Elite Event at The Counting Room

And… Unilocal does it again!
The Evite Event @ The Counting Room was a smashing, sophisticated soirée! As sophisticated as it can get on a hot, steamy night in Billyburg where hard cider and gin cocktails flow freely!
The fellow Unilocalers were festive and The Counting Room staff were friendly and attentive. The drinks were a hit and the apps were amazing!
Thanks Peter D. & Jane K. It’s always a pleasure!
And, I look forward to revisiting TCR!

A lot of classy sessy people showed up at this event in BK!
I haven’t been on the L train for years.
Things I tried:
An Original sin apple cider
A gin concoction (say that 10x fast)
The Gin fizz drink
Some free beer, don’t know what kind it was. Tasted like a lager. (Given out free at the Berry Park movie night.)
Two crostini bites, one with tomato’s one with ricotta & herbs.
A Unilocal shot glass, if only it came with a lanyard around it so I can carry it everywhere.
A beef taco from *EDIT* San Loco
A slice of heaven from Pizza Moto (Thanks to Wing!)
An ottoman with a secret compartment for storing things (like our bags).
The fresh breeze of A/​C coming from the one vent by the staircase
A picture with Jane, Peter, and Jessie.
Pictures here and there with everyone.
Awesome event Peter & Jane! I rarely make it to BK but for you I will!

Gin soaked joy
in a dimly light industrial basement
stories told
joyful reunions
infectious laughter
the best people, the best times
life like a
nice dream

I am glad a fellow Unilocal Elite gave me the tip to look at the Brooklyn Elite page for events. I looked and found this gem of an event. This was only my 4^th trip to Brooklyn this year, so I wandered around from the train station like a tourist staring up at street signs and down at Google Maps on my Blackberry as I bumped into hipsters and baby carriages. Counting Room was a nice mix of upscale and casual. nice but not pretentious. The bartenders and staff were great, and even when they were busy cranking out drinks, they were still very amicable. The place doesn’t seem very big, but with 2 floors, they had plenty of space to accommodate us all. Another plus to this place is that they had Plymouth Gin, my favorite. Of course, I partook in the drinks made by gin sponsor, but I just can’t pass up a Plymouth and tonic with lemon! It was great to meet a bunch of new people from the Brooklyn crew!
And as always, thanks to Peter D. and Jane K for making it all happen.

Will… iamsburg, 7:30p, The Counting Room.
The story of ONE:
Can’t miss the Elite event! I gave my arch-​neme-​sis Deanna a headstart to the Unilocal Event, but I barely got there before her. Sarah and +1 was sandwiched between us in the line into the building. Deanna thats 1:1 (see details from last Elite event at Lucky Strike).
The story of TWO:
Thank you ‘two’ Peter D. and Jane K., and the Unilocal staff for another awesome event. Jane was manning the desk when I «‘checked-​in’» and she sweetly complimented on my smiles in photos from the last event. The secret is her bubbly personality always puts an extra boost of smiling power in my cheeks. The proof is in the pics. Supervising the floor, Peter was super stylish in his button-​down, how did he not sweat? Must be because he is cooler than the other side of the pillow!
Story of THREE:
After greeting the two awesome hosts, I headed downstairs for «cocktails» as indicated by the sign. I kept a look out for the other Eat Here Assassins: Jenn L.-Wing L.-etc. I found them in the back benches with my first Elite friends Isabella W. and uh her fi… fine and friendly bf in pastel… Marco, I would raid his closet if I could. Jenn was with them, Wing was already working the crowds like the Super-​Yelper he is. We discussed all things Unilocal and food. Original Sin & Gin was poured and opened from bars upstairs and downstairs. The one per person rule kind of threw me off, but I understand that supplies were limited. I got to ‘try’ all three drinks during the night. =). It was hot downstairs, so I lost a layer about here. I wasn’t cold in my white cotton tee, but my fellow Unilocalers started sticking me with their name tags to keep me warm.
The story of FOUR:
Before the four-​way kiss (documented on the photos), there was chatter all through the room, thank you everyone ‘four’ the awesome night: my partners in crime (sorry if I ‘four’got anyone):
cameraman and reporter my bro Wing,
sis of the year Jenn,
super silly Isabella,
fancy hats and burger bro Marco,
h-​ier than a rhino Helena,
vivacious in red and black Vivian,
likes to catfight for me n the camera Catherine,
sexy looks n tag-​virgin Sandy C.
the other half of team wizz Lizz,
peter potter and the crotch John,
the manly chops Joey,
the b in ‘b’ Brian,
magic stickler Michelle
masturb…uh in the bathroom Matteo,
viv’s qt-​in-​wht friend Corrie,
shoulder violator David,
always bright smiling Rachel,
careful and cunning Kelly,
cheeks-​four-​days Briana,
bri’s +1-​sey Maggie,
lost and found DeShaun,
late in the game Julia,
eye doctored Justin,
my fav latina Nydia
and bc I’m running out of adjectives ‘four’ everyone, the AWESOME: Eugene, Laura, Lucy, Cassy, Cassandra, Deanna, Richard, James, Asprey, Marleny, Madhuri, Ki, Cara, Lisa, Jess, Jro, Jamel, Juan, Irene, Bridget, Lana, the waitress the gave us the private plate of crustini, the bartenders and bartendesses, Ron, Kenny, Peter K, A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, N, Z, 1, 2, 3, etc etc etc etc. David (s), and rumors have that Elvis made an appearance.(that’s ~4 dozen names!)
The Story of FIVE;
Five stars for another fabulous event. Check out the photos. Bye.

