Morning Roundup: Local Ties Edition
DCist Preview: Thao & Portland Cello Project
Overheard in D.C.: A Strange World
D.C. Cutting Back its H1N1 Vaccine Clinics
The Weekly Feed: Running from Pigs Edition
If there's one complaint that I've heard more than any other about the Real World's imminent arrival in town this week, it's this: where are the alcoholic safe houses going to be for all of us that don't care about the true stories of seven strangers living together, preferring our own stories which don't involve having jobs handed to us and living in a Dupont Circle mansion?
Or simply put: where are we going to drink, and how many of our favorite places will be tainted?
Fortunately, Going Out Gurus' Fritz Hahn did the yeoman's task of digging up a partial list of clubs where Real World cast members will be welcome -- and two legendary outposts where plenty of locals will be relieved to see that they won't.
First of all, Columbia Heights residents will certainly be reassured to see that Wonderland Ballroom will be one of the few institutions that will likely remain MTV-free. Hahn's story includes this adorable little tale about Wonderland owner Matt McGovern:
"I don't know if I'd let them film here." So [McGovern] put my question to a vote of the patrons present, shouting "Should we let 'The Real World' film in here?" Audible groans and murmurs of dissent could be heard on my end. "I guess the answer's no," he said. "We almost run the bar like a democracy, and certain things have to be put to a vote."
Also on the blacklist, according to the story: Black Cat, where owner Dante Ferrando noted that camera crews would be a change when "[w]e don't even let people take pictures of people they don't know inside the club." Touche, good sir.
On the list of Real World-approved outposts: Cobalt, Russia House (which likely has a good chance to be the cast's "go-to" bar, since it sits right down the street from the house), Gazuza and Chi-Cha Lounge, Town, Shadow Room, Cafe Saint-Ex, and Bar Pilar -- most believing that any sort of involvement with the show would be an immediate boom for business. None of them are really that surprising -- although folks looking to grab some dinner at Saint-Ex or a cocktail concoction at Bar Pilar would probably be surprised to see a bunch of wild co-eds cavorting around the place. But it's tough to argue with -- it is obvious that there will be plenty of folks looking to get their mug on the telly, and in such a competitive environment any extra business is good business.
So, what do you think of the list so far -- is there a bar you adore that you're selfishly hoping will shun the MTV crowd and stay your own?
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I don't think Bar Pilar and Cafe Saint-Ex can fit all the extra people they think they will attract with this "savvy" business move.
I think Hooters in Chinatown is the perfect location to keep them out of my favorite bars. But if the happen to spill over into RFD, I might cry.
I'm sorry, but I can't hold this in anymore. RFD's sucks. Is it a restaurant? Is it a beer bar? Is it a sports bar? Why choose when you can do all three things crappily. Of course I also might just be venting frustration after I found out today that Fado's took the chicken pot pie off their menu. If they take my curry chips I'm outta here.
Creating DCist post synergies and guaranteed drama: the Real World-ers should work for Juanita Miller at WSSC.
Sure, that would add to the incompetence ... but would WSSC be managed any more poorly in such a scenario? Discuss.
Is Russia House even a normal bar where a 23-year-old whose name doesn't rhyme with Smovechkin can go and throw down a jagerbomb? We'll know fairly early on, since the place has to be lit for filming (and, of course, the owner has to consent). My guess for the usual is Town - they're still pretty new, and that's the kind of clientele that they're trying to attract, so they have the least to lose by allowing the Real Worlders in, much more so than a place like Bar Pilar or St.Ex, who run the risk of driving away regulars and high spending folks who are tired of hanging out with the lawyers at Local 16. I haven't been to Chi-Cha in a while; I thought that place turned Eurotrash, and aren't most places trying to show less casual smoking?
Now granted, you aren't going to be able to walk three feet in there on the weekend without tripping over some of the sketchiest-looking Eurotrash in town, but other than that, it's a pretty normal bar with a superb vodka selection and decent service.
Actually, the cast is already in town...they are all staying in separate hotels and do not know each other.
In addition, there has been rumors about Russia House being considered as a potential hot spot for them. It's only natural, it's a bit understated and most mistaken for a townhouse.
Town is not a suitable choice unless the entire cast members are GAY!!! Which they are not!!! Sorry MatVey!!!
And yes, there are folks that go to Russia House that names don't rhyme with Shmovechkin. In addition, Russia House doesn't really cater to the prissy little gays that frequent Town and JR's and Cobalt. It's a little more sophisticated for you MatVey it seems. And yes, they serve JaggerBombs, but that is so 80's and FratBoyish...get a little more sophisticated then we can talk MatVey..
Besides, who wants to trek half way across town when there are other bars just south of Dupont?!
reading that gog article, wonderland doesn't sound like it's completely out. he says he'd let them come film outside of business hours, and if they can get a foot in the door, i'm sure they'd be able to finagle some kind of deal.
don't count your chickens yet, columbia heights hipsters!
now, i'd love to see them go to the saloon and ask commy if they could film in there. i think the reaction would be worth having on film for sure!
Washingtonian has suggested #rwwatch as the tag for Twitter spottings of Real World folks. Should be handy for both RW groupies and those who, sensibly, want to stay as far away as possible.
The youth of Columbia Heights have taken a vote, and they will allow filming while throwing rocks at cast members walking to CommonWealth.
I was just starting to like Saint-Ex, too. I'm very pleased that the Black Cat will be spared from Real World nonsense. I think at a place like Town it won't matter so much since it's enormous. I agree with groovyrooster about Saint-Ex not being able to fit all the people it wants to attract.
Does Pilar still serve deepfried tater tots and bacon marys? If not, they and the Real World cast can go f**k themselves with a white hot mini hangar steak skewer ($9.99 each).
Does Pilar still serve deepfried tater tots and bacon marys? If not, they and the Real World cast can go f**k themselves with a white hot mini hangar steak skewer ($9.99 each).
Does Pilar still serve deepfried tater tots and bacon marys? If not, they and the Real World cast can go f**k themselves with a white hot mini hangar steak skewer ($9.99 each).
I was told second-hand that Halo (on P St across from Whole Foods) has given MTV permission to film inside their establishment. Good to know that RW will have a go-to gay bar.
Isn't Town a gay club?
Yes.
two legendary outposts where plenty of locals will be relieved to see that they won't
Can a bar that's only been open four or five years really be called "legendary?"
Why is this an issue with people? Who fucking cares? So what, you can't go to "your" bar, one night? Too bad. If you go and you don't want to be on film, then don't get in front of a camera. It's not that hard...
After the President went to Ben's, I couldn't get a half smoke without waiting in line for an hour for about two months. There will be effects beyond the actual day of filming, and the fact that most of the decent DC bars are already bursting at the seams on a typical weekend, this could get ugly.
I believe TRW obtained a permit to film at Halo, not Cobalt.
Good, let them go and show the world how Halo tends to be racially segregated haha can't wait to see that broadcasted for all to see!
Good, let them go and show the world how Halo ends up with the white folks on one floor and 'everyone else' on the lower floor. That's a great image of the gay community in DC to send out on the airwaves...
I heard that they've gotten permission for Nellie's too (right down the street from Town). Not like one more queen in DC is going to make a big difference.
The RW still exists?? They didn't retire it like 5 years ago? But most disturbing...people still watch it???
noooooo not nellie's!
fox and hounds on 17th street confirmed they have joined the real world bandwagon too ... there goes the neighborhood!
I'm definitely going to be all over these places that they will probably be! Third Edition has been confirmed as well, and McFadden's is a "probably."
http://loveelizabethany.blogspot.com/2009/06/elizabethanytv-finding-rwdc-episode-1.html
It's going to be a while ride. ;)
Considering that the list is pretty heavy with gay bars, this news pretty much confirms that there is at least one gay (probably male) cast member.
As long as they stay away from the Red Derby, I could give two $hit$ where they go.
Owh, Town and Cobalt are bad enough as it is, the last thing we need is MTV making them even more trendy... alas... I guess I shouldn't be surprised, they'll have to have a token gay guy on the show, so no doubt he'll want ot invade the good places... though I kinda wish they'd stick to Halo, I never go there anyway...
I'm not surprised about some of the bars on the list though, Town often tends to be a sell-out to the highest bidder. You can't even go on Saturday night's anymore because they sell out to all these bachlorette parties who come in and turn the gay bar into a chich fest... I'm all about integration but we like our hangouts for a reason (namely to look at and dance with attractive men)... TOwn will up the cover, up the drink prices, probably get rid of no cover before 11, and no doubt every straight girl in town will want to get a peek at whichever hearthrob they can find for the show. I wouldn't be surprised if you start seeing lines form when there are seldome lines normally. Nellies is already too crowded on most weekends and you can't even get upstairs, so I'm not sure how they plan on fitting a camera crew in there too! Aye me...
I was thinking that the Herpes Triangle would be perfect for these folks. Rumors was practically created to be an MTV bar. Lucky Bar, etc... on the "Douchbag Corridor" on Connecticut south of Dupont are also good candidates.
The cast will also be at Mai Thai:
http://readysetdc.com/2009/06/15/dc-real-world-at-mai-thai/
Who knows, maybe the cast won't really care about booze...?
Without booze they have no show.
I'm shocked that Macfadden's wasn't the first bar they signed up.
2nd for Rumors.
Also, they should try Love on NY Ave in NE... hope they don't get lost! heh heh
3rd Tumors. Also, Mad Hatter's pretty douchetastic.
Exactly. I'm quite certain that Mad Hatter's is a member in good standing of the Herpes Triangle.
As long as they stay out of Gordon Biersch and the ESPN Zone I'm in good shape. Those are my places.
What?
rhino's, mcfaddens
although they're quite a hike
Nearly every bar in DC is filled with douches. What's a few more added to the mix?
Nearly every bar in DC is filled with douches. What's a few more added to the mix?
These forums and self important complainers crack me up! As if any of these people would have ever been interesting enough to be considered for the real world. I am sure every person on here will be tuning in to the show and boasting about how the real world was in my favorite bar/neighborhood when they were in DC. I actually hope I see them at all my favorite places. Write these down RWDC folks: Buffalo Billiards, The Big Hunt, Fox & Hounds, Russia House, Gazuza, Brickskeller...just to name a few of the places I hang out. I also hope to bump into them dining at Lauriol Plaza, Sette and Bistro Du Coin. I live nearby and really happy to have my neighborhood showcased. Be happy people, just be happy!
It can only be good business for DC if places in town are perceived as glamorous and desirable. And if the complainers wish to avoid the TV cameras, it should not be hard. I am so tired of the attitude in this town. Snobs.
i'm truly sorry you think the people on the real world are "interesting"