Puta Barata: Add To Your NYC Fun To Do List

[ValleyDwellerNorth]

My post will be in three parts. 1) A super-quick review of my visit to Puta Barata ( http://www.putabaratanyc.com ) on October 26th. 2) A detailed Puta Barata review. 3) An account of my whole experience in NYC. I devised this order as I know my blather isn’t to everyone’s liking. I admit I am verbose.

 

SUPER-QUICK REVIEW

This is a MUST DO event.

 

DETAILED REVIEW

The Puta Barata Parties are located in the basement of Tagine Dining Gallery (http://www.taginedining.com ). This place is truly a Moroccan Paradise located in NYC. The smells, the atmosphere and the menu truly transport you away. I look forward to the next Puta Barata where I can enjoy a meal upstairs before retreating to the subterranean paradise downstairs.

 

Steve greeted me on the street and showed me the way downstairs. Steve is the DJ/event coordinator and he is truly phenomenal. His music selection was a seamless connection of Moroccan/Turkish/Middle-Eastern/Indian music with synth-dance beats gracefully co-existing with traditional, ethnic music. There was also a light sprinkling of popular club tunes here and there. The music was thoughtfully planned, thematic to the event and never dull. What was very pleasant was that it wasn’t too loud! You could still feel the bass and, at the same time, carry on a conversation with the person next to you. Any DJ that plays “Dragostea Din Tei” by O-Zone is A1 in my book!

 

Steve and his crew most definitely know how to promote and execute a party. The first thing you notice (aside from the warm and friendly greeting you receive by EVERYONE that works with him) is the ambiance. The candles, the scents, the posters, the piece of art at the bar, the pillows, the lighting and the creative additions of hand painted patterns on the wall truly transported me to another place. I felt I was in a Moroccan Palace where my comfort was paramount and everything was designed to aesthetically please the inhabitants. The hookah, which came out later in the evening, added to the stimulating atmosphere.

 

There was no cover charge upon my entrance. It is a pleasant surprise to walk into a gay club/event and not have to pay for the fact I passed through an opening. Their 10PM-11PM Happy Hour is indeed happy. You can’t beat the prices. Even their post-Happy Hour Prices are very reasonable. This may also be the only gay club/event in NYC where you DON’T have to pay for water?! That is truly outstanding. I feel it’s the little things like water, warm greetings and genuine “customer service” that has a lasting impression on patrons. Being treated with human dignity goes a long way. In addition, I don’t like to have the impression that a place I am patronizing is doing me a favor by providing me with something. I was charged the wrong price for my first drink. I didn’t even notice it! I was apologized to twice. I believe the bartender’s name was Cathy. She was so polite and accommodating. I didn’t catch the male bartender’s name but he was a tall drink of water! He was a young, handsome, understated fellow that handled one particular sauced up fellow quite nicely. Bartenders indeed require a lot of patience. Another staff member regularly checked the tables and removed all empty glasses, napkins, etc. This was a most clean and orderly environment that was maintained the entire evening. The bathroom was also well lit and always clean.

 

The patrons at Puta Barata are truly one big happy family. There were many “pockets” of gents that use to go to Stella’s. It was nice to see those familiar faces even though I rarely talked to them or met them. It was a good, familiar feeling of what once was. All of the other gents (and a few gals who were polite and respectful of the “gay” space) were funny, intelligent and nice. I made a wonderful new friend by the name of Willie. He introduced me to a great number of the Puta Barata regulars. As my father says, they are all “good eggs”. Mr. Australia was fun to talk to and share the couch along with Willie as well. He was told that this was a “place” to check out before returning to the land down under. Mike was another fun patron who really knows how to dance. He and one other patron where shaking their hips in a belly-dancing type style. I had a front row seat to a Shakira video and I loved it. On November 7 at 7:30PM there is going to be a dancing contest. There will be a throw-down for sure as they were fierce. They were also sharing a waist wrap adorned with jewelry. Who ever had possession of the wrap took command of the center of the dance floor. The Columbian Furniture Czar and his American boyfriend were also fun to watch as their shirts came off. In general, the age range of the crowd was from 18 to 70-something. It was a fun mixture and everyone was treated equally with enormous amounts of hospitality.

