Welcome back to the Drinks First newsletter- we’ve officially kicked it off with 13,000 subscribers which is NUTS and very few people unsubscribed so I’m taking that as a win! Let your friends know that this is the best place for all things NYC events, recs, dating, and more.
We’re officially on our second date… are you as nervvie as I am? As the weather gets warmer, and I type this from NYC’s Unemployment Center (Soho House Rooftop on a Monday), let’s get down to business.
TLDR:
Drinks First Happenings
Highlighted Singles
Rapid Fire Recommendations
DRINKS FIRST HAPPENINGS
Last week we had an exclusive, application only event at with Bumble at Ketchy Shuby- the new club from the founder of Surf Lodge. It was potentially one of the best Drinks First events we’ve had yet- people came with intention to meet each other and by the end of the night I was seeing so many people pair up and leave together it was like an exodus. I want to share some of my unfiltered thoughts about the event:
Highlights:
The music was insane, listen to Firungi’s set from the night here
Someone came up to me and told me their friend met her long term boyfriend / soon to be fiancé at our Discolo event last valentine’s day!!!! PROOF that it works!
Ketchy is a gorgeous venue- I highly recommend you try and go if you can get in. The food is also tasty!
Lowlights:
Someone drunkenly stole Ketchy Shuby’s merch. Luckily we resolved it, but I expect more from my community (we all make mistakes but this was a tough one). I can’t begin to tell you how much worse mistakes feel now that this is my full time job. My relationships with the people involved with planning my events is something that is sacred to me and it’s hard not to take mishaps things personally, even if it is out of my control.
For some reason- I’ve noticed that women always come on time and men always come later, even though we were offering a free drink in the first hour! I’m not sure what else to do to encourage people to come on time- but IMO the start of Drinks First events are the best time to meet people if that is really your intention.
What’s Next?
Cinco de Mayo @ LilliStar
Our next event is at LilliStar in Brooklyn at The Moxy Williamsburg which is a GORGEOUS rooftop bar and our first event in Brooklyn this year! Even better- it is FREE with rsvp and the first hour is open bar of Ojo de Tigre Mezcal (so graciously sponsored by them). 9pm - 2am on friday May 3rd. Music by TEE EM DEE and DJ RAQX
Meet Cute Brunch
Our infamous invite-only dinner series Meet Cute with the incredible supper club When &Where is hosting a reunion brunch for all past attendees and their lucky friends. It’s a great way for those who have attended a dinner to connect with other like-minded individuals who have been curated through our process. This brunch is a closed/private event- but stay tuned for future Meet Cute dinners where you could get the chance to be a part of this micro-community within Drinks First.
NYC’S KINDA ELIGBILE
As promised- each newsletter I will highlight 2 single individuals, and we will facilitate the connections. Usually we do this anonymously for the podcast, but let’s try something new for this format.
Ariana
Lol hey- it me. Might as well subject myself to this first before I force anyone else to do it.
Name: Ariana
Age: 27
Neighborhood: Greenwich Village
Seeking: Fun dates with fun guys
Occupation: Founder & Content Creator (??? lol at this title, we’re workshopping it)
Interests:
Restaurants/Nightlife/hospitality (nearly 1000 places logged on my Beli @infatuation)
Travel (over 40+ countries visited)
Design (formerly was a designer)
Music (going to a festival in Albania this summer)
Review from a friend:
“Ariana is ambitious, smart, beautiful, and an incredible conversationalist — she will challenge you (professionally and socially) and you’ll never be bored.”
“Dating someone like ariana who’s effortlessly confident will change your life. It’s just easier to develop mutual trust with people who can care for you as much as they can take care of themselves.”
Sam
Name: Sam
Age: 30
Neighborhood: Williamsburg
Seeking: I am looking for a serious relationship with someone who feels as comfortable at a black tie event as in a dive bar. I like women who are confident, down to earth, have a great sense of humor and know what they want. I’m very happy in my place in life right now but looking for the real deal!
Occupation: Lawyer
Interests:
Collecting Nikes/jordans
Consuming dirty martinis
Eating dumplings
Running
Bad Bravo shows
Review from a friend:
“fat ass and a great personality”
Rapid Fire Recommendations
So many people loved this our last newsletter, so let’s make it permanent. I may do more in-depth recs as this develops?
Date Night: Bar Calico (and they have an extensive non-alc menu)
Where to dance: LilliStar (this friday) and Outer Heaven
Where to take your parents/out of towners: Nubeluz (drinks at anytime or for high tea)
Meeting someone you already went on a date with a while ago but you just reconnected: Nitehawk Cinema
When you want a sweet treat: Glace (and they are just launching a collab with Bad Roman)
Newest opening: Isshiki Matcha housed in Moko East Village (so new they don’t even have a geotag) and THISBOWL a new fast casual place from australia where all the hot people are eating
When you want to get denied at the door (but feel really good if you get in): The Mulberry
Mexican food for Cinco de Mayo: Dorado (my favorite fish tacos in the city and a favorite cheap eat of mine)
One thing I’m loving: Kindred - I’m going to europe for a month in June (travel itineraries incoming to future newsletters) and I’m not allowed to sublet in my building… Kindred is trusted home-swapping and I already have someone staying in my place for the majority of time I am gone! Use code: ARI.NAT to get 5 free nights! (not sponsored, truly just love it)
That’s all for now (for you freeloaders)- see you on our third date ;)
Where to avoid: I got ALOT of requests to reveal this so…
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