(top across: bret and i, big shot of patron for me, christina, chris, and matt. second row: birk and i, me, mojito and sophie, sophie, and i and sophie and matt)
Cup of Patron.
Saturday was my birthday. However the celebration started the Sunday before. I'm always ambivalent about my birthday celebrations and always have been. My thirteenth birthday party was a who's who of the popular middle school kids. I wasn't necessarily a "popular" kid; I was just the kid that dressed in Salvation Army clothes (tom boy) that the popular girls gravitated to- mostly because the majority of my close friends were the hot soccer boys of the school (again, as I was a tom boy- I was non threatening to them). On that 13th birthday I had to make sure all the right snack foods were available, that I had the right Esprit dress on, and that there was going to be enough games for everyone to play. I was a stressed out 12, about to be 13 year old. The pressure to entertain, and be entertaining, in a dress was almost insurmountable!
While everyone had a great time, I was a little miserable. I feel like I had to make sure everyone was having a smashing good time and I felt fake saying, "Omigod! I like, love it! Thank you!"
Not much has change in the many, (ehem) many years since that time, except that I now I love dresses and make up (late bloomer). But the pressure to entertain a flock of diverse friends with various interests is a little much when you're just trying to get your drink and dance on.
Lucky for me the majority of my friends are laid back, lovely, and also love getting their drink and dance on.
Friday night, a few of my friends and I meet at the Ivory Coast French restaurant "Les Enfant Terribles" on Canal and Ludlow for a pre dinner drink. After a round (or two) we cabbed it over to Soho- Elizabeth Street near Prince. I picked "Lovely Day" restaurant for my dinner celebration because the food is fantastic (and, well, because I saw a beautiful waiter there the other night that I wanted to stare at again. He looks Italian, but his accent was Australian? New Zealand? I don't know...but yummy!). The restaurant is also cozy, warm, and lives up to its name. New Yorker's take dinner anytime from 8pm to midnight, so the restaurant was packed. We put our names down, "40 minutes" we were told, and so we strolled over to "Barmarche" for another drink down on Spring Street.
"Barmarche" is chic without feeling pretentious or intimidating. My companions for the evening, Matt, Christina, Sophie, Chris, and I pulled up to the bar, and sorted through the cocktail list. The bartender was friendly and was entertained by our lewd conversation:
Maya + Sophie + Matt + Christina + Chris + copious amount of alcohol = conversation involving genitals, making out in bathrooms, cabs, and other lascivious items.
The bartender overheard it was my birthday and asked if he could make me a drink on the house. I'm not the kind of gal that turns down a free drink; I will admit I was a little wary, because it was only 10:15pm and I knew the free drinks were going to keep coming, but, I didn't want to be rude...so I gladly accepted his offer.
It was a delicious Lemon Ginger Vodka drink with crushed ice. Oh so good! Matt returned from checking on our table and we headed back to Lovely Day.
A moment after I sat down, Bret McKenzie from "Flight of the Conchords" walked into Lovely Day...it's like he knew it was my birthday! (ha!) Thank god my outfit was bangin' because there is nothing worse the running into your future ex-husband in a bad outfit.
Why was this fortuitist meeting such a big deal you ask? Well, in the first two minutes of meeting me you will know two things: I'm loud, and I like the funny. I have a special place in my heart from comedians- they seem to be the kids that got out of a beat down in Jr. High by their cunning wit. I heart that. When Bret walked into the restaurant, my heart fell into my shoe. I know, this shouldn't happen to a person like me- I work in the entertainment business, one of the artists I represent has won three Oscars and two Golden Globes, and has a billion noms in both categories, but it doesn't mean I don't still get star struck! (You should have seen the look on my face when I met Mark "Luke Skywalker" Hamil, another story for another time).
After being told by my friend Alyssa that "I will never talk nor have any respect for you again, if you don't talk to Bret" and some prompting from my dinner companions- I looked at my cousin Sophie for help (she's fearless) she went over to him with her beautiful French accent and her beautiful French self and asked, "It's my cousins birthday, can she please take a picture with you?" Bret happily accepted (I mean, really, who is going to say "No" to Sophie!). I took the picture, thanked him for his understanding (oh god I was embarrassed. Seriously I never do that).
Dinner was brilliant (Seared tuna over mixed greens...holla!), then we headed to Stanton Public, only for me to receive the largest shot of patron I have ever seen. It wasn't really a shot as much at it was a cup of Patron. After a fearful about of Tequila, "I'm not a 21 year old frat boy," I said to Felicia who laughed and poured me another shot.
We headed over to 205. Leo the doorman is the sweetest (but could put a hurtin' on you) doorman. We walked in to a sensational crowd and an enthusiastic DJ. We ran into some old friends, made some new ones, and I ran back over to Stanton Public to avoid the jager shots that were about to be ordered for me (seriously people Maya Contreras does not like hangovers! -I am done talking about myself in third person).