 

The dancers started at 11PM. There were three dancers and, I believe, one unofficial dancer? Pedro was a Puerto Rican delight that gave me some very nice attention. He was also the first dancer I went into the lap dance room with. The lap dance room is small. However, with my girth, it was quite pleasant and very intimate nonetheless. Anyone would be comfortable. I especially enjoyed the fact I was given the choice of a “lights on” or “lights off” private lap dance. Clap-off brother! Puta Barata! It’s nice to see the TRUE art of lap dancing isn’t lost in NYC. I also appreciated the fact that I didn’t have to donate blood, apply for a small home equity loan and roll some coins to achieve this rewarding event. Thank you Pedro! James was another dancer on deck. This is my Marriott Marquee in Times Square via Stella’s James. He is all over NYC dancing and for some very good reasons. I took a few more pics with my handy dandy cellular device. However, even with my flash on it didn’t come out too clear.

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/544/ass1re8.jpg

The dancers become very friendly with everyone on the couches. The lighting is PERFECT as it’s not intrusive at all and, at the same time, you can navigate safely (take a hint 20C ). The one unofficial dancer can be best described as a twink. The three main dancers were delightful shades and variations of sexual ethnicity.

 

There is only one thing to note that could have been perceived as a negative. However, I must preface this remark in that Steve and crew had NO control over this. The AC wasn’t working for a few hours. Yes, it was warm. The AC did come back on later. I must say though that the lighting, incense and hookah aromas, candles and overall superior ambiance mixed quite nicely with the heat giving it a true foreign feeling. I am not a globe trotter but I am sure not every venue in Morocco is air-conditioned. The heat added to the sensuality of the evening.

 

Do I have any suggestions? They shouldn’t be afraid to charge even a $5.00 cover charge. The drink prices are most certainly reasonable and a lot of time and effort went into decorating the place. My other suggestion is maybe have this event twice a month?

 

Overall, I don’t think I am gushing here. I haven’t had this much fun in NYC since RED’s was open. Puta Barata was a safe, clean environment where one couldn’t help but to have fun, smile, dance a bit and enjoy the many delightful views. Steve and crew need to be commended and other club and event planners should take note that THIS is how it should be done. I can’t wait for the next one.

 

Who needs the ostentatious air of a Mr. Black event when you have Puta Barata? It’s real, it’s sincere and it’s the true example of what a “good time” party should be. You leave with great memories and a few new friends that you will look forward to in seeing in a month.

 

 

MY “OTHER” EXPERIENCE

Note to self: it’s hard to get a taxi when it rains in NYC. I know I will sound like an ass for saying this but I don’t believe I was ever in NYC when it rained? I thought people would go underground and get a subway. Each place I went to took a good 20 minutes to get a cab.

 

I stayed at my favorite place, the Super 8 Times Square. Now, this is no longer your father’s Super 8. When I checked in I requested a non-smoking room. When I made my reservation the only room available was a smoking room. The clerk told me one of their “new” rooms were available. New!? The Super 8 is going through an extreme make over. I was the first one to stay in the room I had! It was nice!

 

Notice the cushion on the headboard so you don’t get “fuck me” head.

http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/5394/1026071555tm8.jpg

 

I like the transparent bathroom door that locks. Do you really need a lock when you can see through the door? It’s still classy!

http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/5758/1026071556eu8.jpg

 

A good friend of mine gave me an iPod for my birthday. I took it along with me but didn’t bring speakers. The new Super 8 clocks have iPod input capability!

http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/7535/1026071629ay5.jpg

 

I was going to see Jonny Cage at Boots and Saddles on Christopher Street.

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/110/jonny10ws6.jpg

While I was in route he called and said something went wrong with the booking and he wasn’t going to be there after all. Taxi man brought me back to the Super 8 so I could prepare for some impromptu private time. My stars. We broke in that new room and the whole damn floor. He is truly a man’s man! He shared with me that he is on http://www.takemycum.com . Marlone, Johnny Castle, Zeb Atlas, Apollo Phoenix (you see it all in the preview fellows!), Sinful of 20C/SBNY fame, etc. are all there as well. The previews show a great deal and are very erotic. This site is the ClassmatesDOTcom version for the working fellow. Gaiety alumni, 20C boys, SBNY dancers and more are all here. I am sure you all have this website saved in your favorites already. I discover anything great 4-5 months after it's been out. Better late than never! Charlie Brown is my hero.

