Nightlyfe - The Lounge Newsletter

Last week I was in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Phoenix & San Francisco scouting places for our upcoming show VENUES, which is to begin shooting this summer with some teaser webisodes to tantalize viewers as to the upcoming Cable channel. The last stop was San Francisco and these 2 spots were on my list to check out. Let's just say the experience was interesting, and not necessarily in the good way. Read on...

A CAVE IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE Slide, San Francisco

430 Mason St San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 421-1916 website

First the obligatory review courtesy of Citysearch: There are two ways to enter this moody, cave-like bar: descending the stairs or through the custom-made, serpentine slide. Once inside the main space, digital video screens flash images of San Francisco and booths of various sizes take up most of the wall. Much of the space is dedicated to the dance floor and a DJ booth cranks 80s and 90s mash-ups for an energetic bridge and tunnel crowd.

Now, I not always one to judge a place based on the reviews, and I did read a few before venturing out to the place. Needless to say, most of the reviews were fairly spot on. I know approaching a club solo and being a guy is like being a cursed soul to many establishments. And often they might make you wait just that much longer to get in, while coping some attitude. But showing up early is usually a good way to get in. I guess not at slide who seemed fairly rude about the whole entry process. The tawdry experience continued inside with observations of less than stellar service and attitude. It always amazes me when the bar folks act as if they are the main attraction and one should be luck to just be there, buying drinks and bottle service. Anyway I ended up talking to a group of girls who told me their male companions were not let in despite the doormen seeing them being dropped off at the door by the guys who then went to find parking. And so, they were about to bounce...as did I.

A NICE SPOT TO START THE NIGHT Laszlo Bar, San Francisco

2534 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110 (415) 401-0810 website

Adjacent to the Foreign Cinema, and named after a Godard character, This multi-level DJ bar located in the heart of the Mission serves up a variety of beats, cocktails and appetizers. The decor is nice, the attitude is surprisingly relaxed and they serve up reasonably priced drinks, offer upstairs balcony seating, and show random projected films in the small outside patio. They have a nice selection of beers, with the excellent $2 beers before 9PM offering. My only slight gripe would be the music itself which could use a slightly more up-tempo vibe to add another level of ambiance tot he place. But all in all a great spot to start the night off or spending a relaxed time on a date.

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BCARDI GOES VIRAL Bacardi True Originals

I've heard these videos are making their rounds on the "internets" with more probably to come. It's actually 2 very well produced shorts of a man on a global quest to find, experience and appreciate masters at work behind the bars. Yeah, its a Bacardi thing, but the videos are exceptional and we can't wait to see more. The website just brings you to the youtube page though, which is a slight let down since we were hoping for something unique. Perhaps in due time. Anyway here are the first two videos.

The Samurai - Featuring a Japanese bartender mixes a Daiquiri cocktail with the original formula. watch the video

The Hummingbird - Featuring a bartender renowned for her speed and grace mixing up the Piña Colada. watch the video

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The Lounge Newsletter is sent out every Thursday. Just in time to get you ready for the weekend.

Written & arranged by Xavier Jones.