The new and possibly final season of Sex and the City begins June 22nd, and that got me thinking. Is there a relation between TV and reality? Does the club and bar scene change as we mature (grow old?) Curling up on the sofa has been a routine. But after the long winter months, getting off the couch and checking out the nightlife is just the thing to spark my curious chi. I’m ready to hit the city and find a cool local hang out for my gal pals and me.
Not quite ten years out of college, a group of friends gather together. The occasion begins when someone calls for a Ladies Night! We plan to celebrate a birthday, which is a decent reason to dress up and check out some of the hottest spots. Finally we firm up a date. The plan is to get the girls together on a Saturday night for an exposé of the local chic bars. We reserve our designated driver (DD). A girl has to be smart when she is spending an evening ordering up 11-dollar martinis. And our pre-party contains certain elements to start the night off right. There are yummy Italian take out foods, great homemade appetizers, plenty of cheese and crackers, veggies and dip plus some reindeer poop (chocolate pretzel snack mix) and birthday cake. We didn’t forget plenty of beer and wine for quenching thirst and even packed more away in coolers for while we are luxuriously transported around town. With a chauffeured limo, Champaign &Sam Lights and custom CDs that play our favorite songs our evening begins at sunset. The limo departs and our destination is unknown.
As we see the city lights we decide to head to a posh new bar. A few of us go in to check out the scene. It appears to be designed with the stuff that makes us ladies feel like superstars. So, we scope out the place. The lights are dim so that it offers a seductive shadow on the figures at the bar. We glance around but can’t find a corner for my nine girlfriends and me. So, it’s back to the limo and off to another recommended bar.
It’s wet outside but that doesn’t matter because if you go out early enough there are no queues to get into these new chic martini venues. We head uptown. Reservations in the bar are suggested, albeit when we whisper to the bouncer, he treats us to the Reserved/Private couches, which we can absorb until the other guests arrive. At the main entrance there is a front bar. It is off to the left and can accommodate a quick stop and offers a passive atmosphere. But we are happy to opt for the superior room toward the rear. The scene, once again has seductive illumination, but also presents faux mink fur couches, comfy leather loveseats, and small round cocktail tables. We spot a large quadrangle where our group can converse. So it’s cosmos-martinis for everyone and a quick toast to our guest of honor. Then it is time to settle into the couches and take it easy. This genre is much more engaging than my apartment, where I sit in my sweats and ponytail watching the boob tube. The ambiance is subtle and we enjoy sipping the refreshing, enormous concoctions and lively conversations in this chic, hip bar.
I recall when Ladies Night Out used to entail nasty pick up lines and packed dance floors. This evening is defining. Giggles and laughs dissolve daily stresses. My girlfriends and I miss these relations. We reason that everyone’s calendars are packed with weddings, graduations, the crappy weather, family obligations, money saving measures and other social endeavors. Most of us, who are on this adventure tonight, are simply looking for a fun night out - let our hair down - as well as celebrate. As our evening rolls on, we discover that martini clubbing is fabulous. Don’t get me wrong, a night of live music, boneless Buffalo wings and ice-cold beer does have its place but this night is about panache and sass.
As it must, the evening fades, as does our lipstick and sophistication. There is a smooth crowd tonight but we have seen enough of this venue, so it’s back out to the Stretch (hey, what’s the use of hiring a car, if you don’t take advantage). We begin to smoke our celebratory cigars out the window of the limo and pop colorful Jello shots for the journey home.
For the 30 something crowd that still has a wacky, fun attitude, our night out was successful. Going out in the city is an experience that will never expire so long as my posse remains near by! So, strap on your heels, slip on your black pants, and grab a martini. Once a while it’s good to shake things up!
