Last summer, OC got you Tipsy and Tan. Now, we're just getting you tipsy. Meet Fridays at Five, our cocktail series where mixologists at New York City’s white-hot new restaurants create OC-exclusive drinks for our readers. Drinking on the job? Don't mind if we do...
“Upper East Side” might bring to mind the touristy haunts of Gossip Girl lore, but head upwards and eastwards and you’ll find yourself in the land of what might just be the next Brooklyn (or so the Daily Beast says).
Nevertheless, things are happening in the area—the Second Avenue subway line is rumored to be opening “soon,” Proenza Schouler opened its first flagship near 69th street, and yes, the bar scene is getting decidedly more sceney, less bro-y.
We headed over to the latest cocktail den, The Seamstress, where Dead Rabbit-alum Pamela Wiznitzer decked out the place with old-school sewing machines, two bars, and a killer fireplace. This industry vet knows what she’s doing, and has some serious date advice to boot.
Name: Pamela Wiznitzer
If this drink had a soundtrack, what would it be? “One Love” by Bob Marley
Drink of choice: I’m a situational drinker, but if I’m just drinking at a bar, it’s safe to say I’ll have a Miller High Life and a sidecar of either whiskey or cognac. Or a cider and cognac. If I want to turn up, then it’s tequila, neat.
Hangover cure: An extra hour of sleep, three liquid Advil, coconut water, a banana, and yoga.
Best date advice: Have a solid plan. Don’t be wishy-washy, be confident. Don’t choose a place where you’re a super regular, but do go to a place you’ve been to before. That way you’ll be comfortable, and if you can get a reservation, that’s key. Make sure it won’t be too crowded, loud, or crazy. Don’t drink too heavily, unless that’s the way the date is going, but start slow. Have a glass of water, too, if you’re just doing drinks. Long drinks are really good—Palomas, El Diablos, Tom Collins, highball drinks. You can sit with them for a while, and they’re still really tasty. And don’t do shots. Unless you’ve already started making out and it’s a sealed deal. Then you can have one shot before taking that person home.
Worst pick-up: There was a guy at the last bar I worked at who was there with a friend, and clearly older than girls he was hitting on. I saw him hit on them three, four times unsuccessfully. There was a bit of a lull, so I was like, “Hey dude, listen. You’re being super aggressive, and it’s not working. So maybe if you back up a little, show a little game, it might work.” He was like, “You think I’m being too aggressive?” I was like, “Yeah. It’s not working.” And then he’s like, “Wanna go on a date?” No dude. I’m not interested in you! And I just saw you try to hit on those girls and fail!
What not to do to your bartender: Never snap at your bartender. Or clap your hands. And never say you like a cocktail when you really don’t like it. Vocalize it; we’re more than willing to make you another one.
Exclusive Recipe: No Say
OC Alcohol Scale*:
“Upper East Side” might bring to mind the touristy haunts of Gossip Girl lore, but head upwards and eastwards and you’ll find yourself in the land of what might just be the next Brooklyn (or so the Daily Beast says).
Nevertheless, things are happening in the area—the Second Avenue subway line is rumored to be opening “soon,” Proenza Schouler opened its first flagship near 69th street, and yes, the bar scene is getting decidedly more sceney, less bro-y.
We headed over to the latest cocktail den, The Seamstress, where Dead Rabbit-alum Pamela Wiznitzer decked out the place with old-school sewing machines, two bars, and a killer fireplace. This industry vet knows what she’s doing, and has some serious date advice to boot.
Name: Pamela Wiznitzer
If this drink had a soundtrack, what would it be? “One Love” by Bob Marley
Drink of choice: I’m a situational drinker, but if I’m just drinking at a bar, it’s safe to say I’ll have a Miller High Life and a sidecar of either whiskey or cognac. Or a cider and cognac. If I want to turn up, then it’s tequila, neat.
Hangover cure: An extra hour of sleep, three liquid Advil, coconut water, a banana, and yoga.
Best date advice: Have a solid plan. Don’t be wishy-washy, be confident. Don’t choose a place where you’re a super regular, but do go to a place you’ve been to before. That way you’ll be comfortable, and if you can get a reservation, that’s key. Make sure it won’t be too crowded, loud, or crazy. Don’t drink too heavily, unless that’s the way the date is going, but start slow. Have a glass of water, too, if you’re just doing drinks. Long drinks are really good—Palomas, El Diablos, Tom Collins, highball drinks. You can sit with them for a while, and they’re still really tasty. And don’t do shots. Unless you’ve already started making out and it’s a sealed deal. Then you can have one shot before taking that person home.
Worst pick-up: There was a guy at the last bar I worked at who was there with a friend, and clearly older than girls he was hitting on. I saw him hit on them three, four times unsuccessfully. There was a bit of a lull, so I was like, “Hey dude, listen. You’re being super aggressive, and it’s not working. So maybe if you back up a little, show a little game, it might work.” He was like, “You think I’m being too aggressive?” I was like, “Yeah. It’s not working.” And then he’s like, “Wanna go on a date?” No dude. I’m not interested in you! And I just saw you try to hit on those girls and fail!
What not to do to your bartender: Never snap at your bartender. Or clap your hands. And never say you like a cocktail when you really don’t like it. Vocalize it; we’re more than willing to make you another one.
Exclusive Recipe: No Say
OC Alcohol Scale*: