Quote of the Day: "The Sweet Nectar Of Clubs Attracts Not Just Butterflies But Mosquitoes And Roaches As Well"

By Brittany Mendenhall

Steve Lewis is a genius. If you read this blog regularly you know I adore him, but this quote takes the cake. It's in his article about Wass' altercation at Avenue. DBTH says they never condone violence, but from working in nightlife I can say, sometimes you have to get a bit physical to protect yourself and your space.

The best part about the Page 6 article is these fun tidbits on Wass:

• Real Name: Mark Wasserman
• Stage Name: Wass Stevens
• What's on his resume: Besides doing the door at Marquee and acting in all sorts of movies and TV shows, Wass is an ex-boxer and a former Bronx assistant district attorney
  
• Bonus Fact: Wass was the voice of Max Tyler on Daria
  

I think I like him even more now!

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ChiChi631: Day And Night Is Now Serving Dinner In Southampton

By Brittany Mendenhall

If you could not get enough of Derek and Daniel Koch's brunch madness, they're bringing it to you for dinner as well. You can now literally spend all afternoon, evening and night at the Capri. Cheers to that!

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Featured Event: Carnivale of Ascension

Brittany Mendenhall

I haven't been this excited for an event since the Urban Daddy Holiday Party. The Carnivale of Ascension is a private masked dinner party your $50 ticket includes:

• gourmet three-course meal, provided by Anne Apparu from Chop Shop
  
• unlimited top-shelf cocktails courtesy of Makers Mark Bourbon, Sauza Hornitos Tequila, and Chang Beer
  
• surreal live performances by Darling Cait, Pearl Lin, Patrick Cleandenim, Topaz Chanteuse, Lady Circus, and The Red Bastard
  

The event will take place in an East Village loft and the location will be revealed upon RSVP. All guest must arrive in masks and the theme is a "surreal canrivale of life and death." Adam Aleksander has designed the ambiance and is going to completely transform this loft.

There are two days to catch this event: Tuesday July 14th and Wednesday July 15th (8pm-2am both nights). I recommend RSVPing for Tuesday, so when you're blown away you can invite more friends on Wednesday.

RSVP to RSVP@Designsbyadamaleksander.com
$50 per person: all-inclusive ticket
$65 per person all-inclusive ticket+ a custom made mask

View the invitation after the jump.

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ChiChi631: Annona Restaurant: The Best Italian Cuisine You'll Ever Have

By Ashleigh Jennifer Parker

As Caroline from the Real Housewives of New Jersey said, “Before I like you, I don’t like you.” As this tends to be my motto as well, it was an unexpected twist that the best Italian meal I’ve had on either side of the Atlantic can be found atop Manhattan Motorcars of the Hamptons.

Owned and run by the Rubio family for more than 30 years, MMH recently opened a brand new 16,000 square foot showroom to house their exclusive selection of luxury cars such as Rolls Royce, Bentley, Lamborghini, and Ferrari in Westhampton Beach. And Annona is the luxurious restaurant tucked away on the second floor, with an impact as tasteful as the cars for sale down below. Massive windows, a marble waterfall and sleek bar imported from Italy make Annona a unique evolution from typical Hamptons décor whilst maintaining a unpretentious atmosphere where even celebrities can dine unobserved in the middle of the room.

The inspired menu changes regularly and is governed by the products available at market, especially those from local merchants in Long Island. Annona even tends a large vegetable and herb garden outside the kitchen as a source of fresh produce.

Anyone who knows me will tell you that my preferred way to start any night is at the bar, and Annona does not disappoint with its cocktail selection. Our favorite ended up being Brittany’s first choice, the Fleur di Vie - Zygo peach infused vodka, St. Germain elderflower liquor and fresh squeezed grapefruit juice. As Brittany said “you can’t go wrong if it has St. Germain…” Furthermore, the wine list is worthy of the most discerning enthusiasts as we opted for Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon respectively.

Our exquisite dinner was complimented by the outstanding service, Antonio Bottero, Annona’s Service Director, was a fresh and handsome personality that made us feel as though we were dining among a staff who truly cared about our experience. For instance, Brittany mentioned to me that she would prefer to have used a spoon for her dish and within seconds, a spoon appeared. When has that ever happened in the city?