Thank you all- who made it a top-drawer birthday party! (and um, Bret, don't be afraid to use the cell phone number on my business card)
New York is a land of Peter Pan. It is a city where you literally don't have to grow up (even with a 9 to 5 job).
Chris, Amanda, and I strolled down Mulberry Street in Little Italy last night at 3am. We were walking back to the Chinatown loft when Chris and I suggested Amanda stay over so she didn't have to cab it back to Williamsburg. We had just come from 205 on Chrystie St. As we walked through empty Little Italy, it's long streets lined with garbage bags, and armed only with bottles of Smart Water (trying to avoid a hangover for the day job) we recounted the events of the night and of our weekend.
Friday= Early evening drinks at the loft with my cousin Sophie follow by a quick jump into The Stanton Public where we met a group of Australian men, that did say "No Worries" and "G'day" to us as well as a group of boys from the Bay Area who just moved here (one of which was Curry HOT, I mean DANG, they sure do grow them mighty fine out in San Francisco!). Then we headed to 205 where we met up with the lovely Amanda and Jen then proceeded to get corned by two German professors who proceeded to talk our ears off about Marketing and Sales- that is not club talk people (Nein Danke).
Saturday=Iced Coffee, walking down the West Side Highway with Chris to the Christopher Piers where we laid out and overheard fantastic conversations by the beautiful and plentiful gay men.
Excerpt 1: (beautiful blond gay boy in Prada sunglasses and light blue speedo) (loudly on cell phone) "I'm going to come out on stage in booty shorts, fully made up. I just need you to carry me out on stage. Will you do it? You will! Yay!"
Except 2: (beautiful Italian man with tight small light brown swim shorts) "I don't want a cake for my birthday, just put a candle in my bottle of vodka. Then I want every one to come from my foyer to my rooftop garden, where we will pop my case of Cliquot and celebrate ME under the stars..."
I told Chris I wanted to be that guys' friend.
Sunday= Quick drink at the Johnson's with Felicia and Pedro, turned into long drinks, dance and improvised b-day party for me at 151, and then at the Stanton, where (lucky me) Curry Hot Bay Boy was there to chat up (Happy Birthday to me!).
Most of our nights lately have started with this sentence "I'm not going to go out tonight. It's _______day, and the is no reason to go out on a _______day."
Most of our mornings lately have started with this sentence, "Seriously, tonight I'm NOT going out, and I am defiantly NOT drinking tonight, seriously." And "Can you pass me that aspirin?"
Last night I meant it. "I am not going out tonight."
I went to the gym, got a smoothie, I felt I was the vision of health. "Hey, I might even go to bed at 10 o'clock" I thought to myself. A moment later I decided to text a few in my crew (you know just to see how they were doing). That's when Amanda asked to meet for dinner at Kate's Joint. After catching up (she had been in South Africa for two months) and after a few whisky gingers we decide to have one more drink at the Stanton Public. The moment we sat down, I got a few texts, "Heading to 205- where you at?" Koury said. I told him I was next door to 205. It was Kismet- so I had to go there.
Walking in, the room was sprinkled with local favorites- DJ Language, Beans, Dom was spinning, and I was in awe of how many folks come out on Tuesday night.
A shot of Jägermeister with Koury and Amanda and a complimentary bottle of Greygoose later (there was six people drinking off it...I'm a light weight) we hit the dance floor.
At 3am Chris, Amanda, and I cut out. Chris and I knew we have to be up in 5 hours, but there were no worries on our end. We like the silence outside of the nightclub; the perfect temperature of the night, and walking though Chinatown and little Italy at 3am makes you feel like you are in Neverneverland.
(danny's pop, me, and danny) (perez and I) (alison and chris)
Thursday
Can you possible fit five different activities at five different locations in five hours in New York? I don't know, but I was certainly going to try.
On the agenda for the evening: An after work networking event at Mantra hosted by Vlad at 6:00pm, the PM Buzz launch party hosted by Perez Hilton at 9:00pm in Midtown, My friend Jen's band "Saturday Night Social" was playing in the Village at 10pm, and two late night parties happening on the Lower East Side, one of which was sarted at 11pm at "Home Sweet Home" on Chrystie Street.
Going to an event straight after work can be a little bit tricky. You have to count on the fact that your hair is not going to be bangin', and that your skin will look blotchy because of the canned office air. None the less- sweating those small details, bring your change of outfit, hair product, wash your face, and re-apply your make-up.
Some of my ladies from the office where going to join me for the first two events. I love these women because they are hilarious, crazy, but the type of women a guy wants to take home to mom; and with that- we cab it over to 2nd Ave and 53rd to go to Mantra.