Bonding in the dungeon with fellow Unilocaler.
I saw John’s Crotch.
Will C. is the new Ethan C.:
Will C.:
Ethan C.:
Another awesome event at an awesome venue: great space, cool bartenders, great drinks (Breukelen Gin: I’m a fan!), yummy crostini[1].
I feel like I haven’t seen my friends ( Unilocalers and non-​yelpers) for waaaay too long. In no particular order: Peter, Eugene, Michelle, the Unluckys[2], Laura, Wing, Jenn, Sandy, Lucy, Cassy, Jro, Cassandra, Ki, Deanna, Richard, James, Joey, Brian, Sara, Marleny, Jamel, Rachel, Catherine, Madhuri, Cara, Lisa, Irene. Apologies for the ones I surely forgot to mention…
Viva Peter & Jane!
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — -
[1] Special thanks to Catherine, my food angel of the night!
[2] Yes, the whole package: all 3 of them!

What up Brooklyn!!!
I think Events like these are the reason Brooklyn is awesome. This event felt like it was in my backyard even though I live quite a distance away in Brooklyn. (Manhattan just doesn’t have that charm)
As usual, I was shy at first but when I saw some friendly Unilocalers I recognized I felt right at home and it made my week. Ben the photog did an awesome job, I think he was the star of the show at this party. The pics came out amazing!
Big hellos to Captain Pete, Jane, Joey, Matteo, Vivian, Will, Sara, Jamel, and anyone else I forgot to add!

In the World of Unilocal there is many Unilocaler races: talk a lot, talk a little, funniest, always useful, the outstanding writers, the family, dessert queens and kings, all about drinks, the night owls, the hiperproductive… and and and. («official» threat at
)
But no matter which one do you belong to, once in a while they all get together. In a place enough big to contain them. Enough hot to keep them continuously asking either a beer or a cocktail for the price of just a tip. In a place that efficiently attend all of them with only minor faults.
But no matter the race, Unilocal-​habitants are all the same. Warm welcomes. Smiles. Hugs. Its all about sharing. time, experiences and of course… complimenting without a fix-​word sentence this time. and I just have to say that it was a Chun L-​ess Unilocal event but still quite hot. literally. Ja’dore my fan.
I was sharing most of the time with the lovely Madhuri I. And James F. Isabella W and Marco. And Cara A. finally!. Jenny L., the only one who can wear a plastic «stone» in such an style. Lovely Bridget. I met Mr. Unlucky…
A brief sharing with Wing L. the moments chaser. And Will C. Cassy S. and Michelle W. In the meantime I think I push Eugene B many many times by accident. His clothes probably got that good gin too. Too briefly, with Matteo R. Peter K. Sweet Deanna W. And Helena H. and my first hug for one of my faves, Rachel A.
At the top of that, the ones who put all this together. Peter D. and Jane K. Of course.
Thanks all. amazing time as always. Why I am not surprise

My last will and testament (I last wrote one of these when I was a senior in high school):
1. I leave a few bile-​digested Gowanus Fizzes for the Toilet God
2. When I die, Peter D. and Jane K. will be at the gates of Unilocal Heaven.
3. I leave Asprey and Maeri Prospect Heights
4. I leave bridget e. and mr. unlucky a few cortaditios
5. I leave Michelle W. Wassabassco Burlesque
6. I leave Wing L., Sandy C., Catherine J., Jenn L. some tacos and sangria?
7. I leave Cassy S., jro, and Cassandra M. Sputyen Dyvil
8. I leave Will C. my Unilocal name tag!
9. I leave Richard B. a blue purse ;-)
10. I leave James F. a pack of smokes
11. I think Ki G. and Deanna W. left me early in the night
12. I leave DeShaun C. Unilocal swag
13. I leave Rachel A. some good hair ;-)
14. I leave Peter K. an SLR
15. I leave my heart in Brooklyn. Long live Brooklyn Unilocal

If I could count on both hands how many times I said yes — to the crostini’s, the bartending staff, the adorable server, the crowd, the vibe, the music, the piano — I don’t think my fingers could accommodate.
But I will give 2 thumbs up to Peter & Jane to another great event. :-)

I’ve been deflowered. Not elder-​de-​flowered or rose hisbiscus-​de-​flowered, but Unilocal-​de-​flowered. My first YEE ev-​ah.
Williamsburg is the land of vampires (ironic facial hair, sparkles, pasty white legs). Strolling down Bedford and Berry, nearly every bar is underground, dark or gloomy… and the the Counting Room is no exception.
I’m looking forward to gloomy winter days window-​side, playing scrabble and getting pleasantly drunk.

Jane K. finally knew my name — Yes!
Let me just say that I’ll be wearing a blazer and bow tie to more events because I got a ton of respect at the bar. The ‘tenders were basically throwing drinks at me. I guess it’s because classy garb screams «I’m a billionaire.» I’ve taken note of this.
The gin was good (I’m accustomed to cheap rail) but the cider was disappointingly limited (they ran out at 8). The cracker and cheese thing kind of tasted like popcorn. Did anyone else notice that?
After the event we hit up a few spots in the burger before venturing back to the promise land, Queens. However, it wasn’t that easy. We went the wrong direction on the G and made it to Queens Plaza over an hour later. We avoided late night 7 service and instead ran, yes ran, a mile or so back to Astoria.

I don’t come to this area of Brooklyn very often* but when it comes to places like the Counting Room, they’re seriously attempting to pull me out here.
I really liked this cute space, especially the upstairs with the giant open windows and true neighborhood bar feel. Everything was done up in dark, luscious woods and despite there not being a lot of space, there was still enough room between tables and tables/​bar to give people enough room to move around fairly easily.
Bartending was fantastic, though they were kind of shocked when I offered to, y’know, pay for a beer and the waitress passing out the supremely delicious little grilled cheese sandwiches didn’t get offended** when I came back for eighths.
Good to meet some new Unilocalers, including Asprey who totally needs to rock the fade again, and seeing a bunch of old friends. Aw, Brooklyn, you totally rock.
All in all, an excellent party and thanks to peter and Jane for inviting me out.
* — I was told upon entering Williamsburg that I’m too old, my pants were not nearly skinny enough and that I had showered too many times that day to be allowed in, but it was so passé to keep people out of Williamsburg, so they let me in ironically.
** — Being offended is also apparently passé, or at least she was pretending to not be passé ironically.***
*** — Williamsburg makes my head hurt.

— my +1 looked HOT.
— free gin fizzes and cider.
— hanging out with Unilocal friends and finally meeting some in person (hi Michelle!).
— a piano with a hollowed-​out top to hide DJ equipment.
— Unilocal shot glasses!
all this equaled one AWESOME night at the Counting Room. liked the atmosphere, it was kind of a cross between a lounge and a modern pub, if that makes any sense.
another job well done by Peter and Jane!
I also pitched my EPIC event idea to Peter. Unilocal Elite International Meetup at Oktoberfest in Germany. THINK ABOUT IT!

