It’s been over a week, and people are still talking about it…success!  As a nightlife blogger, the question of where to have your birthday party is not an easy one to answer.  I couldn’t just have my party at any Joe Shmoe dive bar.  Although, I did slightly miss my annual BK Blowout party. I needed a place where all my friends could go – the door wouldn’t be that big of an issue.  A place where I knew for a fact would have good music – I couldn’t leave anything to chance. And I needed a place that embodied The Downtown Diaries brand – A place where low-brow and high-brow can mix and mingle.

My Birthday fell on a Sunday so it was only natural that GoldBar for Sunday Funday would be the perfect fit.  I also wanted to host an intimate dinner within walking distance for close friends to attend who couldn’t be boozing with me all night because that had work in the morning.  People work? I used to party in the backroom of Cafe Select and always wanted to eat there – so I figured my birthday would be the night.

We started off at Cafe Select, the perfect place for a birthday dinner.  Swiss-themed, it’s quaint and cozy- yet trendy and modern.  As Time Out New York states, “The restaurant’s scuffed retro decor features classic creaky bistro tables and chairs, art posters as wallpaper and an oversize clock that might’ve been swiped from the central train station in Basel.” All-in-all it’s super cute and the perfect place to take people and host large parties. I had ten people and it wasn’t an issue. The staff was extremely accommodating and even hooked us up a little due to the fact they ran out of chicken prior to our reservation.  I have to give a shout out to Ben, Doug, and Orlando for the amazing service and hospitality.    I must recommend the ‘Ski Wasser’ cocktail – I had FIVE! The Hanger Steak and the Affogato for dessert.

After dinner we headed over to GoldBar. At first I was nervous, because the day prior I had come down with a terrible cold, and was afraid I was not going to be able to handle my big night ahead.  However, once we got started the rest of the night was one big blur, although I am sure the copious amounts of booze getting thrown our way had something to do with that. We got there on the early side -around 11:30 and by 12:30 the place was packed.  DJ Theory and Morse Code were on decks.  Chloe Sevigny (LOVE HER,) Emile Hirsh, and Lupe Fiasco were in the house – although some claim Kid Cudi sightings.  Nightlife impresarios, Daniel Koch and Noah Tepperberg also made an appearance, prior to NT throwing a fit after Justin Ross Lee (the self proclaimed ‘jew-jetter’ heir of Lee Jeans) named him one of the ‘Top 10 Most Hated People in Nightlife.’  Honestly, Noah seemed like a really nice guy.

I love birthday parties for the simple reason that is one of the only occasions where you can combine every crew of friends you have and get them in one room.  It’s the best feeling to look around and see all your friends, old and new, hanging out having a good time.  We all partied our asses off, as any person does on a Sunday night, and good times were had by all.  My birthday was a total banger -  I even got interviewed! (leave me love pahlease.) Funday resident photographer and good friend, Kirill Bichutsky, was snappin’ pics all night, while my friends and I rang in 26 in 2010 – the year of the Diary. Much thanks to Jonny Lennon and Gabrielle Richmond for making my birthday one for the books.

All pictures via Kirillwashere and NBC Niteside

Cafe Select
212 Lafayette Street (between Kenmare St & Spring St)
http://www.cafeselectnyc.com/

GoldBar
389 Broome St (between Centre Market Pl & Mulberry St)