To close and celebrate 2009, we asked a collection of friends, industry types, bloggers, and readers to weigh-in on the best and worst of 2009. We also spoke to a few nightlife experts to get their their 2010 predictions, what they are most looking forward to, and suggestions on improving New York's nightlife.
Q: What are you looking forward to and how would you improve NYC nightlife?
Eugene Remm - Abe and Arthur's, Tenjune, SL: I'm looking forward to a stable economy so that people can continue to come in with high spirits. I am seeing it now during the holiday season for the first time since 07 and its great. Going forward, Leave the garbage talking in the garbage. Work hard and leave the Napoleon attitudes to other occupations. We aren't curing cancer.
Michael Satsky - Provocateur: I predict that New Yorkers will become more influenced by House music and engage in a more international culture. In 2010, If your going to build something make sure its intended to conceptually impact the industry.
Matt Levine - The Eldridge, Levant East: The continued growth of The Lower East Side, and want to see operators, and owners relying on themselves, their brand, their product, and their team to build their customer and guest base, rather than rely on promoters.
Steven Kamali - nightlife real estate guru: Looking forward to Artichoke Pizza, Talbot at The Mondrian, Colicchio’s reincarnation of Craft Steak. On making nightlife stronger: Operators banding together to eliminate the Community Board process altogether.
Matt Kliegman and Carlos Quirarte - The Smile, The Jane Ballroom: Looking forward to the when the Ballroom at The Jane reopens. In 2010 - Mix it up. Mix it all up.