New Bar: Cantina, San Francisco (from Imbibe Unfiltered):
Leading West Coast mixologist and Imbibe contributor Duggan McDonnell’s long-awaited new bar, Cantina, is set to open May 24 at 580 Sutter St. in San Francisco. McDonnell specializes in culinary cocktails featuring fresh, local produce and unexpected ingredients. For an idea of what’s in store, read Cantina’s drink menu, and try not to drool on the keyboard.

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Sake and sushi go together like many of our favorites, peanut butter and jelly, meat and potatoes and apple pie and vanilla ice cream. Last night I had an amazing dinner at Sake Hana which is also connected to Sushi Hana. First off, I love the intimate vibe of this fabulous spot and that this establishment fits about twelve tables and you have the ability to see
everyone while feeling like you were in your cozy world. The area is candle lit with red interior to create warmth; it is so nice to share with a group of friends or a cutie.

The UES lounge/restaurant only serves Japanese Spirits and of course Sake. The Sake infused cocktails were definitely interesting although I stayed with the Sake Cosmopolitan. In addition to the fabulous atmosphere, there was an array of
sushi rolls - fashion, rainbow, spider roll and more.

As many of you know there are constant beer and wine tasting events; however, NY is experiencing a rise in Sake tastings. Later on this year Japan Airlines and the International Sake Association will put on The Joy of Sake, three
tasting events in San Francisco, New York and Honolulu. This is a great way to learn about brands that you love, new ones that are coming to market and of course Japanese cuisine as well. What a great way to increase your education on this fabulous rice water.

Sake/Sushi Hana is located at 265 78th St (Btwn 2nd/3rd Ave), New York, New York.

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Shoreham Lounge - Bar, originally uploaded by chrisjara.

Throughout the year there area variety of events that take place within the fashion industry. It’s a great excuse to go out with others and make your work week not seem so long.

The other night, a friend of mine ended up going to a variety of great spots in the city. One of my new favorites, is the Lounge in the Shoreham Hotel. This South Beachesque (I love the chic vibes of the hotel with the green and blue elements of the lounge) hotel is a great boutique luxury hotel that’s in the midst of a variety of showrooms, great shopping and more. I enjoy coming here in the summer since you have the ability to sit near the open windows and watch people go by. It’s a great spot to meet up by since people can walk into the open windows and sit down with you.

My favorite drink here is a Cucumber Martini, garnished with
cucumbers, with its cool green color and natural cucumber water. I love that this is a great place to meet clients but it just as nice to go out after work.

In addition to the drinks, their appetizers are great. We had a calamari that was amazing and the tuna tartare was even better on one of many hot days. Although we arrived at the Shoreham earlier in the evening, I
think the area becomes even more vibrant as the sun sets and you can truly see the colors of the lounge.

Noted as one of the sleekest and chic places to stay, it’s a great place to take a breather from your day to day routine.

The Shoreham Lounge is located at 33 West 55th Street, New York, New York, (212) 247-6700.

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I love when it gets warm in the city and after work, any bar becomes a great bar to hang out at. This means that a place that really is amazing is worth being a little packed to enjoy the ambience.

The other night after work, the girls and I were going to go to an outdoor bar and
learned that it had been knocked down (yet their website is still up and running). So after we took it in, we headed to the office’s tertiary home and went to Sutton Place.

I have to say that at first I thought, “ok this bar is kind of dark, has beautiful woodwork but what else?”. On the main level of the bar they had flat screens which show a number of
games and special events. As we went up the steps, there was a second level that made you feel like you were in New Orleans or some French setting (they have French posters all over the walls). Towards the back of this floor there is almost a lounge element with a fireplace which must be nice during the winter and then you hit the rooftop. I was amazed at how many levels this bar had and how each floor had a full bar. This is definitely a great place to go after work. I’m sure a lot
of people from the neighborhood frequent it as do people stopping by for a drink prior to taking the trains home.

I loved that when we first came in, that the music was definitely light and allowed you to talk amongst your group. As the night went on, the music changed to hip hop, pop and other dance beats. Although this is not a dance club, this seems like a great place to go to end or
begin your night. The best part is that their bartenders definitely didn’t water down their drinks and they were really pleasant even when it was packed on the Thursday night we were there.

This is a place that I will consider on the weekends to watch a game (you can call ahead
to reserve what game you would like to see) and yet it has elements that make it cozy if you’re bringing a smaller group. Sutton Place is definitely a bar for all seasons and moods.

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Pen Top Bar at the Peninsula Hotel, originally uploaded by chrisjara.

For the entire time that I have worked in the city, I suppose I have always had the luxury of saying I work on 5th Ave and most recently on Madison Ave; I’ve always worked in the 50’s. Everyday you walk by names that you read about in high fashion magazines and you get to feel like you know the area.

One day a friend asked to meet for drinks at the Pen Top Bar & Terrace at the Peninsula Hotel. I had no idea that it was literally down the street from where I work and that it was so amazing. Unfortunately when I went, the weather wasn’t conducive for being outside. I must say that when I entered this luxe hotel, I felt like Annie walking into Daddy Warbucks’ home for the first time. I loved the staircase and how everything glimmered with an old world elegance. As we rode the elevator to the lounge, I wondered what I should expect and was surprised to find an elegant but relaxed look at the city. It was packed with your typical after work crowd that works on 5th and Madison Ave. It is a great place to go for a drink and the view alone is worth the trip.

