Last week The Society took part in its 3rd annual txikiteo. What the heck is a txikiteo, you ask? First, it's pronounced chi-ki-tay-o and it happens to be a time honoured pre-dinner ritual in the Basque region of northern Spain. A small group of friends will traverse the local establishments — spending just enough time to indulge in one or two pintxos (tapas), down a short glass of zurito (beer), and perhaps discuss the latest fútbol match. Think of it as a refined, yet rambunctious, bar tour.
To date, our txikiteo’s have focused on neighbourhoods, i.e.: Brooklyn speakeasies and hidden lounges in downtown Manahattan. However, for last week’s adventure, we put a different spin on the event by inviting celeb event planner to the stars (including
Miss O herself),
Colin Cowie, to lead us on a private tour of his favourite NYC rooftops.
At each stop, guests noshed on delicious tapas and sipped unique cocktails spiced with Zacapa Rum (we’re dying for this product to finally make its way to Canada).
We will spare you all the intimate details, but here’s a quick recap of how it all went down.
The night was kicked off as the sun came down on the roof of Colin’s private pad (a sick penthouse in the midtown area) where star mixologist Yusef Austin was serving up Mango 23 cocktails (a delicious combo of Zacapa rum, mango purée, lime and agave) and Rhubarb Spritz’s (Zacapa rum, rhubarb vanilla simple syrup, lemon and prosecco). It was here that we toasted our gracious host and impeccably dressed guests. Then we hopped into our black SUV’s, destined for our next secret location: the newly opened
Le Bain (the rooftop of the exclusive and beyond cool
Boom Boom Room at the
Standard Hotel). One minor addition to this story (OK, major), crush-worthy actor
Josh Lucas (
Sweet Home Alabama, ladies) joined our little romp around town, and was the most gracious celeb we have encountered. He humoured us the entire night, allowing us and press to snap photos and have some fun with him. You heard it here first…Josh is even better looking in person!
The final rooftop was the
Gramercy Park Hotel. At this point, the crowd was loosened up and ready for an extended night of dancing downstairs at the
Rose Bar. The evening was capped with Plantation Daiquiri’s (a tasty blend of Zacapa rum, lime juice, peach purée and agave). Also, some lucky guests were privy to a private tour of the rooftop garden where the Gramercy chefs grow all their fresh herbs for the kitchen. Stay tuned for a similar concept we’re hosting this summer in Toronto.
All in all, the night was a total blast and a unique experience that you wouldn’t usually experience in Manhattan.
Click to enlarge photos:
