The Weekender | Competitive Pole Dancing, Alcoholic Snow Cones and Disguised Steak | New York City

10/01/09

The week is chilly. The weekend is pleasantly brisk.

PERKS

1 New Perk

This week's Perk gives you a free week at Equinox Fitness Clubs, now outfitted with iPhone-assisted bookings and eucalyptus-scented towels. Fair warning: there may be some exercise involved.

411:: UD Perks

VERTICAL ARTS

The Ultimate Pole Dance Competition

Six acrobatically inclined femmes fatales. One pole. Yes, "Miss Sexy" and five other lithe competitors are joining forces tonight to determine the best pole dancer in America. After the show, you'll get a chance to put your discerning tastes to good use, choosing which of the ladies gets the grand prize, a cool $10,000 (presumably in singles).

411:: Doors at 7pm, show at 8pm, Oct 1, Highline, 431 W. 16th St, 212-414-5994

HISTORY

Bloody Mary's Birthday Party

The St. Regis Hotel is celebrating the diamond anniversary of its fabled brunch cocktail creation with tomato/vodka concoctions from Charlie Palmer, the Spotted Pig and WD50 (among others), with ingredients including everything from onion brine to clam juice. Mimosas, while delicious, will be strictly forbidden.

411:: Starting Oct 5, in the King Cole Bar, St. Regis Hotel, 2 E. 55th St, 212-753-4500, see the menu here

CARNIVAL

Carnival Debuts the Boozy Snow Cone

If you always wished Coney Island was a little closer, filled with stilt walkers and served alcoholic snow cones, welcome to the splendor of Carnival, a new bar on top of a bowling alley with carnival-themed food, drink and merriment. Yes, it's as crazy as it sounds.

411:: Soft-open tonight, grand open Oct 8, 110 University Pl (at 12th St), 3rd Flr, 212-255-8188

SEASONAL SHACK

Shacktoberfest Begins

Just in time for the end of the actual Oktoberfest, Shake Shack is busting out a menu full of bratwurst, German beer and apple strudel. Normally we'd predict longer lines, but we're not actually sure that's possible.

411:: Oct 2-11, Madison Square Park (23rd at Madison), 212-889-6600; 366 Columbus Ave, 646-747-8770

SALE-ING

50% Off at No Mas

These archivists/T-shirt mavens specialize in retro graphics of even more retro sports icons—think Muhammad Ali, Bobby Fischer and the Brooklyn Dodgers—and the softest shirts this side of American Apparel. And thanks to our magic promo code, you'll be able to get yourself an "I'm calling it Shea" shirt at half the usual price. Citi Field will forgive you.

411:: No Mas, enter the code "2004" for 50% off

BUSINESS LUNCH

Expense Your Steak Lunch on the Sly

Now that your expense account is getting a little closer scrutiny, midtown steakhouse Maloney & Porcelli is using receipt shenanigans to even the score. They'll make any record of your porterhouse decadence disappear under the ruse of an office supplies receipt—and even deliver it in an Olive Garden bag so nobody catches on...that is, if you don't mind your secretary thinking you eat lunch at the Olive Garden.

411:: Make an order here

HOTEL HOPPING

The Crosby Street Hotel Bar Opens

As of tonight, you've got a new Soho spot for some elegant cocktailing. The tony Crosby Street Hotel's new lounge is packing drinks like the Seelbach Cocktail (a bourbon/champagne elixir), Cured Duck Spring Rolls and an alfresco space in back, perfect for your next post-Esquina nightcap—or the next time you need a little hideaway downtown.

411:: Crosby Bar, 246 Lafayette St, 212-226-6400, see the cocktail menu here

ANIMAL KINSHIP

Tanuki Tavern Opens in the Gansevoort

After cashing in his chips on Ono, Jeffrey Chodorow is trying his hand at a slightly more comfortable tavern in the same spot, complete with flowery pink wallpaper, a promising backroom behind the stairs, and a menu mixing noodles bowls and flat-iron steaks. If you weren't planning a sake bender before…it might be time to start.