C: Is for Clubs and all things C!

With the economy in a teeter tottering it is no surprise clubs are coming and going. Here are two new ones opening that are unique and two that closed so the new crop can reinvent itself.






Catch-22 is named after Joseph Heller’s classic WWII novel, featuring random military paraphernalia scattered randomly throughout. Though I am sure the only war going on here is the battle between the sexes. The theme here focuses on WWII and the post-war 40's. An army helmet here, soldier related art there, and food and drinks for everyone. Catch-22 is readily employing that symbol of exclusivity, with a roped off VIP section in the upstairs lounge which is a trend that stated long after WW11. Catch-22 is the newest bar in the Flatiron District featuring a Tapas lounge, historical memorabilia including manual cash registers, crystal chandeliers and a foosball table. Yup, you heard right, a foosball table! Celebrity fans already include Joan Allen, Mathew Broderick, Marci Klein, and DJ AM. Catch-22 is in the foxhole at 4 W 22nd St.

Watch out New York City is getting its own winery. City Winery will import the grapes but then everything else in the wine making process is done on premise. Customers get to make their own wine and if you don't know how, there is an 8 month class that takes you through the whole cycle. Originating in San Francisco they are branching here with a 21,000-square-foot Varick Street space offering the wine aficionados a chance to buy their own casks of vintages made for them on the spot. City Winery will be a combination members-only winery and public nightclub -- only members will have access to where and how the wine is made. Three membership options will be offered starting at $5,000 and going as high as $15,000 annually, with membership owners getting the title of "barrel owner" with their own 50 gallon American oak barrel, 4 classes each year with wine makers, and a special venue to swap their vintages with other members. Tom if I win the lottery I know what to get you for Christmas. Murray's Cheese Shop will run a cheese bar on site to help pair selections with wine. There's also a VinoFile membership card tracks wine purchases and offers discounts like $10 credits for every purchase of $100. A $50 membership gets you a $15 credit to the bar and $35 toward a class. As a member, you're also invited to special concerts and events. At least 50 varieties will be available by the glass every day, there will be classic reserve vintage wines available at the bar. On September 15th, they welcomed their first shipment of grapes, premium Zinfandel from California's Central Valley region. It's been forty years since New Yorkers have had an operational winery in the city and in November it opens again. Located on Varick near Spring Street in the old El Dairio newspaper building history repeats itself.

Lets raise a glass to these dearly departed bars and clubs.The Grand 41 E 58th St. This would-be midtown hot spot is no longer open for business. Stereo 512 W 29th St. Once the leader of the pack now it is looking to reinvent itself as the owners have plans to open a new club soon.

Names my come and go but new establishments pop up to take their place and that is a F.A.C.T.