Mantra hosts a weekly Thursday night after work event. Free Absolute vodka from 6-7pm. The girls and I got there at 6:05pm. We are not ones to slip on an open bar event.
This event was office chic; and by that I mean all the men where in ties, jackets and French cuffs, and all the women had on pearls, their demi-heels, and Coach purses.
The girls and I walked in and immediately ordered a round of greyhounds. We walked through the crowded viewing what men Manta had to offer. We walk upstairs to the balcony. The DJ was spinning some great tunes, and it was wall to wall packed. Business men are not my bag, (I go for the artist type, aka poor guys) but my girls were pleasantly pleased with the business crowd selection.
I find that most business men are little socially inept until they've about 4-5 drinks in them; and I find their pick up lines get worse with the drinking.
The mini bar by the balcony ran out of tonic water. I volunteer to go to the big bar to get more tonic water. As I do the guy beside me said, "Don't drink all that tonic water and drive" with a smile.
"What?" I said a little annoyed.
As he tried to explain his non-funny joke I let him off the hook.
"Oh, I get it, because tonic water doesn't have alcohol, oh ha ha ha." I said back.
"Sorry, I'm no good at talking to women." He said coyly.
"Most men aren't, it's ok." I said back with a smile.
I introduced him to my friendsto make him feel better. His group of pals came to join.
Men began to swarm to my girls like bees to honey. Next thing I know, the bartender was lining up complimentary shots for us. Then the bartender wanted to kiss Alison, Linsay had a man chatting her up so much I though he was about to propose, and Anna was surrounded by three men. I of course attracted a stage five clinger who was fascinated by my tattoos (um, get over dude, everyone has tattoos) and was asking me when I was going to take him to dinner (he thought he was being cute). We managed to hang in there until 8:45 when I told them we needed to hustle it over to the PM buzz party.
My girls and I walk down 56th with a buzz and our laughter was at sonic boom levels. We were blowing kisses at men (who smiled) and we met the adorable Chris on the corner of Lex and 56th. The line to The Grand was growing a neck break pace.
Chris and I never wait in line. "Can't you do anything about this Maya?" Chris said, after waiting a whole 20 seconds in line. "I'll text Danny."
Danny is of course the President of PM Buzz. Within seconds of texting Danny I had a reply. He was in the limo with Perez Hilton and told me to ask for Andrew at the Door. Andrew remembered me from the last Pm Buzz party and with a kiss and hug from Andrew we were all in the party within 60 seconds of Danny's text (thanks Danny).
The champagne and air kisses flowed and I had two different guys come up to me and say "You're Maya the Blogger right? I dig your blog." (Aw shucks, thanks for the kind words.) The guests felt famous as everyone was photographed by the throng of photographers.
After saying a quick hello to the host (and his sweet poppa!) and a quick photo op with Perez, the girls and I headed out. Two of my ladies live in New Jersey (which always limits our time together: 11:15pm bus curfews, absurd). Anna and I where in need of food (and the generous amount of vodka and champagne was making us buzzed and giddy). We looked for pizza, but only found one restaurant opened at 11pm: TGIF.
I haven't been to a TGIF since my freshman year in college, and it feels like blasphemy to go to one in New York City. However we were near Times Square, drunk, hungry, and what else was open? Olive Garden? McDonalds? When in corporate restaurant chain land, go with the flow. We ordered nachos and we're flirted with by 18 year old bus boys. Anna and I laughed and we inhaled our nachos.
I was getting texted by Jen about her show in the Village. "Sh*t." I thought. I'm not going to make it. I called my company's car service to take us to our next destination. Both Anna and I were surprised to see my last name written on the sign on the car door- of a Bentley. "Dang!" I said, "Since when do they sent Bentley?" It drove us down to Max Fish on the L.E.S.
As the car pulled up to the curb of Max Fish, the crowd of people outside stared at us as we exited the car.
One guy asked me as I reached the door of the bar, "Who are you?"
I smiled and said "I'm Maya."
What a hilarious question to ask someone, famous or not.
Inside some of my girlfriends from Atlanta where there. They were heading to the next party at "Home Sweet Home."
I told them I was going to call it a night at Max Fish. So maybe you can't do five different events at five different locations in five hours, but in New York, it's sure fabulous to try.
Today started with a seventy block walk to the office and ended with free mini crab cakes and champagne at Katra.
The subway system was down today. .That's right, all of New York was brought to it's knees...by rain. My roommate Chris and I thought our biggest worry at 8am this morning was going to be hurdling puddles.
We walked to our usually subway stop. "No trains!" Was yelled by everyone as we attempted to walk down the stairs.
"Let's walk to the A, C, E" Chris said. "Sounds like a plan" I answered back.
We got to the A, C, E. "No trains are running darling." The smoking MTA worker said to me.
The buses were filled, the cabs were at capacity.
