My Urban Sherpa

Passing The Velvet Rope

If you really want to be a part of the nightclub game, then it is time you get savvy. Figure out where to go and how to slip in with slightly more ease. Otherwise, you could wind up outside the club half the night. Remember, you have to dress the part before you can play it. Also try to steer away from tri-level mega clubs, which always take an hour to get in. Besides, once you are in you will most likely lose your friends, your wallet, your hearing and perhaps your dignity.

That being said, the distressing reality is even if you do max out your credit card to buy a new Hugo Boss suit for a big night out on the town, you are not going to get in. Puff Daddy over there got his suit custom designed by Marc Jacobs himself. If you have money in your pockets and you are willing to spend hundreds of dollars in Tenjune or Upstairs or Marquee, trust me, you are still not going to get in. That greasy looking fellow with 10 models on his arm is probably an heir to cotton balls or Vaseline and he’ll spend thousands. If you have an attractive girl with you and a bundle of cash to spend, you may get in but it will take at least a half hour. If you reserve a table in advance that includes two bottles at $300 a pop plus tax and tip for only four people (and two of them better be female), congratulations, you’re getting in. You’ve just passed the velvet rope!

The truth of the nightclub industry… it is a money sucking, ego damaging, cult-like phenomenon. And many well-educated, well-paid people are just dying to join. If you’ve had a bouncer who barely made it out of junior high tell you “no way,” or “get outta here,” or even plainly ignore your existence you are not alone. The New York City club circuit has become almost exclusively for the rich and famous. Oh, and of course some dangerously young females.

So before taking your next walk of shame to the “reject-bar” down the block from Bungalow 8, why not try out some popular lounges that are stiff at the door but passable, nonetheless.

I had a chat with Mark Osborne, owner of Kush on Chrystie Street (the newest locale for hard-to-get-into-places with spots like The Box and 205 lining the block); one of the lounges I enjoy frequenting and asked him how common folk can get in? “Kush is unique for its exotic, elegant architecture and cozy alcoves and hidden corners as opposed to many cold, boxy clubs,” he said. “While Kush is warm and welcoming. Door policy is not as welcoming so be either dressed formally or have a downtown chic/casual cool look, especially if you don’t have any women with you.”

Or you could try Le Souk. The East Village hot spot has been known for its multi-national music, dancing and tasty hookahs for years. They have a red rope as well but odds are you will not be snubbed. The main floor is cozy while the downstairs is spacious for dancing, so the more the merrier. There is one VIP bed that can be reserved ahead of time just in case you want to lie down while you go out.

If you simply can’t seem to get yourself out of last year’s Banana Republic chinos then my advice is forget the clubs. Stick to bars on the Upper East Side. Brother Jimmy’s has pitchers or beer and all the wings you could possibly desire. All you need to get in here is proof you are over 21. Another possibility for the style-starved is Lucky Cheng’s in the East Village. This way you can watch the drag queens. They have more than enough style for everyone.

You don’t need to create massive credit card debt just to be shunned up and down 27th Street a.k.a. “club row”. There is a place for every single one of you here in New York City.

Sarah Polonsky is a native New Yorker and journalist who has contributed to The New York Post, The National Enquirer, Life & Style and OK! Magazine. She happily shares her savoir faire and joie de vivre as an editor of My Urban Sherpa.

Ray Charles White at Senior & Shopmaker Gallery

Photographers, printmakers and other art lovers will be happy to stumble upon a beautiful show of Ray Charles White new works at the Senior & Shopmaker Gallery in Madison Square Park.To learn more about the collaboration between photographer Ray Charles White and printmaker Jean-Paul Russell of Durham Press - see the Durham Press blog. To see the show - go to 21 East 26th Street before March 29th, 2008.

ICON Conference 2008 in New York

The 5th biannual illustrations conference will be in New York over the July 4th week-end, 2008.  ICON’s website tells you about the agenda, the speakers, and the conference hotel, the Roosevelt.  I’d like to tell you about some additional resources that will make an illustrators’ time in New York fun, affordable, and action packed.

New York is an expensive city to live in and to visit; per night charges at upscale hotels start at $600, to which the city adds on three separate taxes.  Breakfast, even a simple continental breakfast, with a complimentary paper will  include a gratuity and a delivery fee.  Before lunch, you’ll surely have parted with $100.

The good news is  that there are short number of affordable hotels.   Start here with our recommendations. And July 4 week-end is going to be the optimal time for hotel deals, restaurant reservations, and theater tickets.

A long list of great inexpensive restaurants is listed annually by New York Magazine’s cheap eats issue.

Other promising bits that offset the tab – the best way to see New York: on foot – that is free. The best way to zip around town: the Metro – that is cheap, and the greatest NYC retreat: Central Park – also free.

We’ve got a long list of favorites coming from your colleagues – where to go,  eat, shop, what to do see, do, sketch… Check back with us.

Single in the City

Are you sick of all the hooplah surrounding Valentine’s Day? Are you a fabulous party of one? I already told you how to get lovey and dovey on February 14, but then I remembered there are a plethora of folks in Manhattan that shun the national Hallmark Holiday. Thus, I bring you a variety of NYC activities for the people who are happy (or even those who aren’t so happy) to say they are single this Valentine’s Day.

Town Tavern

134 West 3rd Street bet 6th Avenue and MacDougal Street (212) 253-6955

Join in on the festivities at Town Tavern’s Cupid Is Stupid Party. There will be tarot card readings, snacks, special cocktails and a Cupid-shaped piñata in case you are feeling extra aggressive this Valentine’s day, you can really work it out.