We were seated on a charming outdoor balcony and Brittany started with Spaghetti Vongole with littleneck clams, spring garlic, birdseye chile and parsley ($16/26) followed by Pan Roasted Striped Bass with caponata siciliana ($32). Antonio’s recommended special, the Corn Ravioli with Mascarpone Truffle Sauce ($18/28) was better than the pasta I had in Milan at a five star restaurant a month ago. My selection of Four Story Hill Farm’s Veal Chop with spring garlic, haricot vert, carrots and anchovy-porcini sauce ($42) followed and was worth every bite.

An entertaining addition to the menu is a distinctive automobile listed for sale among the dinner specials each evening - a reminder that you are, in fact, not under the Tuscan sun and yes, still technically dining above a car dealership in the Hamptons.

For dessert you cannot go wrong ordering the Mascarpone Cheesecake with maple glaze and crushed walnuts, as it has an indescribable weightlessness unlike anything I have tasted before. However, my favorite of the desserts would be the Annona-cellos - house made lemoncello, strawberrycello, raspberrycello, or peachcello.

Annona is available for catering, which I will hope to start seeing at Estate parties this summer. Otherwise, take advantage of Anonna’s prix fixe menus and happy hour discounts if your wallet isn’t prepared to spend like Tyra Banks, who was also dining at Annona that same evening.

Many thanks to Antonio Bottero and his staff for a rare and unforgettable evening. Please open in Manhattan for the winter! Brittany and I will definitely be returning before the end of summer, hopefully along with many of our readers.

* Editors note: * Annona is not open for lunch and is open 7 days from Memorial Day until Labor Day. In the off-season they are closed on Mondays.

Annona
112 Riverhead Road
Westhampton Beach, Long Island, New York
631-288-7766
www.annona.com

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ChiChi631: Southampton Inn Does Brunch The Old Fashioned Way

By Brittany Mendenhall

The Sunday brunch parties at the Southampton Inn at first glance may seem like your grandmother's brunch party. But as the hours go by and the twenty-somethings start to crawl out of bed, the brunch picks up speed and energy. DJ Derrick Reason was spinning St. Tropez/Ibizia style beats, and of course, threw a little Michael Jackson in there for good measure. There was also a surprise performance by Jeremiah Silva, the model/rapper you may have seen in NBC's Top of the Rock campaign.

Hosted by Sidi Belqaid and Liz Derringer, this party brings back the essence of brunch. You can go in a tank tops and shorts and just relax in the sun with good food, good drinks and good music. The Inn is very family and pet friendly and the crowd ranged from three to 70. The Southampton Inn has a pool, tennis courts, shuffleboard, and shopping tents featuring vendors from Southampton. This is nothing like the club brunch we have come to expect. No one is dancing on tables, there are no scantily clad bikini babes and I didn't see anyone falling down drunk.

Ashleigh Jennifer Parker and I had a chance to try a few of the items on the menu including shrimp dumplings and some phenomenal pesto pizza. Kudos to OSO Executive Chef Bryan Naylor. We spent the afternoon drinking champagne, sipping the honey from the honeysuckle in the backyard and mingling with the guests, including Richard Johnson of Page Six; I almost died!

The Hamptons and brunch are places to relax. Sometimes, as busy Manhattanites, we forget it's ok to breathe, sit in the sun and just talk. We may be busy, but there is always time to stop and taste the honey.

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ChiChi631: Pink Elephant And Axe Lounge At Dune: Celebrities, Fire Marshals And Sparklers Galore

By Brittany Mendenhall

Friday night around 1am we strolled through our backyard to Pink Elephant Southampton to check out the scene. We were told we couldn't come in because the fire marshals were clearing out the space. And they were not kidding. They cleared the place out so fast, at one point you would have thought it was only 10pm. Around 2am the party picked back up and was a great scene for the rest of the night.

The 4th of July weekend is one of the biggest money making weekends of the summer. It's unfortunate the fire marshals disrupted the flow of the party, and the cash, on Friday night. Hopefully Saturday was over the top and picked up the slack.

