NYC is the center of the universe and never sleeps. There is something for everyone but not everyone knows about the places listed below. I recently visited them and will give you a little insight on what to expect in regards to the revolution of the speakeasy style lounge/bar and the classic cocktails with modern twist. When you happen to be in NYC next and want to be taken back in time, look into the following listed places and be taken away.

Death and Company

www.deathandcompany.com/

Green tea infused scotch? Adventurous in their infusions and the execution of cocktails that use two or three spirits and another couple of modifiers. I enjoyed a Double Barrel Mint Julep that contained a 114 proof Bourbon by Old Grand-Dad, one reserve rum and another younger, tasty rum. It could be a great Georgian cocktail as they added Creme de Peche and rounded it out with Whiskey Barrel Aged Bitters and Demerara syrup. Classic and extremely tasty. It will take some time to get your drink but gives you a chance to take in the dimly lit, woody lounge. A steady stream of  industry folk and regulars in a great area for unique restaurants and bars as Cienfuegos and PDT are very close.

Cienfuegos

www.cienfuegosny.com/

Want to go to Miami and sip the finest rums?! This place is very much so off the radar as its nestled on the second floor above the small take out bar on the main floor. What an explosion of colors and decor! A rum collection to drive even Castro loco! Service was great and the atmosphere really makes you feel you stepped into a water washed clam shell. The owners told us of another place a couple blocks up that is also theirs and won acclaim at the 2010 Tales of the Cocktail for “The Best Bar In The World.” We didn’t make it there but its going on the list for the next trip even if I forgot the name of it.

Please Don’t Tell

www.pdtnyc.com

Great concept. Go into a local hot dog shop and you wouldn’t even know it, but pick up a phone in a side booth, that will hopefully lead you into an Prohibition style speak easy. Problem here is that it fills up quickly and only stays open until Midnight. You must call for reservations starting at 3 PM and if you don’t have one, it will be very difficult to get in. We didn’t and they were slammed but upon a peak through the sliding door, there are stuffed animals on the walls and old fireplaces surrounded by old couches. They have strict rules here anyway; no loud conversations, no cell phones, and no camera flashes. Great concept, exclusive execution not for everyone.

Apotheke

www.apothekebar.com/

In the heart of china town along a ‘movie like’ street that bends at a 90 degree angle, Apotheke can and will be missed by many confused by its lack of advertising and Chinese restaurant neighbors sign above their door way. If you are a lucky creature of the night and happen upon this blasts from the past, consider yourself lucky. The lounge is even more cinematic. One magical chandeliers made out of old orbs shines dim light on retro, 40′s era furniture. An impressive 4 piece Jazz band were playing the sound track in the corner as we took in the bartender’s in their lab coats behind the bar. Even more beakers and apothecary glassware was spread in front of the bartenders as the prescribed concoctions based on what ailed you. Get here early as well but feel free to talk and inquire about the pink peppercorns (amongst the worldly spices) or the homemade absinthe. Look for Kyle to take care of you.

Pegu Club

peguclub.com

A New York staple that is also very secretive. A place that has set the standard for sometime and should night be missed. Gin is a major spirit that is alive and well thanks to this establishment.

McSorley’s Old Ale House

www.mcsorleysnewyork.com/

One of the oldest Ale houses, if not the oldest and longest standing on the Lower East Side. Two types of house made ales we tried, the light and dark. Both tasty and served in two 8 oz mugs. This place has been huge for politico’s and neighborhood boozers for years. A lot of historic pieces on the walls, behind the bar (stuffed Jackalope) and saw dust on the floor. Thanksgiving wishbones hang from a chandelier over the bar for those soldiers that placed them there before they were dispatched for the war and remain meaning they didn’t return. See Allen to treat you nicely.

Next time you get a chance to visit the center of the universe, step away from the Vegas lights of Times Square and venture into the world of modern speak easies. If your travels don’t have New York in the future, stop by Cru and get a taste of the big time. We are always creating and changing new drinks and putting modern twists on classic recipes.

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Cheers.

James
Bar Manager
Cru Urban Lounge

These days the term “bottle service” typically conjures up the image people who paid a lot of money to sit around a bottle of vodka on faux leather lounge chairs and occasionally get their mixers refilled by an unknowing server. Yes, they get a piece of real estate in a packed night club, but are they really getting service? I think of bottle service a little differently, maybe bit more on the old school side. I think of a knowledgeable server displaying the label of the selected bottle, opening the bottle and then allowing you, the guest, to taste it…with no rush…a moment of concentrated bliss. The best part: your ears get treated to hearing the sound of the wine or liquor pouring into the glasses around the table for you and your friends.

It may be a bottle that is dear to your heart bases on where it from, who produces it or the year it was released. It may remind you of that time you went to Italy and saw the Tuscan sunset or when you went to California and stumbled across a small boutique winery. Or maybe it brought the feeling of warmth experienced after a shot of vodka in Sweden on a cold winter’s day.

Maybe this will be your first time experiencing bottle service. Our philosophy at CRU Urban Lounge is to make your bottle service experience something special. You can now enjoy this experience upstairs in our new Vintage Room Booth that comfortably sits eight to ten people. Check out our wine and bottle service list at cruurbanlounge.com, pick a bottle and have a read about it before coming in. This will pay off when you come in and enjoy your selection! I think you’ll make some new special memories while relaxing in the timeless cherry wood Vintage Room Booth.

Reserve the Vintage Room Booth for just $75. If you do bottle service with one of our premium wines or liquors,  the both rental will be reduced to $50. Stay as long as you want…okay, how about until 2:00 a.m. when we close up shop?

Cheers,

James Hammerl

Bar Manager

Cru Urban Lounge

Distillation is a method of separating out the components of a mixture based on each component having different boiling point. Distillation is a physical separation process, and not a chemical reaction.  Science geeks (like myself) see below:

These days most vodkas claim that they are superior to the competitor due to multiple distillations and filtrations that remove every trace of taste…so basically you are paying more to taste less.  And we all know that had a certain appeal back when we were kids new to consuming alcohol and had not yet acquired a liking to drinks containing it.  But we’re all grown up now and think a bit more about the taste of the spirit swishing around in our mouths.  And that’s where the vodka Karlsson’s Gold Vodka came to to mind.  My bar manager James Hammerl (he’s probably served you something tasty before) met Morgan Cedarblom, president of Private Brands, Inc. who markets Karlsson’s Gold Vodka in the U.S. a few weeks back at Atlanta’s Hartsfield Airport.  Morgan and James had a discussion on why multiple distallations, while purifying alcohol, can strip away it’s unique character.  I was intrigued as I had never really thought about this concept.  I sent Morgan an email and he met up with me for a tasting.  After talking to Morgan and tasting Karlsson’s Gold Vodka I learned that this is a vodka made with virgin potatoes (they haven’t developed an outer layer of skin yet) from Cape Bjäre in Sweden.  Karlsson’s Gold is distilled only one time which allows you taste the origins from which it comes…Sweden + virgin potatoes.  Morgan recommended I try the vodka chilled with a some ground black peppercorns.  It seemed a bit strange to sip vodka in such a simple manner but what I discovered was unforgettable: true terroir.  You can actually taste the virgin potatoes and the soil of Cape Bjäre. 

Come over to CRÜ and try a snifter of Karlsson’s Gold Vodka this weekend or at the Karlsson’s Gold Vodka Tasting taking place on 2/25/09.  Check out the CRÜ Calendar of events for details.  Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased online in the CRÜ Store. 

Cheers and see you next time…Chetan