"Let's just walk to work" Chris said to me.
In an ordinary town, this would seem like a simple statement; but considering the fact that Chris works at the New York Times on 42nd and I work at an Artists Management Company on 57th and it was 94 degrees out, this was going to be a daunting task.
Chris and I decided to make the best of it. We loaded up on ice coffee, and iced water and started to make the trek from Canal Street and 6th Ave.
Honesty, it's a beautiful walk (again if it wasn't 100% humidity and 94 degrees out). We made our way through Chinatown, quickly though Soho, slowly through the West Village, and then Chelesa. I gave Chris a hug in midtown by the Port Authority and the Times Building. Finally, I made my way up through midtown towards Central Park and to my office.
Drenched in sweat, I couldn't have even imaged going out later that night...but I am of course easily convinced.
Chris and I got home at the same time. "You know what I could use?" Chris said as we entered the door of our loft. "A drink?" I said.
"You're a mind reader Maya."
I told him that I had already RSVP'd + 1 for a party up the street on Bowery. Katra had an open vodka and champagne bar from 9-10 and we were there with bells on. Katra is unexpectedly a cozy little lounge on Bowery. It had a Middle Eastern vibe, banquets overflow with silk pillows, and the tables are lined with candles.
Our first round of vodka tonics was complimented by crab cake, shrimp, flat bread & hummus appetizers. Chris and I had intended to go to dinner after Katra, but the appitizers were so plentiful, we only had dessert on our mind. We made our way back to Chinatown though Little Italy- all the while talking about boys, work, and our want to be more creative.
I jumped into my favorite pastry store on Mulberry Street for a mini cannoli. Satisfied, satiated, and sleepy, I called it an early night in NYC.
(from the top clock wise: sean & felicia, me, felicia and christina, and brent)
It's easy to make the day pass into the night down on Rivington St.
Rivington of course is a street that extends from the edge of Chinatown through the Lower East Side.
I met up with Felicia and her boyfriend Sean for brunch on Sunday at the Essex restaurant and bar. Sean and Felicia are both late night people: Felicia is a make up artist and Bartender; Sean is a party promoter and does security at Marquee. Brunch with late night folks really should be called "linner" (lunch and dinner) because we don't get there until 4pm with sunglasses firmly affix to our faces (late nights in NYC). Essex Restaurant is located on Rivington and (of course) Essex. For $15.00 you get a smashing brunch and a bottomless glass of Mimosas, Bloody Mary's, or Screwdrivers. Just remember to bring cash because they don't take credit cards! After dishing on late night gossip and an impressive brunch Sean, Felicia and I head over to the Johnson's next door.
It sounds like you're going to your friends' parents house when you say, "I'm going to the Johnson's." In a way, that's what it is- well, if your friends' parents are the kind of people that feed you lots of booze instead of dinner.
The Johnson's is like a 70's wreck room complete with video games, pool table and a good jukebox. Childhood pictures of the bartenders are framed and line the wood panel walls while the rest of the bar is accented with plastic covered sofas (which fyi is more of a Latin thing then a bar on the Lower East Side thing!).
I have friends that would never step foot in that place (um, it doesn't always smell great), but to me, it's New York City's friendliest and most welcoming bar. If you go there by yourself (and are not totally socially incompetent) you will walk out with a few new friends.
As I stood out side of the bar this weekend, I watched as Steve Nash and his wife and children passed by saying hi to some of the patrons. Inside Brent (Sunday's bartender) was dancing behind the bar, selecting music from his laptop as he served with pizzazz three dozen hockey players that frequent this pub every Sunday after their games. And of course, it has New York's best happy hour (from opening to 9pm) $2.00 well drinks, $1.50 PBR's, $3 Margaritas and (amazing) Bloody Mary's.
Felicia and I run across the street for a cupcake break in no doubt the best cupcake place on the Lower East Side (sorry Baby Cakes) "Sugar Sweet Sunshine" across the street from the Johnson's. If you are looking for a complete evening but don't want to jump around too much down on Rivington there is everything you could possible need. You can get a great meal at Moby's (yes- that Moby) "Teany" or "Schiller's Liquor Bar and Restaurant" down the street, take in a rock show at "Fat Baby" buy a new vibrator (um, for your friend) at "Babes in Toys" or go shop at the plethora of vintage (second hand) stores lining Rivington.
Or you can just chill at the Johnsons and chat up any one of the beautiful bartenders up- from Leah to Conrad, all of them you'll find have something brilliant going on from being a sculptor, writer, or rock musician. If Rivington alone isn't exactly your cup of tea, you need to at least give the Johnsons a try, it's not just a bargain it's practically a steal.
(top across: bret and i, big shot of patron for me, christina, chris, and matt. second row: birk and i, me, mojito and sophie, sophie, and i and sophie and matt)
