TOP FIVE: Bars for the UN General Assembly

Lexbar: dark and intimate

By Camila Viegas-Lee

The 65^th United Nations General Assembly opens this Thursday, September 23^rd. It is a pretty exciting week for everyone who cares about the millennium development goals and what not. But if you couldn’t care less, avoid the stretch between Midtown East and Murray Hill. There will be security checks, barricades and protests everyday of the week… and the traffic will be impossible.

For those who are visiting and want a little taste of the brouhaha or those who love the irresistible hustle and bustle of the international delegations, here are the five best places to hang out, have a drink and try to figure out what language the exotic cutie next to you is speaking:

Asia de Cuba at the Morgans Hotel – the theatrical Philippe Starck-designed space includes a 15-foot tall holographic photo lightbox featuring a running waterfall. Go directly upstairs and order the famous Asia de Cuba mojito ($14). 237 Madison Ave. (between 37^th and 38^th Streets)

Rare View at the Shelburne Hotel – don’t miss the blood orange cosmopolitan ($12) in this cozy imbibery. Too bad the rooftop is closed already but it reopens in April. There’s plenty of space and plenty of clever cocktails. 303 Lexington Avenue (with 37^th Street)

Lexbar at the St. Giles Court Hotel – reopening tonight, this is the famous WetBar refurshed with crescent-shaped banquettes, leather chairs, and fatty couches. Don’t miss the Guava Sin made with tequila, triple sec, and guava purée ($15). So dark that you can drop 10 years of your age when introducing yourself to the exotic cutie mentioned above. 130 E 39^th Street (between Lexington and Park Avenues)

Sakagura – basement space hidden under a business lobby that will make you feel in a small Japanese village. Try the tasting set of sakes and get a lesson on supai and amae before talking about Japan’s new prime minister. He is a hot new celebrity at the Assembly. 211 E 43^rd Street (between 2^nd and 3^rd Avenues)

The World Bar – ground floor of the Trump World Tower condominium. Long, white, backlit marble bar, big windows and 23-karat liquid gold drinks for $50 to indulge your delusions of grandeur. 845 United Nations Plaza (with E 47^th Street)

Don’t miss Thursday: BrazilFoundation’s Annual Gala After Party at the Boom Boom Room!

Amazingly, tickets are still available for this happening event. Imagine Brazilian specialty caipirinhas by Leblon, music by The Misshapes, and a hip crowd at the hottest club in town, the Boom Boom Room at the Top of the Standard. On top of that, rest assured that every penny you pay on your tax deductable ticket will go towards social projects in Brazil. And that’s a fact. I’ve been a volunteer with this wonderful institution, and pretty involved in the preparations of this year’s 8th benefit dinner which will be held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art (sorry, that one is sold out). But who knows, maybe Gisele might decide to join the Après-Met fete as well.

Hurry and secure your spot at the top of the world to make a difference in your planet.

INFO AND TICKETS

Harvest in the Square: Enjoy a gourmet feast under a tent in Union Square

Looking for a different restaurant experience? How about a choice of sixty dishes in one night? Join the “Harvest in the Square” event. For the past 15 years, and a larger tent each year, this gourmet fall opener is a real treat. Sixty chefs of the Union Square neighborhood will be cooking up their signatures dishes for the community, and you are invited to join the banquette.

Among the restaurants that will be represented: Aleo, Blue Water Grill, Rosa Mexicano, SushiSamba Park, Union Square Cafe, ABC Kitchen, Aldea, Bocca, Hill Country Chicken, Kellari Parae and The House.

General Admission tickets for 7:30 PM are $125. VIP tickets are $400 and include early admission, mingling with special guests, hors d'oeuvres and champagne toast. Proceeds benefit the Union Square Partnership's ongoing beautification and maintenance of Union Square Park. For tickets, visit harvestinthesquare.org.

Photo Exhibition: Brasilia at 1500 Gallery in Chelsea

Brasilia is an architects playground. You don’t see much people around town, but everywhere you look, imposing modernistic buildings expand along the horizon. Renowned architect Oscar Niemeyer and urban planner Lucio Costa envisioned the capital of Brazil in the 1950’s. This year, Brasilia celebrates half a century of existence and tonight, in Manhattan, Brazilian photographers unveil their reading of one of this completely designed political town.

OPENING RECEPTION TONIGHT!

Spetember 15^th from 6-8PM

1500 Gallery is located at 511 West 25th St. #607

The group exhibit curated by Murillo Meirelles at 1500 Gallery is on view until November 27^th.

1500 Gallery