4/25/2003: A mere four months after the fact, Citysearch names Adultworld their bar of the week. But our two recent visits to this microclub (imagine a more bare-bones Abaya) have proved so painful that, alas, it has been moved to our banned establishments list for miscellaneous crimes against nightlife (our previous enthusiasm notwithstanding).
4/24/2003: Dinner at the counter this week at the ever-wonderful Lovely Day (Elizabeth @ Spring), which is sporting a bright new awning for spring, brought the cheery proprietor to the counter to inform me that they've just started serving brunch on weekends. Those in the know can now munch on goodies like Buttermilk Pancakes with Lime Palm Sugar Syrup while mocking those mobbing the sidewalk a few steps away for a table at Habana.
4/22/2003: Hit the just-opened Ruby Lounge (East 2nd @ Ave. B), a new East Village boîte (French for "velvety craphole"), on Saturday night. We'd heard rumors it was going to be a pleasant place to hang out, with cuisine as well as drink, but the vibrating techno beats (which don't usually phase us) drilled so deep into the skull that we felt like we were experiencing that new sound technology that beams music inside the brain. "Ketel and soda," we asked the bartender. "No Ketel... not until Tuesday." Gray Goose, perchance? "Only in Limon." We settled for a badly mixed drink of Absolut, finished it, and departed. Even at that rate, the others in our party had already beat us down the line to No Malice Palace, which, although crowded, at least knows how to prepare a decent drink.
4/16/2003: Jordan emails regarding an unfortunate experience last night at perennial Below 14th fave Supper: "I needed a lamb or veal shank bone to briong to my parents' Passover seder. I called around to a few places to see who was
serving veal chops. After some places said no, I called Supper and was informed that the lamb special was being served. "This may be a weird question," I said, "but is there a bone in that?" "Yes, there's a bone in that," she answered, with a touch of
attitude. So, off to Supper we four trekked. We were seated quickly (a
relative rarity) and our waitress read the specials. When she
described the lamb, she made a point of saying, " No bone." I was
crestfallen. After we ordered, I asked "Is there any way I can get a
bone?" After the entendre sunk in and then passed, I explained that I
needed a bone for the seder plate. She told me there were no bones to be
had. Couldn't the chef just give me one? No, there are no bones in the
restaurant. I found this hard to believe, but let it pass. Then she
offered the bone from the orata (fish) special, which I politely declined. And the
melting pot continues to bubble.... Incidentally, I had the smoked trout appetizer and the veal scallopine.
Both were excellent."
4/15/2003: Ken weighs in on WD-50: "Stopped by WD-50 on Friday around 10 p.m. There were about six open tables and a bunch of people standing around the bar. The hostess told us that we could wait 20-30 minutes to eat at the bar or 45-60 minutes for a table. The arrogance reminded me of 71 Clinton when it was new, which is to where we quickly crossed the street. The host at 71 was beyond the call of duty friendly and we had a great meal. While more expensive than my usual go-to establishments, I am happy to frequent 71. As spring approaches, get their shrimp."
4/14/2003: In case you missed it... WD-50 is open, says Daily Candy. (By the by, it must be noted, The Candy seems to have used our most recent update photo to illustrate their point. Odd, considering all of the other interesting options also available at no apparent cost). Full report (on the restaurant, not the photo scandal) when we force our way in sometime in the next fortnight. Meantime, a pretzel to the first Below 14th reader who emails us a review after having partaken. UPDATE: The good folks at Daily Candy have acknowledged the photo slip, and have promised to mail me "a surprise." Further updates as events warrant.
4/10/2003: Well sure as shooting, as was rumored there is indeed a new place for live tunes on Attorney Street. Bearing the cryptic moniker Sin-È, the place opened last weekend. Live music seven nights a week in a renovated garage that can hold 225 folks. Here's the sked for the next week. [tip o' the shot glass to Neal P.]
4/9/2003: So Page 6 says WD-50 is opening tonight [via gawker]. Our sources say "Thursday." (A soft opening had been whispered for last night, but did not materialize.) So which night will it be? It's going down to the wire...
4/9/2003: It's always been a wonderfully chill spot, but after a few great nights there recently, Bar 169 (East Broadway @ Essex) has ascended to one of the top spots on our go-to go-out list. (For complete list, send $9.95 to cover shipping and handling.) A divey joint, with a good pool table (naturally), it somehow transcends the utter diviness of, say, Blue and Gold. It's far enough off the beaten path that few people just stumble in. Usually, it's just a very good bar, but thanks to a rotating crop of DJs, the vibe is more upbeat, and after midnight on weekends a portion of the place informally gives way to dancing. Now we see in this week's Voice that the DJs who created Direct Drive at Baktun are moving in for a Saturday evening residence. Hopefully, crowds won't overload the place, because this could be fun.
4/8/2003: Tonight seems like a good night to be out and about, in search of new experiences. This tip brought to you by your friends at Below 14th. That is all. Alas, no.
4/8/2003: Scenes from Week One of the Smoking Ban... At a cool Rivington bar whose name will not be revealed here: The Magician, the bartender telling a patron, "You know, if you smoke in the back room, I probably won't notice. But don't get used to it. This isn't going to be one of those smoking bars."... A posse of two dangerously upbeat women asking patrons of the Keltic Lounge on Ludlow, "Would you like to sign a petition to Ban the Ban?" Patron [genuinely excited]: "Oh, yes!"... Late Saturday night, outside Verlaine on Rivington Street, one of the affable owners describing the new hell of his job since the police had stopped by the night before and informed them that the cigarette butts gathering like blown sand on the sidewalk outside are the responsibility of the bar to clean up... NoAss O'Barkeep at Grace in Tribeca telling a patron who asked ever so politely if she could smoke, "Are you kidding me? Are you trying to make my life impossible? Listen, just go outside." UPDATE: JVG weighs in with a passel of ill-informed pro-ban vignettes, while Aaron sees some downsides.
4/7/2003: Final Rice to Riches update ever... We promise... Jake from Gothamist took us up on our challenge to review the ol' pudding palace. His detailed, 500 word review is packed with pictures prettier than ours, plus much pithiness.
4/3/2003: WD-50 Progress Update... Our little April 1 ha-ha netted one victim. Wee-hula! The real word is that we're seven days away, with opening set for April 10. A little birdie whispers that private tastings begin tonight.  On: 4/2/03 | Status: Doors and windows set, lights installed, but still lots of debris to haul away.
4/2/2003: In the proud, neverending quest to live up to our caricature, we just had to hit the Rice to Riches opening last night.  The crowd was pulsating, the servers too chipper, the flavors obtuse. We tried the Strawberry Floozy, which tasted like a goopy strawberry sherbert, with lumps -- albeit -- yes -- pleasing lumps. Today we read in a Times article about the phenomenon that the owner "spent a lot of time looking for words that go together." Right-o. (The article also reports that Rice to Riches plans to open four more stores in Manhattan, which means Upper West Side residents should be enjoying the noble grains by early 2008.) Meantime, we'll watch for Jen's review, being that of a serious rice pudding afficionado, which we, alas, are not.
4/1/2003: WD-50 Progress Update... Finally, just in time for spring, Wylie & Co. have thrown open the doors at their new Clinton Street restaurant. The results are even more impressive than one might have anticipated.  On: 4/1/03 | Status: Open for business! | N.B.: Private parties only until July.
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