SceneTracker
The Four Seasons NYC played host to the first Earth Awards Gala held Monday night. The Earth Awards recognize those with ecologically friendly innovations “that will improve our collective social, cultural, economic and ecological quality of life.” Submissions in categories such as architecture, production design, fashion, food and alternative energy are considered. This year’s winner Neri Oxman won for her FAB.REcology design, which “re-thinks ecology through fabrication.” Other green innovators in attendance included Charlie Rose, Amy Mullens, Paola Antonelli, Young Duk Song, Catherine Werde and Kate Schelter. [goag]
PR Newswire reports Level V will close and undergo vast changes this winter. The news comes as part of a restructuring effort by parent company B.R. Guest, LLC. President and founder Stephen Hanson explained the plans, saying, “In order to keep our business strong and competitive, we have no choice but to scale back and streamline our company. The restructuring plan will put us in a better position to take advantage of opportunities when the economic climate improves.”
The cave-like hotspot in the Meatpacking district has been described as a sexy and swanky spot and has hosted celebrities like Eli Manning and Jeremy Piven. We can’t wait to see what the new Level V will look like when it reopens later this spring! [PRnewswire]
No evening says glitz, glamour and bling like the Jewelry Information Center’s 7th annual GEM awards. The ceremony honoring achievements in the jewelry industry were held last week at Cipriani’s and hosted by Dancing with the Stars’ Samantha Harris. Some of the honorees included Chopard for its excellence in corporate communication and Harper Bazaar’s editor-in-chief, Glenda Baily, for excellence in journalism. Other guests included David Yurman, LL Cool J, Heidi Albertson and Frederic de Narp. [guestofaguest]
Johnny Utah’s
Scene: Bar, Mechanical Bull
Midtown West
25 W. 51st Street
(between 5th and 6th Avenue)
New York, NY 10020
(212) 265-8824
www.johnnyutahs.com
Finally, a place to channel your inner cowboy/cowgirl in midtown Manhattan. In this subterranean bar and restaurant, business suits can relieve the stress of the work week by taking a ride on a mechanical bucking bronco – that is, as long as they sign a release wavier first.
After Socialistia, Beatrice Inn, and GoldBar were all slapped with smoking violations on the same day, NY Mag has the good sense to ask the Department of Heath if their taste in nightlife venues to inspect has gotten a bit more high-brow. The answer was yes, inspectors indeed have been conducting more late-night smoking checks at restaurants and bars.
According to official sources, Beatrice has repeated violations of the Smoke Free Air Act on its record and has ignored recommendations from the DOH to put up "No Smoking" signs. The Beatrice Inn received violations but was not closed. The Department may consider actions to revoke or suspend the establishment's permit should it continue to allow patrons to smoke, said an official statement.
Star Lounge
Scene: Hotel Lounge, Bar, Nightclub, Event Space
Located beneath the Chelsea Hotel, this hotspot for the underage always has a long line outside, but the party is often worth the wait. The bouncers here are friendly and entry is almost never a problem. The interior layout and decor, designed by architectural firm Richardson Sadeki , consists of three different initmate spaces. The main room taps the 1920's speakeasy trend with sparse furnishings and a warm color palette. Downstairs, a low-ceilinged room seeks to pack bottle buyers into its many tables. Star Lounge can be rib-splittingly crowded and partying here requires mastering the art of holding your drink aloft while of pushing through a crowd. Off to one side is a private party room complete with stripper pole and bar access, great for large groups who want more space.
No one likes change, but it’s something we all have to deal with. So for now it’s time to say goodbye to the Knitting Factory’s 74 Leonard Street location and say hello to its new home across the river. Williamsburg is the promising new location set to house the famous new-music venue that is sure to keep the tunes coming and drinks flowing. [Down by the Hipster]
So you think you have seen it all on the subway? Think again. This Saturday is Improv Everywhere’s 8th annual ‘No Pants Subway Subway Ride’. In honor of this event, SideBAR will be giving a free drink to whomever shows up in their undies! The deal starts at 5:30 p.m. and SideBAR is located at 118 E. 15th Street. Just remember to leave your pants and your dignity at home! [NY Barfly]
The MDA 12th Annual Muscle Team Gala and Benefit Auction was held Tuesday night and attracted some real beauties. Pageant queens Miss USA, Miss Teen USA and Miss New York showed up at the Chelsea Piers to fulfill their queenly duties by supporting the Muscular Dystrophy Association. This year’s winners Chrystle Stewart, Stevi Perry and Tracy Chang joined other guests Mark Gastineau, Liz Claman, Mick Foley and NFL stars Justin Tuck, Jay Feely, Chris Snee and Ray Lucas. [Guest of a Guest]