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Year in review, acording to Gawker [Gawker] Year in review, according to PM [Papermag] For Sex fans who've yet to make the move [HC] 2009 trend watch: Nautical-theme bars open late [NYM] More...

The Grubbers get visual evidence of a Socialista shutdown by the DOH for a lack of No Smoking signs. At least its not Hepatitis, right? We can't help but wonder if this is a renewed effort by the Bloomberg adminstration to enforce the Smoking Ban that was passed in 2002 but is rarely enforced in certain hot spots. We all know how easy it is to post the rules of the house, even if management wants to look the other way. More...

Filed under better late than never, Sunday's Checking In column delved into the world of distressed hotel projects that cannot find the cash to make it to the finish line. Among the many projects that was much bally hooed and now seemingly dunzo is the Nobu Hotel New York, which was set to rise in Lower Manhattan, with financing to be provided by Lehman Brothers. Obviously that won't be happening any time soon. While this was probably more of a licensing play than a major equity investment by the Nobu team, this is a black eye on a glorious expansion run. We can't help but wonder how the rest of the empire will do during this down turn without all of the bankers and free wheeling expense accounters plopping down the corporate card for rock shrimp and ponzu sauce. Time will certainly tell. More...

1Oak supports alternative office arrangements [GoaG] Give a gift that gets them drunk [Papermag] Finally you can get post-clubbing cat food [Gothamist] Frog is baaaack [Eater] More...

Photo courtesy of NYMag Upon learning of this new gastropub, we headed straight for W4th street with our very own anglophile in tow. The HP sauce, fries and vinegar, and lack of tablecloths all received the stamp of authenticity so we headed on in for some Sunday night wining and dining. The cocktail list kept it simple, with twists like habenero sauce in your margarita. Our favorite cocktail was The Bramble, which reminded us of Madame Geneva - Gin and blackberry preserves. And what's a cold winter night inside a bar without a warm apple toddy? W&N makes theirs with calvados, so it's extra-appley and extra-delicious. We sat around for hours in the warmly-lit exposed brick and chill vibe and dreaded trekking outside in the snow. The only complaint was the waitstaff that attempted to take our drinks when half-finished - huge no no in our book - and forgot to bring us essentials like napkins, forks for our food, and water. All in all, though, a great neighborhood spot to while the time away in the company of good music, good food, good friends, and abysmal service, which is, apparently, also a trait of authentic British gastropubs. More...

Apparently, there is at least one person who is not a fan of the Eldridge. Frequent commenter, author, and girl about town Abbe Diaz let loose on the club and owner Matt Levine in the comments section last week, saying that after her group was personally invited to the lounge, they were still not let in. To make matters worse, Diaz says the doorman made a point to make them wait, saying "even after he is SHOWN the e-mail (which apparently, you cc'd to him?) he still wants to make a spectacular "display" of us, seeing as there's NOBODY else waiting on line (and that's bad for your "image," right?)". Diaz and friends high tailed it out of there shortly after. The next day, Matty boy did send them all some of those famous engraved cards, which they of course won't use. Good times. More...

Image Courtesy of NY Post Marquee is celebrating its five year anniversary, and to celebrate, the Post looks back at the club's history and some of its most memorable moments. And what would a trip down memory lane be without detailing all of Paris Hilton's make-out sessions that took place inside it's hallowed walls. Memories. [NY Post] What's really in a name? The folks at Macao Trading Co. ran into a little controversy over their popular cocktail, Lovee Long Time, and have now changed the name to the Bashful Maiden. Same recipe, less offensive name. [NY Barfly] A Mulled Manhattan? We shudder at the thought of a muddled orange mixed with Cointreu, bitters and bourbon, which is then topped with grape juice. It sounds like something a child dares his friend to drink, but is being served at the Bedford Post. If you want a nice muddle grape drink, we suggest the Concord Grape Sazerac. [NY Times] More...

A last minute Saturday night option for those hanging around the city and braving the weather. Our neighbor from the Paper Mag Nightlife Awards Mark Ronson throws down at redesigned Webster Hall with Baltimore's finest Aaron LaCrate. Ooh Wee! More...

New York Times alcohol blog Proof perks up again this morning with Iain Gately's tour of historical hangover cures. Iain recalls a particularly painful hangover of his own, in which he dealt with "a migraine, blurred vision, liquid bowels, and shakes that started at my fingertips and reached to my elbows." Liquid bowels - yummo. The suggested rememdies are more of the same, and of course the winner is good old fashioned water. Didn't Ted Allen already tell us this? The more you know . . . More...

