May 17, 2011
Okay, usually on Tuesday’s I go out and search for the elusive glass swizzle stick. Well, I just found out that tomorrow I have to work until about four in the morning—expect a grumpy-ass post tomorrow, so I thought I’d go tonight. I thought of a place I tried to go to on the bar crawl and it was too crowded to do it in and I had to take that lonely walk to another bar. The bar is Bemelmans Bar in the Carlyle Hotel and it’s pretty goddamned fancy in there! Check out what New York magazine has to say about it: “Nowhere is the discreet charm of the bourgeoisie more palpable than in this bastion of post-war decadence: think white-jacket waiters, 24-karat gold leaf ceilings, and nickel-trimmed glass tables splayed around the ivories.”
But is it decadent enough to serve double gin and tonics with glass swizzle sticks? That is what we will find out soon. Glad I’m getting more overtime this week, I may need it after tonight’s bill!
Wow, it is one foggy-ass night out! Check it out, you can't even see the Empire State Building!
And it's down into the subway we go. We're taking the N train and then transferring to the 6th.
And, once again, through the magic of the internet, you're spared a subway ride which included countless zombies staring at texting devices, a long-ass walk to the 6 train and several, "The World Is Ending on May 21st" posters. Jesus Fucking Christ! Anyway, here we are at the Carlyle, let's go check out the bar.
Obligatory self-portrait shot at the door!
Holy shitballs, it's packed in here and no seats at the bar. Do you know what time it is?
It's time to take that lonesome walk and look for another bar.
Wow, it's really dead out here, I guess everyone was at Bemelmans Bar!
Shit, I've walked over ten blocks and no bars! And no people. I don't like the Upper East Side, it's like a ghost town up here.
I looked to see what 45 that is on display. It's "The Joker" by Steve Miller. Some People call him the Space Cowboy while others refer to him as the Gangster of Love. Two things are for sure, though, he's a midnight toker and he gets his loving on the run. Hey Steve, don't forget to zip up after that loving!
Here's a bar, but it's already got the chairs on the tables. At 11:30 pm! I hate the Upper East Side!
Number 19: Spike his milk bottle with mescaline.
Wow, speaking of drug babies, check out this tea-shade wearing stoner baby on display!
Finally, a bar, we can officially get this over with! I really need a drink at this point.
They wouldn't serve me because I have a t-shirt on. I hate the Upper East Side!
Never mind the manhole, it's just blowing off a little steam. Ha! I'm easily amused at this point of the evening.
Christ all fucking mighty! I've walked over 15 blocks and no bars!
And just when I was ready to give up all hope, what shows up on the block but Donohue's Steak House. Thank you God!
Friendly bartender Rich serves up the double gin and tonic.
He tells me that they've never used swizzle sticks and to tell you the truth, by now, I don't care, I just want a drink!
Here's a long shot of Rich and the classic New York bar.
Here's a look at the other end of the bar.
An obligatory bar room mirror shot...
My drink is done and one last look out the window and it's time to call it a night. And it's been a long one! Let's go outside and get a cab.
Aaaaahhhhhh!
Donohue's
845 Lexington Ave (Between 64th St & 65th St)
(212) 744-0938
Further reading: EV Grieve, 365 Bars, Jon Hammer and Jeremiah’s Vanishing New York. (A wonderful quartet of blogs, may I add! And whoops, I just did!)
You might also like: Sunny and Chair.
Six Sticky Things
Sticky Wicket
Sticky Buns
Sticky Buns
Sticky Ass Glue
Sticky Footer
Sticky Fingers
You gotta move,
You got to move child,
You gotta move.
(Surprise link...click on it...I dare you!)
--------------------------------
Bonus Press Release!
My friend Ida Langsam sent me this press release about the 11th Annual Joey Ramone Birthday Bash. Check it out, it’s this Thursday and I’m going. I’ll have my camera, come up to me and I’ll take your picture!
2011 JOEY RAMONE BIRTHDAY BASH DETAILS UNVEILED;
10 YEARS AFTER HIS PASSING, THE PUNK-ROCK LEGEND LIVES ON
New York, NY: On what would have been his 60th birthday, the life of punk icon JOEY RAMONE will once again be celebrated at the annual JOEY RAMONE BIRTHDAY BASH which takes place Thursday, May 19th at The Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza. Mickey Leigh, event organizer and brother of Joey Ramone, has announced this year’s lineup and a sellout Bash is expected again. Net proceeds will go to benefit Lymphoma research.