One place that did not need any help was Axe Lounge at Dune. I know I give the place a hard time but Saturday night was phenomenal. There were quite a few celebrities in tow and plenty of socialites (Devorah Rose had her Social Life Magazine after-party there). The DJ was on it, the place was packed and people were buying bottles like the recession didn't exist.

Axe Lounge may have just had a lucky weekend, but it seems like the venue has got its mojo back.

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ChiChi631: The Capri: Heaven If You Love Eye Candy, A Great Location And More Eye Candy

By Brittany Mendenhall

This weekend the ChiChi staff set up shop at the Capri in Southampton and it was a sight to see. Every person you've ever seen in Manhattan nightlife, shirtless by the pool, rubbing oil on themselves. It was lovely.

The rooms are a bit smaller than the ones at the Atlantic, but what you give up in size you definitely receive in location. Having Day & Night and Pink Elephant in your backyard is great. It saves you time on the road and no one in your group has to play DD. You also don't have to wait in line for the bathroom, you can just go back to your room. This is a HUGE perk.

If you ever need a place to stay, the Capri is where it's at.

ChiChi212 would like to thank Kerry and David of HRH Resorts for taking care of us. We really appreciate it!

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ChiChi631: 4th of July Weekend In The Hamptons Was Epic

By Brittany Mendenhall

4th of July weekend in the Hamptons was epic. Coming up today we have reviews on:

• The Capri Hotel
• Pink Elephant Southampton
• ChiChi212's return to Dune
• Social Life Magazine Party with Devorah Rose
• Annona Restaurant in Westhampton Beach
• Brunch at the Southampton Inn

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ChiChi631: 4th of July Brunch At Day & Night Beach Club

The ONLY place to be for brunch. See you there!

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

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ChiChi631: Pink Elephant Southampton Presents: The Outdoor Bar

By Brittany Mendenhall

Everyone is stoked about the news

This may be the best news we hear all summer. Pink Elephant Southampton now has an outdoor bar!

So instead of pushing through the crowd, or waiting an eternity while your waitress pushes through the crowd, you can order from the bar on the patio.

Kudos to the powers that be who made this happen!

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The Model Lounge Opens On Lafayette. Wait. What?

By Brittany Mendenhall

DBTH said they didn't have the energy to talk about this, but I would like to make a comment.

WHY ON EARTH WOULD YOU OPEN A LOUNGE THAT ONLY CATERS TO MODELS?

Pre-recession, models and comp'd bottles went hand-in-hand, and as a result, models have become accustomed to drinking for free. And they eat for free at image dinners, if they eat at all.

So by only letting models in, I don't know how they expect to make any money at all. A better question is, why isn't Cafeteria having this issue?

I find it HILARIOUS that you have to PROVE you're a model AND no friends, family, representation of models are allowed.

I'm going to have a Bloggers Lounge and Scott Solish, Rachelle Hruska, Micah Jesse, Steve Lewis, Christopher Koulouris, Mo, James Mulcahy and the NY Mag and Gawker kids can come and hang out.

Ha!

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Sunset Saturdays At Ava Lounge: TY KU Changes The Way I Feel About Mojitos

By Brittany Mendenhall
As promised, on Saturday I checked out Sunset Saturdays at Ava Lounge and tried the $8 TY KU Mojito; both were pretty damn impressive.

I don't know about you, but I wasn't even aware the Dream Hotel had a rooftop. The space is large enough to avoid overcrowding, but not too large that you'll lose your friends. There is also a private garden available for groups. This is definitely a more sophisticated brunch. If you have clients, family or friends in town and don't want bikini-clad girls spilling cranberry vodka drinks on them, this is the place to go.

The music is also at a decent volume and you can hold an actual conversation. There is also no dancing on tables or spraying of champagne. This brunch is what brunch used to before the promoter invasion. The vibe is great, but that wasn't the only reason I came. I came to try the TY KU Liqeure.

Now I don't like mojitos one bit. Partially because I don't like rum (sorry Bacardi) but mostly because I don't like things floating in my drink and I always get mint stuck in my straw, and end up coughing and sputtering when I swallow a huge piece by accident. I also don't like cucumbers. Traumatizing event from my youth.