If you try and fail, try and try again. The Standard New York has taken this motto to heart, as they prepare to open for some guests while construction presses onward for most of the hotel. This time we really mean it... The Standard, New York is opening its doors to friends and family this Sunday, December 21st, 2008. We are opening a handful of rooms in the midst of an otherwise busy construction site, at rates starting at $195. This price includes complimentary Continental breakfast room service, complimentary Wi-Fi and local calls, 24 hour concierge service and use of our lobby. They are really pushing the use of the lobby. These rates only last until February (or whenever construction ends), so act fast! More...

With all of the nonsense surrounding New Years Eve in New York, we were pleasantly surprised to get the Ranolph's proposal for 12/31. Billed as "The most fun you can have without glowsticks", a $35 entry fee buys you 2 delicious drinks and a Chandon champagne toast at midnight. That's a $315 savings off of some other parties we know, and requires no hand sanitizer. If you are interested, drop them a line. More...

While we say goodbye to one lap dance kingdom, another alleged lap dance den has made it through to 2009. Cordato's, a deli and and bar on Greenwich Street in the Financial District, had it's application for a liquor license renewal approved by CB 1. If you recall, the bar had applied for a hard to get cabaret license this year but was rejected based on allegations of lap dances being offered. Ro Sheffe, chairperson of the Financial District Committee, stepped up to the plate to do some recon on the space and saw nothing out of the ordinary, finding "no exotic dancing, just a sparse crowd of regulars." Some members aren't convinced, but did not want to take away someone's livelihood so close to the holidays. [DE via Eater] More...

Salt:pepper as hair:cocktails [Urbanite] Beat the recession and BYO in W'burgh [GS] Another reason to enact mailgoggles [Cityfile] Places to carboload on NYE [Gothamist] More...

A Battle Royale has erupted between anonymous commenters arguing who is more likely to get into clubs without a hassle. This tickled our fancy mmhmm... i'm on an artists' budget (i don't pay for anything) and i love me my catalog queens and they love me. jealous corporate haters all of you trying to buy your way in with last year's bonus; i roll in at the front with my "no name" stunnies while you trolls wait in line. - Veteran Snap. More...

Allow us to please take a moment to prick the dream balloon of the masses who desire to spend this New Year's surrounded by socialites and celebrities at the Eldridge. You are not invited. Let us say that again - you are not invited. Matt Levine, maestro of the Lower East Side, contacted us to break the bad news, saying: This blurb you wrote is a false advertisement, and in no way being endorsed by The Eldridge.I am not sure where you found that blurb, but there are many websites saying they are selling tickets to The Eldridge, but meanwhile, we do not have any promoters working on New Years Eve,and due to our size, have only a certain number of tickets available, and entry will be approved by myself, and management. I am unaware of where you received that blurb from. When we explained that it came from the Bloc Group, Mr. Levine told us he had spoken to the higher ups there and cleared up the confusion. But we wondered, what about the people who had already purchased those $350 tickets? Is there a chance that they could show up on 12/31 and be not be approved by the owner or management? Mr. Levine waxed poetic on that as well. More...

Even in this down market, the folks behind the Gansevoort Hotel group are not happy just sitting on the sidelines and hoping they make it through. Yesterday, they announced plans to enter into third party management ventures for three new hotel properties, including Gansevoort Turks & Caicos. According to the press release, the new Gansevoort will be "a 91-room luxury property developed by Apollo Development Company. Located on the western section of Grace Bay Beach, the property boasts expansive beachfront along reef-protected ocean waters." Sounds lovely. And for those who love fine dining, the new venture will also feature Bagatelle Bistrot and Beach Club, serving up a slice of Meatpacking District Italian fare, a bumping Saturday brunch scene, and if we are all lucky, another branch of Kiss and Fly. After getting this puppy off the ground, Gansevoort will then move on to Chicago and Toronto. More...

Have you been dreaming of having cocktails with Matt Levine at the oh so luxurious Eldridge since its star studded opening this summer? Have you? If you haven't yet crossed that golden threshold into Manhattan's most exclusive club and are dying to do so, then may we present you with this New Year's offer. New Year’s Eve at The Eldridge is sure to be Manhattan’s most exclusive holiday event. The top-shelf open bar will include The Eldridge’s legendary signature cocktails and Armand de Brignac champagne, and the party will be catered by a premiere New York City restaurant. Oooh, legendary cocktails that are globally celebrated. Oooh, a premiere NYC restaurant, that sounds delicious. They promise a surprise DJ and a top-notch crowd including both celebrities and socialites, the most dangerous and exciting demographic combination that you could ask for. All of this can be yours for the low price of $350, which in this economy, is the best deal we have heard of since the $5 foot long. You know what's up. More...

