In the Line of Fire
All of you Flaming Dr. Pepper lovers might want to rethink your drink of choice—you might just end up on fire. That’s exactly what happened to a lady at Brother Jimmy’s when a bartender poured 151-proof rum across the bar and lit it on fire, causing her to be “engulfed in flames.” No word yet on whether this bartender was retarded.

NY Post via Eater: Molotov Cocktail

Fight For Your Right…To Party
Things almost got out of hand at the Paper Nightlife Awards when Steve Lewis, owner of Limelight, nearly punched Clubland author Frank Owen. We’re shocked there weren’t more battles with so many big personalities (egos) in one space.

NY Mag: Battle Royale: ‘Paper’ Awards Bring Feuding Party People Face to Face

Southern Hospitality Not So Hospitable
Looks like JT is a bit of a Scrooge—a former busboy is suing him and his restaurant, Southern Hospitality, for withholding tips and overtime pay. We say: take ‘em to the bridge, Felipe!

AP: NY Busboy Sues Timberlake Restaurant Over Pay

Need a Stiff Drink?
Bartending school enrollment is up by 20-25%, no doubt due to the recent massive layoffs. If you’re going to spend all that free time in the bar, might as well make some money, right?

Daily News: When All Else Fails, There's Bartending

Knitting Factory Layoffs Make Us Stabby
Not only is nightlife institution The Knitting Factory closing up shop and moving across the river after New Year’s Eve, but now we know that all of its 65 staff members (excluding two managers) will get the ax. Bah, humbug.

NY Press: Knit Fit

Lush for Life
Friends, family and press attended the preview of City Winery this week, where the waiters are not waiters but “wine stewards.” The rest of you will have to pay $50 annually to become a Vinofile member and wait until the Joan Osbourne concert on New Year’s Eve. We’ll stick with boxed wine for now, thanks.

Eater: The Build Out: City Winery Shows Off The Goods


~Courtney Stoutamire