I thought there might have been a chance a conversation like this was going to break out.
1. @Cassat, I absolutely would be open to establishing a cocktail club. I really enjoy trying out cocktails, whether at a bar, or on my own. So, if there are others that share that interest, for sure, let's do it!
2. I don't quite understand/agree with the idea that whenever an "upscale" establishment opens, it means the end of a neighborhood's character. For starters, I simply don't believe in the dramatic domino effect that many people seem to think would undoubtedly happen. I lived in Jamaica, Queens when City Rib opened. It was the first of its kind. A upscale sit down BBQ restaurant in a sea of takeout and fast food. But it didn't change the tide of the neighborhood. In fact, the opposite happened. Despite its best efforts (and good food), it ended up succumbing to the neighborhood's interests and became a slightly more upscale version of Applebees. And the quality of its food went with it.
I simply don't subscribe to the unconditional belief that you cannot have the old and the new. And it's honestly really frustrating sometimes to hear from people who seem so categorically against any change in a neighborhood. Economics do play a part. But it's dramatic — I think — to take a single scenario of a single business, and project its implications onto the long-term character and livability of a neighborhood. One business is hardly reflective of a "trend." And it's trends that change neighborhoods.
I'm sorry, I'll get off my soapbox. But my point is that all I wanted was to discuss a good place to get good drinks. And I feel like any time something that ISN'T currently available in JH is brought up, it's labeled as upscale, yuppy, hipster, out-of-touch or character, gentrification, or some other negative connotation. Why can't it just be another dimension to an ever-growing and diversifying neighborhood? Jackson Heights, as we all know it, is only about 30 years old.
And for the record, so people don't think it's just a bunch of white yuppies who are interested in this, I'm Afro-Hispanic. So, let's not go there. This isn't a race thing.