Defrost with a nice warm glass of beer [F&W] It's still dangerous to imbibe and be near large, fast moving objects [Gothamist] Miami, Chloe Sevingy and TI? We cry flier folly [HC] Warehouse sale for nightclubs [NYM] More...

Broadway and DBTH aren't exactly like Zach Morris and Kelly Kapowski, but when a friend invited us to the star-studded Shrek premiere, our inner tourist/US Weekly fanatic couldn't resist. So the DBTH team sucked it up and ventured up to the Theater District Sunday night. We found the show itself one of the more entertaining, complete with a standout set, cast, and creative direction. Plus, who can remain stoic in the face of such a heartwarming tale? Certainly not us. We even spotted Cameron Diaz, Jack Nicholson, and assorted other major celebrities, including the mom from the Cosby Show, and Ugly Betty stars. Golly, we were star struck by the time we headed over to the Plaza for the afterparty. The Shrek folk put on quite the partay. The Plaza's second floor ballroom reminds us of the gilded age to begin with and the free flowing bubbly and lavish food served to make us feel like 1929 pre-crash. Or, dare we say, 2007 pre-crash? DJ Berrie's masterful spinning ensured that old and young alike got funky on the dance floor. We had so much fun we even stayed until the oldies came on. More...

The ladies love the Blue. The first snowy night of December found us making our way through the West Village to 632 Hudson, best known as the former Real World house from Return to New York. We weren't there to relive history, but instead celebrate the season with our good friends from Urban Daddy and our even better friends from Johnnie Walker Blue. And just like the brand, the event was all class. Live jazz trio - check Food by Joey Campanaro - check Blue Label - check You can see why the evening was on point. Our only complaint was the only bar serving the good stuff was at the top of the house, all the way in the back, and crowd control made it difficult to access. But in the end, it didn't matter, because there was plenty of our good friends Green, Gold, Black and Red to keep us full of holiday cheer. Thanks to the Daddy for the invite. Your DBTH friends wish you a very merry New Year. More...

Yesterday's promo for Wass Stevens upcoming role promoted a spirited debate among our commenters. But if you don't think the face of Marquee has no business in a major motion picture, you are dead wrong. We managed to corral this clip from a commercial Wass did for TGI Fridays. The work speaks for itseld. More...

Just one day after learning about a possible new speakeasy cocktail lounge, DBTH has learned from someone not involved with space that nothing named Woodson and Ford exists. We repeat, there is no Woodson and Ford. From our Little Birdy who sits way up high in the tree: We are not open. We are only open for private events. The blogger on booze NYC was incorrect and has corrected his errors. If you could also correct them on your site as well. There is no official name and printing it is a problem since it involved our business partners. Please respect our wishes. When we are ready to open to the public we will let you know. While we have spoken to people who have been to the event space ("really cool", "can't believe this is Table 50. Do you remember Q Tip Parties there?"), like most good things it got out before it was time. People involved with the bar also took to the Boozer's comments to set the facts straight. We cherry picked some of the most poignant quotes, after the jump. More...

As part of his plan to cut New York State's massive budget deficit, Governor David Patterson has proposed a set of new taxes on various items. This proposed list calls for taxes on beer and wine to more than double. Flavored malt beverages would also be hit. This means drinking yourself out of this recession may get a bit more expensive. And in case you like your Jack Daniels with Coke, Patterson has also proposed an 18 percent levy on sugary, non-diet soft drinks. It may be time to switch to diet, tubby. More...

If you are looking to see a film this holiday season, why not check out Darren Aronofsky's The Wrestler, featuring Marquee's legendary doorman Wass Stevens as Nick Volpe. Rumor has it he beat out Artie Lange for the part, which is funny because they look so much alike. The film opens this Friday. More...

Boozy NYC, the latest blog to step into the world of night, drops word of yet another speakeasy that is set to open this week. The space that once held the beloved Table 50 and the original Mr. Black is now home to Woodson and Ford, below the unmemorable Corner Shop C on Broadway in Greenwich Village. The room was first used in 1855 and was designed to mimic a German beer hall and has held a colorful (brothel) and sometimes tragic (deadly fire at Infinity Disco in 1979) history. According to the Booze, today "The decor (and staff) will be familiar to anyone who's been to Apotheke, Tailor or Clover Club - lots of wood, plush sofas, old-fashioned light fixtures," and the Woodson and Ford cocktail (applejack, zacapa 23, benedictine, sweet vermouth, Fee brothers' whiskey barrel bitters) are apparently going down smooth for $12. The full cocktail menu is after the jump. [Boozy NYC] More...