So imagine my dismay when I ordered a TY KU cocktail and they brought me a mojito with TONS of mint and CUCUMBERS floating in it. I didn't want to drink it but I have a duty to you, loyal readers, and down it went. I am glad I tried it because it was crisp, clean and refreshing. And you could not taste the alcohol if you tried. So I still don't like mojitos/cucumbers, but I'll drink this version.

If you're in the city on the weekends and are looking for a great place to have cheap food, cheap drinks and feel a breeze in Manhattan, Sunset Saturdays at Ava Lounge is the place to go.

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Tanteo Tequila Takes Over Milk Studios With Art, Tequila And Swag

By Brittany Mendenhall

If Tanteo is not yet your tequila of choice, you are seriously behind the times my friend. I first had Tanteo at Elizabeth's Cinco de Mayo party. I only had one shot of it, but had PLENTY of the chocolate tequila infused gelato.

Ashleigh Jennifer Parker invited me to cover the fiesta the Tanteo crew was throwing over at Milk Studios to celebrate the work of Michael Pribich, Martha Clippinger, and Doraelia Ruiz. Their works of art were fabulous, but this wasn't the only trio in the spotlight. Tropical, chocolate and jalapeno (flavors of Tanteo in case you were wondering) were also causing quite a stir.

The bartenders were serving up the Tanteo Margarita Especial, Diablo Verde, Beseme and Fresalito. The Tanteo cocktails are delish and the best part is NONE OF THEM GIVE YOU A HANGOVER!

Oh you read that correctly. TEQUILA WITHOUT THE HANGOVER. I guess that's what happens when you make your product with agave and only agave. That alone should make you run out and buy a few bottles.

The best part of the event was the SWAG. Even though we're in a recession, Tanteo still delivered. Tanteo t-shirts, Tanteo flash drives and mini-bottles of each flavor were given to each guest in a canvas Tanteo tote bag.

The only downside was the absence of the aforementioned gelato, but I have heard it will make a return at future events. Until then, I will pour chocolate tequila into my gelato and hope that it tastes as good as their version.

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Do Not Be Alarmed By The Ninjas. They're Just Promoting TY KU

By Brittany Mendenhall

Remember when I told you about TY KU's 100 calorie liqeuer? Well they're branching out from Sunset Saturdays and coming to a park near you.

If you have plans on eating your lunch in one of Manhattan's parks below Times Square, you may be ambushed by a brigade of Ninjas. They are armed with TY KU swag and would love to invite you to the 100 calorie happy hour taking place at the Bryant Park Grill.

Here's their schedule:

• Madison Square Park from 2:00 - 2:30 pm
• Washington Square Park from 2:30 - 3:00 pm
• Union Square Park from 3:00 - 3:30 pm
• Bryant Park from 3:30 - 4:00 pm
  

Hug a ninja, get a t-shirt. Only in Manhattan.

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The Nightlife Stars Were Shining Bright At M2 Last Night

By Brittany Mendenhall

Last night was one of the best parties Manhattan has seen in quite a while. The Nightlife Preservation Community held their launch party at M2 and everyone who was anyone in nightlife came out to support and celebrate.

Host Chloë Sevigny (sporting a Save The Beatrice t-shirt) introduced the team behind the New York Nightlife Association, Rob Bookman and David Rabin and Steve Lewis (looking dashing in a tuxedo) manned the door. The DJ lineup included everyone from Q-Tip and Junior Vasquez to Funkmaster Flex and Louie Vega.

Some of the HUNDREDS of guests included: DJ Lindsay Luv, Guest of a Guest's Rachelle Hruska, celebrity blogger Micah Jesse, Jordan Harris and Matthew Isaacs of Bloc Group, Christina Balligner and Gerrard Gerrard of Webster Hall, most buzzed about promoter of 2009 Sally Shan, and every single owner, manager, bartender, cocktail waitress, photographer, and promoter who didn't have to work; and probably a few dozen that did.

Nightlife is such an important part of Manhattan and New York City and we must do everything we can to preserve it. This is definitely a step in the right direction.

*Tons of photos coming soon. This photo courtesy of MicahJesse.com

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The Most Important Event Of The Year: The Night Preservation Community Launch At M2

By Brittany Mendenhall

Now I am not a big fan of Crobar/Mansion/M2/anything else it has been called, but I will be there tonight for at least five hours.