This year's Bash is the 11th annual event commemorating the life and music of the Ramones vocalist and main songwriter. Reflecting on the past decade, Leigh remarked: "You would think it the other way around, and normally it is, but the contributions my brother made seem to be of greater and greater value as the years go on. Even just the fact that his life is still being celebrated ten years after his passing is worth celebrating. Of course, at the same time some of us will also be celebrating the life of Jeffry Hyman, the guy I grew up with, and still look up to as someone who so dramatically overcame tremendous adversity in order to achieve what he did. That person was not ‘Joey Ramone,’ but was certainly someone most deserving of celebration as well."
The celebration will be headlined by Hugh Cornwell (ex Stranglers) featuring Clem Burke (Blondie) and Steven Fishman (James White and the Blacks). Also performing at the Bash will be Black 47, Richard Lloyd, The Rattlers, Sunday Masquerade, and The Indecent. As a special addition, this year’s spectacular party will feature a tribute to Joey performed by the “Joey Ramone Birthday Bashers” who will debut songs from Joey's much anticipated forthcoming, second posthumous solo album. Several special guests will also be offering up renditions of Ramones songs written by the band’s much revered and sorely missed lead singer. Confirmed to participate are Richie Ramone, Tommy Ramone, Richie Stotts (Plasmatics), Bebe Buell, Ed Stasium, Andy Shernoff (Dictators), Ross The Boss (Dictators), Tish & Snooky (Sic F*ck), Ali McMordie (Stiff Little Fingers), Al Maddy, Walt Stack (the Bullys), and Mickey Leigh. Surprise guest are a normal occurrence at this event, video tributes from artists all over the world are expected, and in what has become a Birthday Bash tradition, Sean O’Sullivan's Punk Pipers will round out the night with their rendition of “I Wanna Be Sedated” on bagpipes.
The Masters of Ceremony for this year’s fete will be Steve Craig (101.9 RXP), Matt Pinfield (101.9 RXP and VH1), and John Holmstrom (Punk Magazine). Additional surprises are anticipated at the evening’s events.
RAMONE, who passed away April 15th, 2001, after a seven-year battle with Lymphoma, had a history of encouraging up-and-coming bands in New York’s downtown music scene by showcasing them at his special “Joey Ramone Presents” events. Since RAMONE’s passing, his brother has carried on the tradition “by featuring bands that make great music and gathering together some of our family, friends, and Joey’s fans to celebrate him on what would otherwise be a sad, somber day,” Leigh explained.
This year’s Bash is being sponsored by Manic Panic, the Village Voice, New York Waste, 101.9 RXP and Bravado.
Tickets are $25 and can be purchased in advance through Ticketmaster. The Fillmore is located at 17 Irving Place, corner of 15th Street, NYC. Doors open at 7PM.
For ongoing updates, visit www.joeyramone.com. Net proceeds from the Bash go to support the Joey Ramone Foundation for Lymphoma Research. For more information or to request press and photo credentials contact ISL Public Relations at islpr@aol.com; 917-338-6199.
37 Comments
Reader Comments (37)
Poor Marty ! .... on the UES ... you have to go over to like 2nd Ave & 1st Ave .... you're not going to find crap on Lexington :( ----- that's why I love my Droid X now - I can find anything, anywhere, and take the shortest route to it ... I'll never get lost either !
Nonetheless, Donohue's & Rich looked like a good spot for a refreshing drink -- and, what a cool night to be out walking around in the fog ... I love that !
Glad you finally found Donohue's! Looks like a great old school place! And I can't wait to see your post of the Joey Ramone Bash! Can't believe he would be 60 this year!
P.S. About pissed my pants at the return of cardboard man! LOL!
Marty, you forgot to mention that some people call Steve Miller "Maurice," 'cause he speaks of the pompetous of love.
@GENE: What the hell is a Droid X, it sounds as scary as Cardboard Box Man!
@Barfly: I'm anxious for the Joey Ramone show too! And you never know when Cardboard Box Man will show up!
@Bruce Davis: Ha ha ha! Too true! I've always wondered what the hell that line meant!
@MAD .... the Droid X is my phone ....... Android & Google rock over Apple !
“Nowhere is the discreet charm of the bourgeoisie more palpable than in this bastion of post-war decadence: think white-jacket waiters, 24-karat gold leaf ceilings, and nickel-trimmed glass tables splayed around the ivories.”
