If you’ll remember, I took you on a journey a couple weeks ago back to Nolita, back to my memories of living there, back to the restaurants I missed.
One of those mentioned– Jacques– only gets a little less special each time I’ve eaten there, but this weekend I had a chance to taste a different side of this establishment, even though my experience and intuition led me to believe I’d be disappointed.
Not unlike those who attended the second night of Charlie Sheen’s “Violent Torpedo of Truth” one-man show at Radio City this weekend, I was willing to give it a shot, low expectations and all.
(And obviously, I’d go anywhere for a friend’s birthday. Now, to those who paid to see Charlie(?!), that I cannot comment on.)
But it turns out that the location for my friend’s birthday gathering was not Jacques’ dining room; no, the celebration was hosted at 1534, Jacques’ downstairs lounge, accessible by the nondescript set of stairs to the left of the main door. I mean, sign me up for any party entered through a nondescript stairway.
Obviously, just one variable’s change makes for an entirely new situation, much like if “The Violent Torpedo of Truth” was hosted instead by daddy Martin Sheen (or non-relative Michael Sheen, for that matter), upgrading the one-man show from a manic rant to a cozy evening of stories as recounted by one of Hollywood’s more endearing and elegant actors.
And so my Saturday night went, with good friends, good drinks and good music to sing along with and move around to.
1534
20 Prince Street b/w Elizabeth & Mott
212.966.5073
If you’re interested is hosting…
Reservation Line:
Before 5PM: 347.746.2092
After 5PM: 212.966.5073
[email protected]
Let’s Be Honest: Maybe every dining location deserves one more chance.
Just not Charlie Sheen*.
(*…okay, for the record, those who gave Charlie’s second show a shot, even after Friday’s horrible reviews, were rewarded by something, well, coherent at the very least. I’m just not supportive of this version of him in any way.)
Oh, By The Way: I love the management of 1534 even more after reviewing their ‘rules’ of the bar:
Our rules are simple.
1. You must enjoy yourself here.
2. Do not take yourself too seriously.
3. Do not sit quietly at the bar. You must engage in conversation.
4. We drink to be merry not to be boring.
5. If a beautiful woman/man is by themselves, you must attempt conversation and attempt courtship
6. When an awesome power ballad is playing you must sing along
7. Never pass up a free shot from a staff member
8. Finally, bad decisions are celebrated here not condemned. . .No judging.
Accessorize: Found a good outfit that works with our tempestuous temps…
Indian cotton, printed top (mine, I brought back from Anokhi in Jaipur), short city shorts (check out Shop Bop), some trendy belt from BCBG, nude DKNY fishnets and Kenneth Cole’s Hang Tough Heels.
With a trench,of course.
