B Flat

A deep red glow behind glass doors and tiny sign that red 'B Flat' encouraged us through the doors of this once semi-secretive lounge. Slightly warmer inside that the lingering Siberian chill outside, we took a few low seats towards the back corner. A few saucy blonds sunk themselves lazily, a friend gingerly massaged a man's shoulder to wake him, in another corner. The cocktails are stealthily lethal in this lounge.

We commenced with the Groovy (shisho infused vodka, yuzu and shisho leaf) and Giant Steps (wasabi infused vodka and zuicho "junmai daiginjo" sake garnished w/ cucumber). Both were mellow and easy down, the Giant Steps a bit more pronounced with alcohol highlights.

For round two, we selected: French 75 (beefeater, lemon j, sugar and champagne) and Matador (herradura silver, honey, lime j and pineapple j). It should be noted that B Flat sexily abbreviates juice with a simple 'j' on the their menu. The gin made its presence dominate, a detail that I rather enjoyed in a lounge leaning towards speakeasy status. The Matador stole the show- was it the warmth found in the tequila? For round three, we both swung the red flag.

At three drinks, (mind you, I had a few at Haru happy hour earlier in the evening) I was cashed out. Cab home and snuggled up on the couch next to a glass of cava that went untouched...

Images: Timeout New York, Chowhound