If you want to seem like the sensitive guy, take her to see the Vermeer portrait Woman Asleep of a young girl at The Met. The lady sits at a table; her head leaning in the palm of her hand with an Oriental rug draped over her table. Then go for a drink at the cocktail bar in the Met overlooking the Great Hall. This is sure to ignite the flame. Next stop is Le Refuge at 166 E. 82nd St. 212-0861-4505. It's a charming French country restaurant…as if you have been transported to Antibes. If you are looking for something a little more modern and edgy, head to Butterfield 81 at 170 E. 81st St. 212-288-2700. …Intelligent and sophisticated crowd that is more downtown than uptown! Then you're off to the St. Regis Hotel at 2 E. 55th St. 212-753-4500, to linger over various nightcaps in the elegant bar. Ask Frank, the bartender, for the Veuve by the glass. If you really want to seal the deal… …check in! Just be prepared to fork over $450 - $650 per night for a room.
Start your evening at Pravda around eight or so, when the scene's a little more subdued, but the super cool are already in place sipping their vodka martinis. If you get trouble at the door, ask for Leslie Bernard, the guy (yes, Leslie is a he) ought to part the velvet ropes for you. Now that you have a good buzz going it's safe to continue on to the next spot… Head directly over to Raoul's (see Debbie Dines and Poses). Start with the artichoke, then cut into the Steak Frites and finish up with the Crème Brulee. It's now 11:30. Perfect time to arrive at Nell's. (see CLUBS) for a little jazz, or to Life (see CLUBS) for the Techno beat.
Start your night out with pre-dinner drinks at Candy Bar. The boys are friendly, the place is lively and the drinks are strong. See if you can spot nightclub promoter/owner Chip Duckett in the house. Next head to Cafeteria (see Debbie Dines and Poses) if you want to see the trendies like Victor Alfaro and Rupert Everett dining and posing. If not, try Chelsea's Viceroy for a bite. This is the gay version of "Odeon". Just about any night of the week you can hit The Lure and see leather boys at their best. Warning: There is a dress code…leather and/or uniforms only! If leather's not in your wardrobe, go down to Hell, a block or two over for a more mainstream gay scene.