Sugar Sweet Sunshine

126 Rivington Street bet Essex Street and Norfolk Street (212) 995-9960

Grab your friends and head downtown to feed on custom cupcakes, alongside a whole bounty of other baked delights. Any woes you had about being dateless will disappear as you sink your teeth into these yummy masterpieces. There are little café tables to relax and enjoy all the sugar your heart could possibly desire.

Max Brenner

Multiple locations- See Website.

While we’re on the topic of indulging the sweet tooth, I’d like to steer your attention to the grand daddy of chocolate, Mr. Max Brenner. They say chocolate can substitute for a lover so why not let Max be your date? Chocolate pipes run across the ceiling, the cocoa is brewed to perfection and the selection of truffles, sundaes and fudge will satisfy any craving.

Love Actually: Short Films about Love, Sex and Romance

Millennium, 66 East 4th bet 2nd Avenue and Bowery

After party: White Rabbit, 145 East Houston at Eldrigde

Lazy Limabean Film Magazine and SCENEPR bring you a lineup of films about love, relationships and sex from some of NYC’s up and coming filmmakers. Following the showcase you can head to the after-party just steps from the theater at White Rabbit where specialty drinks and appetizers will be served.

Hiro Ballroom

371 West 16 Street at Ninth Avenue (212) 242-4300

Go dance it out to the infamous electronic music of Moby. With his new album about to be recorded this will be one of your last chances to see him perform for a while before he gets busy in the studio. Brazil’s Mixhell and Danny LeNimh (from The Ruff Club a weekly rave party at the Annex) are also on the roster for this event. Thus, it will be a special brain thumping, body jolting night. At the very least, I can promise you Valentine’s Day will be the furthest thought from your mind. Did I mention tickets are only $5 in advance?

The Cutting Room

19 West 24 Street bet Broadway and Sixth Avenue (212) 691-1900

Now here’s an evening for the books. It all begins with Le Scandal’s old-time Burlesque gig followed by sword swallowing, showgirls and a contortionist. Look out for fun giveaways such as tickets to the Museum of Sex. And if you’re hungry there is an optional prix fixe meal accompanied by a live performance from the NYC Blue Devils Band. Food, music and burlesque all rolled into one.

Galapagos Art Space

70 North 6th Street bet Wythe and Kent Avenues (718) 782-5188

A national organization dedicated to ending violence against women and girls brings you Eve Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues.” This one-night only special showing of the world-famous play comes to Williamsburg especially for Valentine’s Day. And don’t think it’s just for the ladies. Any person can benefit from a viewing of this socially important production.

Arlene’s Grocery

95 Stanton Street bet Ludlow and Orchard Streets (212) 358-1633

The notable rock music venue is giving you a chance to get up and give your own performance with an all-night karaoke blow out. Is there anything more fun than sucking back some drinks and singing classic rock onstage with your friends? Ummmm, it’s doubtful.

Casa La Femme

1076 First Avenue at 59 Street (212) 505-0005

Dine on Middle Eastern/Mediterranean fare and sip on exotic cocktails in plush private tents that will keep you separate from the couples committing unsightly public displays of affection. Bejeweled belly dancers will also help keep your focus, or lose it.

The Museum of Sex

Okay okay, so you won’t be getting any. So go learn about it! The museum will be extending it’s hours this Valentine’s Day from 11am to 9pm. This will be your last chance to catch their latest exhibit, Kink: Geography of the Erotic Imagination. Who knows? You may meet a potential date for next year while perusing the gift shop.

Sarah Polonsky is a native New Yorker and journalist who has contributed to The New York Post, The National Enquirer, Life & Style and OK! Magazine. She happily shares her savoir faire and joie de vivre as an editor of My Urban Sherpa.

In Celebration of the Chinese New Year…

Happy New Year!

In celebration of the Chinese Lunar Year, which begins today, Thursday, February 7, 2008, the Empire State Building will light up in yellow and red at dusk.

2008, like 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984 and 1996 is the year of the Rat.
Here is what we found about the year of the rat on http://www.chinatown-online.com/year/year.shtml
Rat: You are imaginative, charming, and truly generous to the person you love. However, you have a tendency to be quick-tempered and overly critical. You are also inclined to be somewhat of an opportunist. Born under this sign, you should be happy in sales or as a writer, critic, or publicist.
Hopefully this is some consolation for people one, 11, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72…
In celebration of the Lunar New Year – you may want to buy yourself something luxurious from Shanghai Tang, something fun and practical from Pearl River Mart, and eat a delicious feast at Shun Lee or Chinatown Brasserie.
A number of Chinese restaurants are offering special banquet meals, as listed on zagats.com

And the colorful Chinatown Chinese New Year Parade: Lion and Dragon Performance will take place on Sunday February 10, 2008 at 1 p.m. at Mott Street and Hester Street.

Bowl of Soup.

It should be crisp and clear but this English weather that has one eager for a scotch at day’s end.  And in between – that warm scotch and a warm home – a bowl of soup.

When I was little, and I fell ill, my grandmother would come running from Queens with her homemade chicken soup. I’ve never had one better – and I don’t have any at all now because even though I do think there is something restorative about that Jewish chicken soup, I’m not willing to sacrifice a chicken to make it.  But I am looking for a well-made, home-made, bowl of soup.

And here is where I recommend finding yours:

Katz Delicatessen for traditional Jewish soups
205 E Houston Street at Ludlow

Morimoto for miso andnoodle soups
88 10th Avenue, 15th & 16th Streets

KAI for miso soup and excellent sushi
822 Madison Ave,  68th  & 69th  Streets

Centolire for seasonal vegetarian soups.
1167 Madison Avenue at 85th Street

Where to vote in New York City

Here is the link to the NYC Board of Elections Poll site locator.

http://gis.nyc.gov/vote/ps/index.htm