Tonight is the Bartender's Ball and the launch of the Nightlife Preservation Community.

GET YOUR FREE E-TICKET HERE!

The NPC is under the umbrella of the NYNA (New York Nightlife Association) and their goal is to "combat challenges that not only affect the nightlife and restaurant industries, but the many individuals and businesses that rely on nightlife for significant income."

The following politicians have confirmed their attendance:

• Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer
• Council Member David Yassky (Brooklyn) Candidate for NYC Comptroller
• Council Member Eric Gioia (Queens) Candidate for Public Advocate
• Council Member Tony Avella (Queens) Candidate for Mayor
• Council Member Peter Vallone, Jr (Queens)
• Council Member Jessica Lappin (Manhattan)
• Council Member Jim Gennaro (Queens)
• Bob Zuckerman (Brooklyn) Candidate for City Council
• Karen Koslowitz (Queens) Candidate for City Council and former City Council Members

This event is for a great cause and if you check out the flier, the DJ lineup is SICK. Add open bar to that and this is the nightlife event of the YEAR!

If you love nightlife and nightlife blogs, come and support this cause. There will be no blogs to read if there are no clubs to party at/talk smack about!

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ChiChi631: Southampton Inn Presents Its First Ever Pool Party Brunch

By Brittany Mendenhall

If you're looking for a great brunch party to go to out East and you went to Day & Night yesterday, Southampton now has another great option: brunch at the Southampton Inn (91 Hill Street).

Hosted by DJ Derrick Reason, Sidi Belqaid and Liz Derringer, Ibizia style house and St. Tropez style music will be spun by Mr. Reason himself.

Today from 11:30am-4pm delicious tapas and exotic drinks will be available. Chef Bryan Naylor is serving up lamb carpaccio, fresh oysters and shrimp or lobster dim sum. Traditional Sunday egg dishes and hamburgers will also be served.

This brunch fiesta will be happening every Sunday until labor day. ChiChi631 will be checking it out 4th of July weekend.

For brunch seservations email Sidi Belqaid Sbelqaid@yahoo.com.

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Ava Lounge Brings You TY KU Liqeuer For Sunset Saturdays

By Brittany Mendenhall

If you're looking for a more casual brunch, Ava Lounge at the Dream Hotel has you covered. Sunset Saturdays are here with a weekly event that's low on cost and light on calories.

For just $2 you can have some standard BBQ fare (hot dogs/hamburgers/veggie burgers) and free frozen cocktails from 12-1pm.

And for those of you who love mojitos, don't forget to try the new TY KU 100 Mojito. All TY KU drinks are under 100 calories. So you can drink until dawn and still be able to fit into your bathing suit for Sunday brunch.

ChiChi212 gave them this weekend to work out the kinks that come with any launch. Next weekend we're going in. I believe there is a TY KU frozen margarita with my name on it.

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Zagat Loves The Eldridge And Above Allen Just As Much As ChiChi212

By Brittany Mendenhall

Zagat put out a pretty good article on nightlife since every bubble on earth burst, and two faves of ChiChi212 made it in: The Eldridge and Above Allen. My favorite part of the article is:

Hot Blocks: Voted NYC's hottest nightlife neighborhood, the Lower East Side had a banner year, with the most buzz-worthy newcomers. Exclusivity came downtown with the opening of Eldridge, and Thompson LES Hotel introduced Above Allen, a rooftop bar with a retractable roof and chic furniture.

Well I don't know about the chic furniture, but everything else in that statement is right on point.

Congratulations to Matt Levine and the team over at the LES Thompson!

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Gansevoort Hotel Rooftop Poolside Brunch Continues With Lance Bass In Tow

By Brittany Mendenhall

In case you didn't get the memo, after Leonardo DiCaprio checked out the Hotel Gansevoort rooftop poolside brunch, Lance Bass decided to follow suit. And drum roll please, Lance Bass is now a host of the party.

Break out your party pants, (insert bad *NSync joke here)

Rain or shine the brunch goes on. Check it out tomorrow if you're looking for something to do.

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