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For the fortuitous drinker who also retains a shred of loyalty in their choice of watering hole, the relationship with certain bartenders can really blossom. No, not like that—she has a boyfriend, dude. I’m talking about a simple friendship not totally tied to the service economy at play. Stick around long enough with a friendly attitude, and you might just get a drink or two comped. Lucky you!

Could it be? A beer garden is now open that offers baby back ribs, cornbread, ping-pong, and board games – and it's in Manhattan?  Dreams come true, and its the lauded Blue Ribbon team who's making it happen with tonight's grand opening of Blue Ribbon's Beer Garden, right outside the Thompson LES. Just shimmy through the Blue Ribbon Sushi Izakaya to the terrace, and you've arrived. 

Chandon Brut Classic is a sparkling wine from California that tastes very good, costs $22, and comes in a red, white, and blue bottle that's inspired by the idea of the American summer. The Dream Downtown is a hip New York hotel owned by my Indian alterego Vikram Chatwal that's popular with celebrities, artists, and bon vivants of all stripes. Last night Chandon hosted a party at the Beach at the Dream Downtown, a funky day-and-nightclub by its second-floor swimming pool--to kick off a season of sun, fun, and bubbles. Naturally, the Chandon was flowing freely, both on its own--in white and rosé expressions--and in cocktails. I arrived early with my English friend Steve, and we plopped down on a cushioned bench by the pool and watched the scene unfold.

Do I know what you're doing this Memorial Day Weekend? No. But do I know what Ke$ha is doing? Yes. The star who proclaimed 21 times that "we're gonna die young" in her hit song will be hosting and performing for the opening of Haven Nightclub – the new dance club inside the Golden Nugget that brings the slot machines and roulette tables under the stars to its own outdoor veranda, complete with fire pits and lounges. For the first time ever in Atlantic City, nightlife shakes hands with gaming and "takes it outside."

There are four times this summer when several very peculiar things are happening in the Hamptons. Things like "having your chilled Dom Perignon rosé parachute-delivered 13,500ft by a skydiver," or "eating French toast bites alongside Angus beef sliders and lobster rolls." Sounds familiar? Then perhaps you've been to Day & Night in NY – the Koch brothers' sparkler and DJ-filled brunch party – and perhaps you'll be very happy to hear: it's taking over Montauk for the third year in a row. 

NOW OPEN: Chi Lin For The Sexy-Rocker Types
Get your chopstick etiquette in check because Chi Lin is now officially open on Sunset. Brought to you by Innovative Dining Group (the folks behind Boa and Sushi Roku), Chi Lin is a sexy, intimate new dining spot dishing out creative Hong Kong cuisine like Pin Pei Chicken served with hand-made porbien crepes and Leaves of Wild Yam in Lemon Zest, a superfood dark green leaves of wild yam. Insane. Expect lanterns, mirrored ceilings, sleek booths, and a whole lot of neck-craning. Oh, and good Chinese food, of course. 

TONIGHT (Monday): High On The Hog
The world’s greatest ham comes from the Pata Negra pigs that gorge on acorns in Spanish forests. If you’ve never tried Jamón Ibérico de Bellota, stop by Boqueria Flatiron tonight, where the tastings are free. (A sherry pairing is not a bad idea.) 

When people tell me they're getting married, I have only one piece of advice to offer, a simple rule that will ensure the event is memorable for all the right reasons: No booze before the I do's. By which I mean, don't have an open bar until the vows are over. Passed hors d'oeuvres, soft drinks, sure. But give your guests cocktails and they'll be talking through the vows, laughing and yammering on as you profess your love to your future spouse. You will hear them, and you will hate them for the rest of your life. I've seen it happen. "Do you take this woman ... HYAW! HYAW! HYAW! ... To have and to hold ... OH MY GAWD LOOK AT THE FLOWERS ... In sickness and in ... LOOK WHO SYLVIA CAME WITH ... until death do you ... DID YOU GET A GOOD PARKING SPOT?" It's terrible. Everything else about a wedding will fall into place if you keep the bar closed until you're officially married. Anybody who didn't already know  was given a taste of what happens when you ignore this rule last night at Manhattan's Gallow Green, where Italian aperitif maker Campari hosted a faux-wedding between historical figures Davide Campari and Lina Cavalieri as part of the ongoing Manhattan Cocktail Classic.

Th Meatpacking's sexy steakhouse STK gets even sexier tomorrow when it opens its single greatest facet: the rooftop.

In honor of the national holiday that is National Burger Month, I'm devoting Fridays to the world's love for the juicy, dripping beast that is The Burger. First honored were the weirdest burgers, then the smallest burgers, and today, I'm honoring NYC's BIGGEST burgers. Oh yes. Size matters. Take a look at these big boys: