And the award for most original bar name goes to…

Time Out rated Tarek Booze 'Bar of the Month" last month... Hmmmm. Tarek must know what he's doing!

* Update – ok..so my bad on his one.  I thought that the person who named this bar was just trying to be super cliche and cheesy by naming the bar after himself and putting “Booze” as his last name..when it turns out “Tarek Booz” means “To frown/to have a sad face” in Arabic.  Thank you to Joe from ‘Joe’s Box’ for correcting me!  Apparently, the owner of the bar had this to say about the name..”Can you believe we named our pub Tarek Booze? The concept of a character called Tarek, mbawwaz all day like most gov’t officials, who comes to this place and biyatrok booze instead…”

so basically, tarek booze (the Arabic expression) = pulling a sad face.

..but it can also mean tarek (Arabic) booze (English) = pulling booze = hitting the alcohol

So, essentially..you come in with a sad face (after a long day of work)..and then get all boozed up!

The joke is on me!  It actually IS the most original bar name!

Whisky Mist nightclub set to open in Beirut City!

They even have their own pin.

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According to the people over at BeirutNightLife (and Gino Raidy in particular),

“Whisky Mist is undoubtedly the UK’s most exclusive and glamorous club.  With a membership policy catering to the ultra-rich and famous, you’re likely to bump into the likes of Prince William, Prince Harry, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, Paris Hilton, George Clooney, Matt Damon, Robert De Niro, Guy Ritchie, Madonna, Christina Aguilera, Foo Fighters, The Killers, and Kings of Leon, just to name a few…

This ultra-VIP concept is coming to Lebanon, to none other than the Phoenicia Intercontinental Hotel, Lebanon’s legendary 5-star hotel.  The new club will be at Le Paon Rouge at Phoenicia – the venue is being completely transformed to be true to the Whisky Mist spirit.

According to BNL’s official source:

“Open to all members and non-members who have gained entry via table booking and the guest list, Whisky Mist at La Paon Rouge,  will be open from 22.00 – on, Tuesday through Sunday.

The club’s configuration includes a long granite bar with 3 rock crystal chandeliers, and a long communal table with leather stools separated by a lighted ice sculpture where the best spirits will be chilled to perfection!!

The main bar opens to a large mirrored split-level seating area.  The VIP dark leathered banquettes will accommodate up to 150 guests, who will enjoy friendly and professional bottle service, and another 120 guests standing.

2 Super VIP booths for the ultra-glamorous and ultra-famous, will be located right in the center of the club space.”

So, the good news is, Whisky Mist won’t be membership-only, and us humans will have a chance to rub shoulders with the stars and celebs that are sure to be gracing the dance-floor of the newest addition to Phoenicia’s host of top-notch restaurants and clubs.

When will you be able to try this out? April 2011, that’s next month!”

Move over Sky Bar.  There’s a new (and dare I say better?) nightclub in town!  To register your interest, visit The Whisky Mist website.

Whisky Mist London from the outside

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Whisky Mist London from the inside

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inside Whisky Mist London

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Leona Lewis getting ready to enter Whisky Mist

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Rihanna leaving Whisky Mist..(loveeee her makeup!)

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Beyonce leaves Whisky Mist London

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Whisky Mist, here I come!

Update: I’ve just got my hands on some exclusive, never-before-seen renderings of what Whisky Mist Beirut is going to look like!  Check it ouuuuuut!

Inside the soon to be Whisky Mist Beirut!

Inside the soon to be Whisky Mist Beirut

Inside the soon to be Whisky Mist Beirut (this bar is sickkkkkk!)

The top 5 pubs in Hamra

According to me.

1

2

3

4

5

The Exchange!

The Smirnoff Beirut/Bangkok Nightlife Exchange took place last night..and it was, without a doubt, one of the most unforgettable nightlife experiences I’ve had in Lebanon.  As is to be expected, I forgot my camera..just when I needed it most!  So.. these cellphone pics will have to do for now!  The nightlife exchange took place at “The Warehouse” seaside, next to Aishti, in Zalka..

This was the entrance..I loved the red glow of the Thai lanterns, just beautiful.

Before I continue, I just have to ask one question..why do all of the bouncers in Lebanon insist on making themselves look like mutant superheros?  I swear, I’ve seen three guys (one at Basement, one at Movenpick pool, and this guy) all with their arms so disproportionately blown up (see below)..WHY?!  Don’t they know that it makes them look ridiculous!  Anyway,,back to the partaayy pics…

ummm..yeah. The all-important bouncer at the door.

Here are some of the hostesses that were at the entrance..there were also beautiful models dressed in traditional Thai costume inside of the party..

The Warehouse..the perfect venue for the nightlife exchange..and for the Bangkok Full Moon Party! I was curious as to which venue Smirnoff would choose. I'm glad they chose The Warehouse over Buddha Bar..

