This week at work I found out the account I work on is being moved to the west coast. This makes sense because the client is based there, but what does this mean for me?My boss pulled me aside on Friday and said I have a number of options. If I'd liked to stay in the New York office it's absolutely no problem as we're under staffed and there's plenty of work to go round. But if I wanted to move with the account to the west coast I could transfer to the San Francisco office.Now everything everyone tells me about San Francisco has only ever been positive - there's a good vibe, good weather, beaches, mountains, bike riding. I've not been there yet but am flying there next week to check it out and meet the people in that office.BUT, while this all sounds exciting, I really do feel that I've found my feet in New York. And with fun nights like last night I just don't know if I want to give that up.It was Jenny's bday and second time lucky we managed to organize a night out at the Kuma Inn and the Back Room.
The Kuma Inn was a pleasant surprise. Located in the Lower East Side (between Delancey and Ludlow), if you blinked twice you'd miss it. It was on the second floor of an old building so the entrance at a street level was simply an open door and a flight a stairs. There was no official signage as far as I could tell, rather just the words Kuma Inn in think bold letters, sloppily sketched in faded red paint on the wall. As I made my way up a steep flight of stairs, the smell of Detol assaulted my senses. My first thought was - this is not a good. But as I got to the top of the stairs, the place unfolded into a cozy, warmly lit little restaurant decorated with simple, yet tasteful pieces art.
The food was amazing. We ordered a bunch of specials a la carte. The advantage of having a group of people meant we were able to taste a huge variety of dishes, and some of them were so good, we ended up going for a second round and ordering them again. I'd recommend the prawn sui mai, scallops and pork chops. Hmm mmm. Oh did I mention the place was BYO too? Bonus!
After that we headed to the Back Room for some vodka in tea cups. At first I was a little worried we wouldn't get in as the group in front of us got turned away, but luckily we had the right boy/girl ratio and got through. I've been to the Back Room 3 or 4 times now but this was by far one of the best nights I've had there. The place was heaving and there was a really good vibe. As is the case every time I've been, we tried to get into the room behind the bookcase, but were turned away by the 8 ft tall burly security guards. I think they've heard the 'I know Tim' line one too many times (Tim Robbins owns the bar). Next time we shall try the 'I know Susan line'...
Vodka in tea cups!
Vodka in tea cups being replaced by beer in tea cups
The sneaky brown paper bag and the secret beer which feeds us all.
Vodka in tea cups!
Vodka in tea cups being replaced by beer in tea cups
The sneaky brown paper bag and the secret beer which feeds us all.
