- Pernod absinthe with Finlandia vodka, lemon, and exploding (!) basil leaves and the Derek Smalls- Zubrowka bison grass vodka with cucumber, anise, grapefruit, and mint, you’ll feel compelled to return again and again. Oh, and did we mention they have small bites from all the shops buzzing above in Chelsea market?

Walden

Wandering around the North Side of Williamsburg, you can find dozens of hidden treasures among the plethora of speakeasies. But what if the ultimate gem of relaxation and good company is standing bright in the daylight? Welcome, Walden. With its ornate white tin ceiling, its orb chandeliers, and its green accents, this bar is an irresistible match for the Williamsburg winos. Its clean marble-top bar, café style tables and eclectic chalkboard menu, it gives Williamsburg the breath of fresh air, necessary for the fresh prepared food and wine aficionados. With options like braised pork shoulder with watermelon and poblano and chicken meatballs to pair with your carefully selected wine, your night is sure to be a dazzling experience.

Terroir

Oh Murray Hill, how we love your entrancing night hits; your warm elegance and splendor, especially through these chilly Fall days. And what could surmount the glamour of this Midtown marvel? The addition of the elite wine bar for everyone. A place where friends of all types and ages (above 21, of course) can meet and mingle over the specially selected glass of Riesling or Mead imported from the Viking descendants of Denmark. And grabbing a bite of delicious, crispy Yoshi fried chicken is always a must. Ascend into this haven of luxury, modeled after the old Murray Hill Mansions, and indulge in the lax atmosphere.

LAVO Celebrates 1 Year Anniversary Tonight

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 15:44:00 -0400

LAVO New York will ring in its 1 year birthday tonight! Featuring beats from Laidback Luke who is known for his thumping , high-energy sets that keep the party dancing all night. Laidback Luke has collaborated with Diplo, A-Trak, Swedish House Mafia, and David Guetta just to name a few. As a special gift in honor of LAVO'S birthday, you can download Laidback Luke’s remix of Anjulie "Brand New Bitch" for free!

Since opening a year ago, LAVO has hosted a continuous list of renowned DJs including, A-Trak, Anane, Avicii, Bart B More, Behrouz, Blake Jarrell, Calvin Harris, Cedric Gervais, Chris Lake, Chuckie, Dada Life, EC Twins, Erick Morillo, Holy Ghost!, Kaskade, LMFAO, Manufactured Superstars, Martin Solveig, Mitch LJ, Rony Seikaly, Steve Aoki, and many more. Tonight marks one year of hot DJs and some of the best parties in the city, so come out and join them for an unforgettable celebration!

Alicia Keys for Broadway

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 15:01:00 -0400

The singer famous for singing "there's nothing you can't do" is proving it herself.

Alicia Keys announced Tuesday that she's joined the creative team for Stick Fly, a new Broadway play starring Dulé Hill ("Psych," "The West Wing") and Mekhi Phifer ("E.R.," 8 Mile). Keys, who was already a producer on the project, can now add Broadway composing to her resume, which already includes her 30 million album sales, best-selling book, and philanthropic work to fight HIV/AIDS in Africa.

"As someone who walked up and down this boulevard as a young girl, I cannot describe the thrill of having the opportunity of composing songs for a Broadway show,” Keys said. The classically-trained pianist added that the play about sibling rivalries flaring during a family's Martha's Vineyard vacation, has "honestly been a dream come true. I love the humor and humanity of Stick Fly, and I'm so excited to be a part of the emotional journey this show will take audiences on.”

Stick Fly is playwright Lydia R. Diamond's first trip to Broadway. It will be directed by veteran Kenny Leon, and will begin performances at the Cort Theatre on November 18.

Culture Club Reopens With A Bang

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 14:40:00 -0400

Culture Club threw its grand reopening party last night, and they certainly did it right! With a Michael Jackson impersonator, non-stop '80s music, and themed drinks like "Vanilla Ice," "Bon Jovi," and "Smurfirita," attendees were cutting a rug like they were the stars of Footloose. The multi-level club featured Saturday Night Fever inspired floors, paintings of yester-year, and plenty of neon colors. With the help of partner Debbie Gibson, VnC Cocktails, and South Beach Smoke, the bash was one of the most colorful (literally and figuratively) so far this year. We even got a surprise live performance from Debbie Gibson of Shake Your Love and Only in my Dreams. Notables in attendance included Kourtney Kardashian, VnC ambassador Scott Disick, Nanette Lepore (who also designed the club's uniforms!), Project Runway’s Joshua McKinley, DJ Kiss, DJ M.O.S, and Mick Boogie.

