Potent party at Prive

People are being difficult today and you should try to accommodate them as much as you can. If they get too pushy, though, feel free to push right back — that ought to teach them something!

(So says my horoscope.)

Speaking of potential difficulties and lessons learned, last night my strapping specimen of an escort and I attended the Yelp Elite Speakeasy-style event at Prive in the West Village. We were extremely crappy Yelpers in that we both forgot to obey the dress code (despite me owning an Aly Capone costume and his entire wardrobe being black!) AND forgot the secret elite password.

I suppose it was a pretty meek security night ( they have nothing on the tea party!) and we were instantly granted acceptance anyway. Inside, it was an array of brilliantly concocted era-esque outfits (none cooler than Aly Capone, though) and cocktails sponsored by Zyr vodka.

In general, I am not a fan of similarly sponsored parties…it shoves flavors and products down your throat you may not even want, all in the name of advertising. It often results in one being stuck drinking whatever the appointed cocktail of the night is (say orange vodka on the rocks) when all you really wanted was a nice glass of Chardonnay. In truth, it just takes away our options, and therefore makes the party a whole lot less fun.

I also have a problem with hubris, and a brand claiming in their marketing materials they are the “best vodka ever” is generally sort of difficult to swallow. However, this one rolled down my throat just fine. First of all, this is Russian vodka - Russia is the home of vodka, thus, they have an idea of what they are talking about. It also has a thick yet smooth taste with a slightly peppery undertone, with a sweet finish. It works well mixed (It was absolutely a cosmo sort of night) or straight up (my first dry martini!), and I had to admit, at least in this case, a sponsored party is not that bad at all.