On the terrace, you can only imagine having an after work affair or even getting a group of girls together that you hadn’t seen in awhile. This is yet another place that I would suggest inviting someone to if they’re out of town. It’s always good to know of a place that you can impress someone without needing a reservation (or while you’re buying yourself a little time between events).

The Pen Top Bar & Terrace at the Peninsula Hotel
700 5th Ave
NY, NY

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Ava Lounge - Dream Hotel, originally uploaded by MsAnthea “Anthéaïs”.

My first penthouse/rooftop bar experience was at the Ava Lounge which is in the Dream Hotel. With a variety of rooftop bars in the city and with lounges coming and going, it can be hard to have a favorite. But I must say that the Ava Lounge has been a favorite of mine for the past few years. The best part is that it does have a great rooftop that’s perfect when it’s nice out. But if you should go when they haven’t opened it yet, you’ll find that the view of Times Square is absolutely amazing.
Being someone who avoids Times Square at all costs, I am always amazed when I see it at a distance. If looking at Times Square doesn’t excite you, how about a breathtaking view of Central Park? For that view alone, it’s worth having a drink at this hotel lounge, which is small and known for people coming in simply to look cool. In addition, this hotel also has Serafina and the Dream Lounge as well.

As far as the drinks, many people feel that the drinks are slightly watered down; however, I have always enjoyed them (and I’m a stickler for a well made cocktail). If you have friends coming in from out of town or are having a drink with a client, I would suggest at least coming in for one and taking the city in in a new way.

The Ava Lounge is located at the Dream Hotel, 210 W 55th St (Btwn Bwy/7th Ave), New York, NY, 212.956.7020

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sangria pour favor, originally uploaded by bent_karma.

If I wasn’t a discriminating person I’d tell you what you can get out of some people with a couple of pitchers of Cha Cha Cha’s Sangria.

The Mission Street location happens to be a favorite of some co-workers we have hit it hard over the last couple of years, visiting on at least 9 occasions. Each time we have expected and experienced the same thing - tons of people kicking off their weekends and packing this place until it spills outside.

The food, tapas style, is good and the menu has some distinct items. I enjoy and always order the cajun shrimp which come in spicy creamy sauce that is enhanced by the bagettes that are served. Dipping food at its best.

As for the sangria (drink it cold and save the fruit pieces for last), while not my first drink choice it is a favorite of many of the girl groups which show up. Pitchers come in two sizes and always go fast in groups, but the waiters are attentive and always available for refilling. The bar offerings also include numerous liquors, cocktails, and both draft/bottled beers.

Cha Cha Cha is a restaurant best experienced with a group and don’t expect an intimate climate; the noise can get really loud during peak periods.

Technorati Tags: chachacha, sanfrancisco, san francisco, bayarea, missiondistrict, sangria, cocktails, liquor, mixeddrinks

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Caroline on Crack lives it up at Casa Del Mar’s Veranda Bar in Santa Monica, CA

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bloody mary, originally uploaded by Jef Poskanzer.

The Bloody Mary at Zeitgeist on a Sunday afternoon is almost a good enough reason to get drink the night before. Or so the story goes.

My first visit was with a group of friends that had been here many times and enjoyed all that the bar has to offer;

• great selections of beer on tap, with most pitchers only $12
• the great cocktails like the bloody mary
• grilled burgers and house fries
• Tamale lady (the Mission area institution)
• great crowds

They failed to tell me about the lines though. If you show up after 6pm on a Friday, expect a line up to a half hour.

The main area is the backyard with the numerous bench tables available for eating and drinking leisure. The place can get loud, with the music/crowds/drinkers providing the volume so don’t expect an intitmate conversation.

But it is a great place to spend the night with your drinking pals - one of the best in the city.

Technorati Tags: zeitgeist, mission, valencia, sanfrancisco, san francisco, bar, beer, pub, bloody mary, cocktails

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Drink for free, originally uploaded by PetroleumJelliffe.

Cheapshots is another great bar in the East Village. First of all, if it’s your birthday, you drink free. It doesn’t matter what you order or how much of it you consume, it’s all about you - so you can get super drunk here!

While you drink copious amounts of beer and alcohol, they have the touch screens at the bar where you can play sports trivia,
electronic card games and more. If this isn’t enough stimulous, you can choose music at the MP3 jukebox, play air hockey and the plasma screens above the bar shows sports, the news and more.

If it isn’t your birthday, your money goes far here. Pitchers are $7, all shots are $2 and every night there is a special of some sort! Also on Tues, they flip a coin. If you guess the part that comes up correctly, your drinks are half off! I love the fact that since this is in the Village you have people from the neighborhood, surrounding college students and professionals too.

The day we went, we met an older guy who had been in the military. He kept buying drinks for the whole bar AND he’s a regular! If I could rename this bar, I would call it Cheers. This is a place where due to the regulars, everyone knows your name and when you are new there, people make you feel like you have always been there. Of course this makes you return and by default, you become a regular too.

For me, this is a great bar to go to during an afternoon or maybe even at 5pm or so. It’s a place to go to get the night started. I could also see going if you had one of those nights where you went to all the places that are supposed to be a lot of fun and somehow it didn’t meet your expectations. Then you would go here because at least you know that the drinks are well made, you’ll find a great deal and since everyone else has a buzz - the atmosphere will be lively.

Cheapshots is located at 140 1st Ave (Cross Street: Between St Marks Place and East 9th Street), New York, NY

Technorati Tags: cheapshots, birthday, pub, bar, drinks, liquor, cocktails, east village, eastvillage, nyc, new york, trivia, videogames

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