I have to share with you my favorite song of the night.. “Barbara Streisand”..  Thanks Madjam for introducing it to me!  Watch the video, it’s equally as good!

I call this creature the Green Darth Vader Stilt Walker

The bar..These guys were on a role the whole night mixing Beirut and Bangkok inspired cocktails..

By far the most impressive part of the night was that Smirnoff pre-paid for taxis to take guests home!   And not just VIP guest, but all guests!  Isn’t that great?  Such a positive message on being a responsible drinker.  Great job Smirnoff!  Big props for that one!

The taxi that gave me a ride all the way back home..for FREE!

When I get some more pictures and footage I’ll be sure to share it with you!  Were you there?  If so, what was your experience like..?  I hope this is the first of many nightlife exchange projects..  Who knows, maybe next year Beirut will be paired up with Miami.

The exchange takes place this weekend!

Where are you going to be this weekend?

I’ll be at the Thailand/Lebanon Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange!

That’s right, the exchange is taking place this weekend!

Can’t wait to see what the night is going to bring..

This is where it's at!

The Basement’s Last Dance.

Was flipping through Trashed Magazine when I stumbled on the following page..

Excerpt from the text:

“We have done much, and now there is much to do about nothing.  Our time has come.  It is always darkest just before the dawn. Do not ask why.  Buildings crumble to the ground, and basements become parking levels for high rise towers.  Sometimes good things just fall apart, for better things to fall together.  But we knew it all along; change is the only constant.  Our sound has evolved, fueled by our creativity.  And now our sound can only sound louder.  Fear not, and shed no tears, The Basement will rise again.  Dance the last dance until we rest in peace on the eve of January 9th of the year 2011.”

The Basement's Last Dance

Pretty powerful stuff huh?

Basement, you will be missed.  You were one of the best places in town..and your venue couldn’t be better suited to your name!

I wonder what the future has in store for you..

Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange Project – introducing Beirut nightlife to the world!

So, I went to the Smirnoff Nighlife Exchange Project Kick Off Party last night at BO-18..what a night!  The cat suits, the cocktails, the music, the masks…everything was on point!

Smirnoff Branding at BO-18..for the Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange Project

It ain't easy wearing a catsuit!

The Smirnoff ladies at BO-18

The Project, another ambitious global marketing initative by Diageo, aims to help people discover and celebrate nightlife from around the world..  14 global cities, including two of my favorites Beirut, Lebanon and Miami, United States (Miami was the lucky city chosen to represent all of  the US!  That’s riiiight!  Represent!)  will be participating in this project.  Each city will be paired up with another city (hence the “exchange”)..so there is a good chance that Beirut could be paired up with Miami..if that’s the case,,I see mojitos in your future (and maybe some Cuban pastelitos), and lots of them..oh and female cocktail waitresses and bartenders (that is a MUST in the MIA)..  we will know for sure who Beirut’s partner city is on October 22,2010, when the official list of participating cities and their partner cities will be revealed.

Smirnoff's Mixologist from the UK was in attendance..

Crowd Shot! BO-18. Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange Project

Beirut's Nightlife Curator - Dj Madjam

So, until then what we have to do is go online and fill a virtual crate with ideas of what we think makes Beirut nightlife so amazing.. (you know..magnum bottles of vodka, fireworks, beautiful women)..Beirut’s nightlife curator for the Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange Project, DJ Madjam will pick the best ideas to be sent to Beirut’s partner city..and on November 27th, the nightlife exchange will take place.  Beirut will host a party inspired by their partner city (hopefully Miami), and the partner city (hopefully Miami) will host a party inspired by BEIRUT!

So, LIKE Smirnoff MENA’s Facebook page, then click on the “Night Exchange” tab and get started submitting your ideas!

Smirnoff MENA Facebook page

You can suggest anything from Fashion (six inch heels/micro mini skirts), Drinks (vodka red bull), Music (electronic), Entertainment (fireworks/int’l DJ’s), Food (hmm Mashawi?/the occasional ginormous birthday cake lol), Themes and Decor (Outdoor, Minimalistic), Dance moves (hmm any ideas?), as well as ideas from a Local and a Wild Card..you can also enter for a chance to win a trip (with 3 of your friends) to attend the exchange party in the partner city!  yeahh boiii..

Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange Project Beirut

So now, I turn my question to you, what makes Beirut nightlife, Beirut nightlife?  And which city would you most like to see Beirut partnered with?

*To all of my social media and branding addicts..this is an excellent case study!!

This is me..drinking responsibly from my water bottle from last night..

Tiesto for Prime Minister!

So..Where were you, while everyone else and their mother was at Tiesto on Saturday night?

If only that many people would show up in support of civic causes, Lebanon might actually get somewhere!  Perhaps we should nominate Tiesto for Prime Minister!

photos courtesy: Beirutnightlife.com

Insane turnout for Tiesto

now that's a rave...

and all for this man..