"If you realize you have been charged a Gratuity on ANY check that has not been stated clearly in writing that a charge will be given(Re: 8 persons or more at a table) on the menu- IT IS ILLEGAL.
Ask for an ITEMIZED receipt- Keep the receipt, make a copy of it with your Credit Card Statement showing the charge(or cash receipt) and leave a verbal complaint along with a return receipt USPS mailed copy to
A) The Better Business Bureau at (212)533-6200 AND the SLA at (212) 961-8378.
The establishment will get a fine, a written warning, and could induce a visit from the IRS to go over the accounting and Tip procedure."
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Posted by King Ralphy at 08:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Is the return of the Roxy imminent? According to concerns citizens in the nearby neighborhood, the answer is a resounding yes. Originally a warehouse converted into a roller rink, the Roxy converted itself into a full on nightclub in the mid 1980's, and became a focal point for the beginnings of hip hop in NYC. The Roxy powered into the 90's, hosting John Blair's famously gay Roxy Saturdays, but eventually closed for good in 2007 after the building was sold to residential developers. With development plans stalled, the Roxy attempted a 2008 comeback which was derailed. Now the Roxy is ready to try again, but Chelsea residents are already signaling they will fight this license application to the bitter end. Local business owners are emailing their customers and neighbors to warn them about next month's CB4 licensing hearing, talking up how the neighborhood has changed for the better and the Roxy no longer fits in. This should be a fun one.

But now they say: After DBTH broke the news of the Roxy's attempted comeback yesterday, Steve Lewis colors in the lines, saying that there is already trouble in paradise. The most current efforts to revive the space were led by Neal Erman, but the building's owner would only work with former Roxy frontman Gene Denino (real name). Those two couldn't agree on a deal, so the whole thing may be scrapped. Can anyone save it? Maybe, according to GNML, who says:

Although rumors of another group headed up by international DJ and all around nice guy Victor Calderone, spin right round like a record playing, Gene says he is not talking to them but is looking at another situation. My bet is John Blair who ran the long running gay-based Saturday night party will step up with investors.

Is anyone at BB really editing these pieces? Jesus. Anyway, no one really cares if the Roxy comes back or not. The community doesn't want it, and there is no proof that the consumers want this kind of operation either. But it's fun to watch these trains run themselves right off the tracks.

Hmph... Well we still have Peter's WORK parties!

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Posted by King Ralphy at 08:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

From down by the hipster:

"DBTH broke the news that the Box had started its cost cutting moves in April, and that Simon Hammerstein had laid off the House Band and hired some craptastic acts in July. Today, our friends at Page Six break the news that longtime host Raven has been replaced by Joey Arias from Cirque du Soleil. Combine this with the theme nights they have been running all summer, we expect the next news will be a cutback in operating hours, followed by an announcement that Matt Levine is the new Director of Programming."

Posted by King Ralphy at 08:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Artist's fake drug dealing riles NYC residents

AP Thu Aug 13th, 2009 9:18 PM EDT

NEW YORK - Brooklyn residents are riled over a performance artist who's been delivering bags of fake crack. The Daily News reported that Nate Hill makes the deliveries dressed in a white tuxedo and a dolphin headpiece. He shows up between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., like a real drug pusher.

Enrica Serrero said she ordered the "candy crack" at a Williamsburg party last Sunday. Says the 21-year-old: "I'd definitely do it again."

Hill calls it "amusing theater."

Ismael Torres, who's president of a tenant association, is not amused. "I've seen too many cemeteries, too many hospitals, too many funeral parlors," Torres said.

Kevin Wadalavage of Outreach Project, which treats substance abusers, said he is "dumbfounded."

Tee Hee
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Posted by King Ralphy at 08:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

Pics & Videos later. =]

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Posted by King Ralphy at 08:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

GIVEAWAYS

The early bird gets the worm this Friday morning! (And that doesn't mean that the two hot guys who got to the office earlier than you did were banging on your desk!)

We're sending 5 people (and a guest) to Junior Vasquez's birthday party on Saturday. All you have to do is e-mail me at charles@gaysocialites.com or send me a Twitter message and the first FIVE people to respond win FREE tickets! It's that easy!

Saturday August 15
Pacha NYC presents...

JUNIOR VASQUEZ
BIRTHDAY BASH!
featuring music by the bday boy along with RAZOR & GUIDO

Perhaps one of the most notorious names in house music, Junior Vasquez has influenced countless superstar DJs, worked with everyone from Madonna, Whitney Houston, Janet jackson, to MC Hammer, Prince and the Pet Shop Boys, and has single-handedly defined dance music as we know it. Tonight Pacha proudly celebrates the birthday of a legend, with music by the birthday boy himself along with very special guests Razor & Guido.

Can't wait to see if you win? Buy tickets now here: pachanyc.com/juniorbday/.

Posted by Charles Winters at 03:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)