 

Now, in Jonny’s preview ( http://www.takemycum.com/preview.cfm?name=Jonny%20Cage ) he states, “When I am fucking someone face down and ass up I feel very powerful like a super hero, just drilling away." You don’t hear that everyday! He was Superman and I was Lex Luther.

 

A wonderful night indeed! If any of you were at Puta Barata please share your experiences as well?

 

I did feel faggy at one point and I didn’t like it. I was getting ice before I went to my room and a woman came up to me. In the deepest southern drawl I have EVER heard she asked me, “Where did you get that fabulous bag”. I told her she could get an ice bag from the front desk. She was talking about my tote! I explained to Julia Sugarbaker that I purchased my extra-large “Boat and Tote” from L.L. Bean. Before we made plans to get a facial together I left.

[+ Lucky]

Hookahs and Hookers, VDN's latest novel will probably be a best seller!

[+ Hoover42]

VDN!

 

Thanks for the wonderful review. Bravo!

 

Puta Barata sounds like it might be worth a trip all the way from DC. Let me know if you'd like some company on your next visit; I'm too shy to go by myself.

 

Maybe we can get some other Hoovillians to join us.

 

...Hoover

[Guest Rendie]

hey VDN,

 

Thanks for the great review of Puta Barata! Sounds like the three dancers were very busy last night.

 

I would have gladly joined you last night, but by the time I was done with my NYC commitment and the weather was so lousy, I called it a night. Maybe next time..

 

enjoy

Rendie

 

PS: Time to switch your porn pics from imageshack, their loss...

[ValleyDwellerNorth]

>Hookahs and Hookers, VDN's latest novel will probably be a

>best seller!

 

If my book is made into a movie who will play the gay wizard? Lucky, my wand is up to it if yours is.

[ValleyDwellerNorth]

Hi Hoover!

 

>Maybe we can get some other Hoovillians to join us.

 

That would be grand indeed! As soon as their next flyer is out it will be posted here in the forum. If you want, you can also sign up on their website for their mailing list. We shall have fun!

 

VDN

[ValleyDwellerNorth]

Rendie!

 

>Thanks for the great review of Puta Barata! Sounds like the

>three dancers were very busy last night.

 

Indeed they were. Three doesn't sound like a lot but they most certainly got around.

 

>I would have gladly joined you last night, but by the time I

>was done with my NYC commitment and the weather was so lousy,

>I called it a night. Maybe next time..

 

I almost didn't go myself after I was done with Mr. Cage. I knew I would regret it if I didn't go as my whole point was to get to the Puta Barata. I hope your NYC commitment was as great as mine!

 

>PS: Time to switch your porn pics from imageshack, their

>loss...

 

OMG! Who do I use now! I replaced the "porny" pic of Jonny with a G-Rated. Bastards!

 

VDN

[Guest Rendie]

>OMG! Who do I use now! I replaced the "porny" pic of Jonny

>with a G-Rated. Bastards!

>

>VDN

>

 

Seems like http://www.miamihost.net is now popular with some posters over at WOM.

 

 

rendie

[ValleyDwellerNorth]

>Seems like http://www.miamihost.net is now popular with some posters

>over at WOM.

 

I will give it a whirl. Thanks!

[ValleyDwellerNorth]

I just received a wonderful email from Steven and Alex, Puta Barata coordinators. I hope many of you will be able to come to the next PB event.

 

As they put it, "We decided to do these events because we were looking for something that was small and intimate in midtown, and there really is nothing, especially on a Friday night."

 

Their sincere goal and efforts really come through in their planning of a Puta Barata party. As soon as the info is out for the next event I will post it. In addition, you can always go to the website http://www.putabaratanyc.com and sign up for their mailing list.

 

VDN