RDV

The elusive lounge in New York is a safe haven from the gelled hair often seen at clubs, and the drink spillage and shoe wreckage that occurs at the neighborhood bars.   Saturday night we went to lounge RDV, which stands for Rendez-Vous (because every cool place needs an indecipherable acronym in this city).  The bar is beneath the notorious Bagatelle, known for its wild brunches that in broad day light showcase dancing on banquettes, cutout mini dresses at 11AM, and Europeans smoking cigs outside.  If you happen to pass by on a Saturday with your hair in a ponytail in your UGG boots, its awkward.  Neither here nor there, a much simpler and more inviting scene awaits down below - if you can find it.  The door is unmarked and impossibly confusing to find, but once inside you will find yourself in a space laden with plush couches and long stemmed candles.  Similar to the Back Room and Jane Hotel, there is a 1920s speakeasy feel and an ambiance that is perfect for taking refuge on a Saturday night in the middle of winter.  We chatted, danced, and had a great night, and at 1AM as it was just picking up...we left.  Sometimes its just as fun to go home early, crawl into bed for the end of Saturday Night Live, and call it a night.