This was one party where few people were standing still. Even Nanette Lepore busted out the running man (as did I when Ice Ice Baby came on). The crowd was mixed with entertainment/media types, and even a few finance men loosened their ties and took to the floor. We're looking forward to Culture Club's comeback. N.Y.C has everything you could possibly want in nightlife, but we must say, they're lacking in the 80s dance clubs ,and Culture Club fills that void in every way possible.

To top it off, we got an exclusive Q & A with Debbie Gibson on the club, her upcoming album, her new foundation, and what's to come! Read on...

DR: What kind of changes has Culture Club gone through?

Debbie Gibson: It's slicker without losing its accessibility. It remains the premiere ‘80s and ‘90s inspired dance club, but is keeping up with the times. It's bigger than the original, now with four floors of dancing and we’re taking locals and visitors alike back to the ‘80s with Saturday Night Fever inspired dance floors, oversized Rubik’s Cubes and some of my original tour memorabilia. It’s also located in a new midtown location that is way more central.

DR: Do you have any other projects in the works?

DG: Yes! A few that are top secret. And a new album coming out next year! I also stated a foundation recently called Gibson Girl Foundation which provides arts opportunities to kids in need. Gibsongirlfoundation.org

DR: What kind of parties can patrons expect at Culture Club? Will you have live cover bands and are there any on-going events?

DG: Culture Club features four different DJs – one on each floor – that will be spinning all our favorite songs from both decades and more! There will also be live performances on special Saturday nights. I look forward to helping brainstorm new ideas!

DR: Will it always be strictly '80s music or will some nights feature a different genre?

DG: There is one floor dedicated to the ‘90s one floor for more recent hits, but Culture Club is primarily about the ‘80s!

DR: Are you considering performing live at the club in the future? That would be great!

DG: Of course! I would never turn down a stage, microphone and '80s fans!!

DR: Thanks for taking time to do this, Debbie. We look forward to the opening!

DG: You too!

YRB Magazine Party Hosted by Nick Cannon

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 10:45:00 -0400

Tuesday night was the all-out celebration for YRB Magazine’s Fall cover with (you guessed it) 92.3 Now’s Nick Cannon. We ventured out to one of MePa’s premier locations, Kiss & Fly. After checking in with the press and passing legends like Peter and Corey Gunz, we danced to favorites like “I Just Wanna Love You” (Jay-Z, of course.) with a little Mariah Carey mixed in here and there. The crowd was elegant with a good mix of swagger and sophistication in the lighting and décor. The seating areas were gorgeous, imagine partying in some fairy tale land with a canopied gazebo with dragonflies playfully atop.

Like entering Princess Jasmine’s adult après minuit dance club, we all felt the playful, funky vibe as they played songs that took us back to the high school days. You remember- when dancing consisted of rocking your head to the beat and swaying like Elle Woods trying to catch her balance on this season’s Prada python pumps.

YRB Fall 2011 magazines (featuring Nick Cannon in all his ebony Adonis glory) were spread among all the tables, complimentary for all guests to bring home. Hors d’oeuvres like tomato and fresh mozzarella were served to guests and we waited and danced to “It’s Just Like Candy” by the diva herself, Mariah Carey.

Nick Cannon rolled in shortly after 10pm in a classic white button down with friends like Amanda Seales. The crowd ignited once he came to DJ some of the hippest beats NYC has to offer. He played some top 40 and then kicked it old style for all the thirty year old vixens, dancing in front of the glass booth. He was so natural and down to earth with everyone that any time I surveyed the crowd, people were mouthing the words, or excitedly taking another sip of their champagne or bite of the shot sized chocolate mousse. The master of entertainment, Nick Cannon hosted a glamorous night- hidden behind the walls of Kiss & Fly.