Dining Dollars Down; New Food in Central ParkPlus: Manhattan and Queens residents dining out less, and a plan to help struggling maple-syrup producers, all in our morning news roundup.
Liquid LocavoresBy spring, a husband-and-wife team plans to introduce vodka made in their Long Island distillery using ingredients grown in the New York region.
ByDaniel Maurer
Openings
Webster Hall’s New Project Will Include Over-the-Top Vodka BarDaily Intel has the scoop on Hudson Terrace, the nightclub and catering hall Webster Hall’s owner Sean McGarr is opening on 46th Street in November. His partner in the $3 million venture, Michael Sinensky, tells us that in March he’ll bring a Russian vodka and caviar lounge (with a separate entrance and operating hours) to its basement. Sinensky, inspired in part by his Russian wife and in part by Red Square in Atlantic City, says customers will be able to select from over 100 vodkas stored in a transparent walk-in fridge — including, he hopes, a Russian one exclusively distilled for the lounge. The interior will be what he describes as “real over-the-top, like communist Russia back in the day. Lots of gold and arches. We’re planning on putting old Russian uniforms around the place.” Pravda, you’re on red alert.
Related: Webster Hall Owner Spending $3 Million to Open a Nice, Quiet Place
Mediavore
Jacob the Jeweler, Sam Mason Want to Sell You Liquor; Farm Aid This SundayJacob the Jeweler will debut his new vodka Bocaj (his name ba-zz-ackwards, yo) at the MTV Video Music Awards. Of course. [Snack]
In more vodka marketing news, 360 claims to be the most ecofriendly spirit on the market as it’s bottled in recycled glass and made from local grains. Bet it doesn’t “shine like a sparkling diamond” like Jacob’s. [Mouthing Off/Food & Wine]
No more one-drink limit at Sam Mason’s Tailor. Now you can drink as much as you’d like, but it’ll cost you. [Eat for Victory/VV]