I was expecting a picture of preppie types, along the lines of: Thurston Howell the Third accompanied by Eunice Wentworth Howell; (“Another Gimlet, Lovey?”), not chicks from Jersey. Not that there’s anything wrong with chicks from Jersey, mind you, it’s just not what I would have imagined.
Donohue's Steak House has been there forever! My Mom and her friends go there every week for lunch, while shopping in that area.
You may have to; kill Cardboard Box Man with fire! It may be your only option…
“Number 19: Spike his milk bottle with mescaline.” - Bravo Sir!
Posting both Joey Ramone and Mississippi Fred McDowell is nothing short of sublime, Marty.
Is that Michael Pitt (Boardwalk Empire, Last Days) in the Joey Ramone video?? The girl looks familiar too. Sorry it too you awhile to find a goddam drink Marty -- I feel your pain at times like that.
When I look up to the sky
I see your eyes, a funny kind of yellow
Rush home to bed, I soak my head
I see your face underneath my pillow
I wake next morning but I'm still yawning
I see your face looking through my window
Pictures of cardboard box man and you
Images of cardboard box man and you
Alls I ever see is him and you
@GENE: You're scaring me with this talk!
@Harry: The fact that you know Lovey's real name is beyond cool! And yeah, I wanted to transition from The Rolling Stones to Mississipi Fred to Joey! Glad you noticed!
@Spike: I don't know who that is, but I'll try and research it. If I see Mickey Leigh at the Joey concert, I'll ask him. He directed the video.
@Jaws: Ha ha ha! That's great!
@Marty: Hosea Leavy’s version of “You Gotta Move” is worth searching out.
@Jaws the Cabbie: Nicely done!
You stopped at a great old place. The thing about Donohue's is the "old school" factor, the woods and the quaintness of a real original NY bar. Places like these need to be supported so they can be enjoyed for many more years. Ramone's show sounds great, I knew right away you would not miss it. Oh and the bartender at Donohue's looks like a real pro with his shirt and tie. Upper East is ritzy as hell, Bemelman's looked good but this place deserved your second visit, or was this your third?
I apologize for not being around lately but two weeks ago my computer at work crashed and I mean crashed it took everything away and it was a new computer just purchased three weeks ago. It took a week to get a new one and in the meantime I had to leave town for several days.
It is great to be back here and with a working computer!! I son't have a computer at home.
Wow!! The Carlye is my hotel of choice whenever I am in NYC. In fact when I first met you in NYC that was where I stayed. Ms Cosmod and I went out to dinner and then to that very (crowded) bar you featured.
Jaws that is one of my favorite Camper VB songs ever.
Missed you guys!
@Harry: I will seek out that version. You're a real man of the blues, aren't you?
@Al: A great old school joint! This was my second trip, but definitely not my last!
@Tiki Bar Susie: Great to hear from you! I wondered where you had been, but didn't want to bug you with an email, thought you were just taking some downtime. Is that bar always crowded?
Yeah Uptown Sucks , & I'm glad I don't have to go up there any more since my last Bitch of a Girl friend Lived up there . Also when I was up there I would noticed that the woman whom lived up there stared at each other in very odd way , like checking each other out on the way they dressed , & I would see people in shorts in freezing winter time , something is not right up there .
So Marty stay downtown , where people are chill , like The Chill Master !!!
TO : LES , been born & raised there !!!
"No one knows what it's like to be the bad man.
To be the sad man, behind cut-out eyes."
Cardboard Cox Man was trying to give you a plastic swizzle stick ingrate.
(See lower left-hand corner.)
@csp ... you're right !!!
Cardboard Box Man was offering Marty a gift ! .... how nice of him !!!
@JHwang: I agree! To the Chillmaster and the LES!
@csp and GENE: I'd rather eat dirt than accept a gift from the evil Cardboard Box Man!
I got tired for you reading that. Glad you finally got a drink. And I learned a new sex term I had not heard before, that's always handy.
Really love your peaches wanna shake your tree.
Oh why oh why is corrugation such a sin
to demand a sentence of the recycling bin?
@kari: I was so happy when I saw the Donohue's sign in the distance! And I can't believe you've never heard that song!
@csp: Nice one!
Everyone today is a poet.
And you all know it.
I've never been to Donohue's, but I want to go there now! Thanks - the links about it are great, too.
You Gotta Move - classic!
Following your great post on Hollywood Diner, I stopped in there after work tonight for a bowl of Matzo Ball soup and a cold Amstel. I can honestly say that it was one of the best Matzo Ball soups I have ever had, and at $10.30 for a Bowl and an Amstel, the price was more than fair, and how can you beat having the subway right against the building.
Doesn't hurt that they have such a pretty lady at the register too - unfortunately equipped with a giant wedding ring!
Thanks for the writeup - definitely have a new after work meal stop for the rotation.
@onemorefoldedsunset: It's a classic New York place!
@JAZ: Where do you work, I'm curious? If you don't want to put it online, I understand. And I know the woman you're talking about! Definitely easy on the eyes and nice too! Everybody in there is real friendly.
late again and missed a couple days...evil computer problems...it just happened again...clicked the create post button and the thing blinked and all was gone...that said...MAD sorta bounced back...say sorta 'cause MAD did not get a "stick" in the search for the elusive swizzle stick...man hard to believe that donohue's never had//used swizzles...damn i have been to backwoods places in pa. and juke joints in la (lower alabama) that used them (wish still had those classics)...hope MAD makes another attempt at bemelmans...great night cap and raising one to joey...
I like my women a little big. Natural. Now, they shave this and wax that. It`s not right. I love natural women. Big women. This trend in women has to go. Bulomia, anorexia. That`s just wrong. You know what will cure that? My special sticky buns. One lick of my sticky buns and your appetite will come right back.
- Ernest Borgnine
rr
@Marty - I'm in TriBeCa, near the 1 train, so just a 10 minute ride to the 18th St. Station. I love diners - down here we have the Square Diner on W.Broadway/Varick & Leonard, which is a great place to get a tasty breakfast.
Sticky buns was the new term. My first year of college I had a 73 VW Bug and the Steve Miller Band Greatest Hits tape. That was the only tape I listened to the 3 months I owned that car. The Joker is one of my all time favorite songs, and that is my favorite line. I understand the confusion though ;)
The UES is weird, I'll give you that - but, dude, you were only 30 blocks away from Reif's! Oh well...at least you found Donohue's. Looks like a great place with stiff drinks. And no stinginess on the straws, either! Cardboard Man's looking a little worse for wear. I wonder if Sean Lennon ran into him with his skateboard? Oh, and my favorite Steve Miller Band tune is Jungle Love. I'm just a sucker for any song that mentions papayas.
@rr: Good to see youy back, I wondered what happened to you! And GREAT Ernest Borgnine quote!
@JAZ: I've never been to the Square Dineer, is it a 24 hour one? I'll have to check it out!
@kari: Funny about the sticky buns, I thought you probably heard that song!
@Biff: I'm a little driectionally challenged. And now I have to Google "Jungle Love" for the papaya lyric, I can't remember where in the song that papayas are mentioned.
@Marty - Nah, Square closes like 9:00 or so, and earlier on weekends. The breakfast is great, but after yesterday, I wouldn't put it in Hollywood's league in the soup department.
@JAZ: Wow, it closes early, I guess it's not an after dark contender!
And the Subway Inn is not far away either ...
@onemorefoldedsunset: The Subway Inn is great! I'll have to stop by there soon!
TA-DA!
I met you on somebody's island
You thought you had known me before
I brought you a crate of papaya
They waited all night by your door
You probably wouldn't remember
I probably couldn't forget
Jungle love in the surf in the pouring rain
Everything's better when wet
Jungle love it's drivin' me mad
It's makin' me crazy
Jungle love it's drivin' me mad
It's makin' me crazy
But lately you live in the jungle
I never see you alone
But we need some definite answers
So I thought I would write you a poem
The question to everyone's answer
Is usually asked from within
But the patterns of the rain
And the truth they contain
Have written my life on your skin
Jungle love it's drivin' me mad
It's makin' me crazy
Jungle love it's drivin' me mad
It's makin' me crazy
You treat me like I was your ocean
You swim in my blood when it's warm
My cycles of circular motion
Protect you and keep you from harm
You live in a world of illusion
Where everything's peaches and cream
We all face a scarlet conclusion
But we spend our time in a dream
Jungle love it's drivin' me mad
It's makin' me crazy
Jungle love it's drivin' me mad
It's makin' me crazy
Jungle love it's drivin' me mad
It's makin' me crazy
Jungle love it's drivin' me mad
It's makin' me crazy
@Biff: TA-DA! I never knew that was in there. And now "Jungle Love" is stuck in my head! Oof!
Was it 15 short blocks or 15 long blocks? I'm trying to decide how sorry I feel for you. I spent 45 minutes one time looking for somewhere that would sell me some f-ing batteries on the UES.
@Britta: It was a combination. But finding Donohue's made it all worthwhile!