Initially I was disappointed.
The Count is one of my favorite pimps… I didn’t see him there…
But I thought that the counting room, with its grown and sexy Unilocal visitors drinking the original sin like it was true blood was indeed the greatest tribute to the a great pimp in his counting room (we all know that the greatest pimp of all time was Mr. Bubble… my hero.). Two floors of decent music and great people… there was even a piano. I sung the Unilocal Song in the counting room, which of course was a remix of the count’s counting song. It was Unilocaltastic!
You know that I am called a Unilocaler
Because I really love to Unilocal
I could sit and Unilocal all day
Sometimes I get carried away
I Unilocal slowly, slowly, slowly getting faster
Once I’ve started Unilocaling it’s really hard to stop
Faster, faster. It is so exciting!
I could Unilocal forever, Unilocal until I drop
1! 2! 3! 4!
1−2−3−4, 1−2−3−4
I Unilocal the spiders on the wall…
I Unilocal the cobwebs in the hall…
I Unilocal the candles on the shelf…
When I’m alone, I Unilocal myself!
I Unilocal slowly, slowly, slowly getting faster
Once I’ve started Unilocaling it’s really hard to stop
Faster, faster. It is so exciting!
I could Unilocal forever, Unilocal until I drop
1! 2! 3! 4!
1−2−3−4, 1−2−3−4, I love Unilocaling!
That’s the song of a Unilocaler!
Wanna See the count perform that? Lookie here:
The Count Censored:

Coming back from a hiatus to this kind of event is nice. Verrrrryyyy nice.
Jane, Peter, and the effervescent Jesse made this event the bees’ knees!*
I’m happy I got to say hi to my Unilocal people (you know who you are). I’m happy I got to bring Deanna W. as my + 1 (you know who you are). I’m happy I got to snag some of the quick-​to-​disappear «amuse bouches» that were swept around the room (you know what they are). I was happy I got to try out both the Pear and Apple cider and sniff the gin cocktail appreciatively.
Awesome.
*A Bees Knees is a gin-​based cocktail. Try it!

Bedford Street is a bit chaotic… but Berry St., well now… it’s the complete opposite and an excellent location for this wine/​spirits bar. Though, «bar» doesn’t really do the venue justice. The Counting Room is spacious, high ceilings – two floors, tons of seating – long wooden tables/​benches upstairs, cozier and more loung-​y downstairs– and a great place for a Unilocal event (or, I suspect to spend an evening, which I plan on doing very soon).
Very nice, patient bartenders, excellent (hello, strong!) gin fizz (hic) drinks and two hard ciders to imbibe. To coat the stomach, or to soak up all that gin and cider, there were tasty crostinis passed around topped with ricotta, olive oil and sea salt, or tomato and capers or, wee little grilled cheese sandwiches.
And, as usual it was lovely to catch up with Unilocalers old and new (to me). You know who you are.
Once again, an excellent Brooklyn event. Kudos to Peter*, Jane and the entire Unilocal crew!
*I almost didn’t recognize Peter in his button down shirt. Wait, did he interview for another job? (Oh, I’m kidding)

Look ma! I can count!
Zero. Zero Unilocal goodies made it into my purse. I want a shot glass!
One. One epic event at the Counting Room.
Two. Two drink options — one Sin (ful cider) and one Gin.
Three. Three different crudos that I managed to attack before they were gone.
Four. Four minutes laughing with Laura A when she asked what kind of stone was on my necklace. It was a very expensive and rare form of… plastic.
Five. Five stars for the amazing and beautiful Vivian H, who let me be her plus one!
Six. Six steps from the bottom of the stairs, you could stand in front of the cold air vent.
Seven. Seven deadly sins that I’m sure happened in some way, shape, or form before/​during/​after the event.
Eight. Eight dollars spent afterwards at the taco stand in the park.
Nine. Nine male Unilocalers/​Plus Ones that I remember meeting and high-​fiving* — Will C, Wing L, Marco, Ron C, James F, Asprey, Matteo R, Eugene B, Justin B (of Park Slope Eye)
Ten. Ten female Unilocalers/​Plus Ones that I remember meeting and loving* — Isabella W, Vivian H, Laura A, Sandy C (of Queens), Mauri, Catherine J, Lizz C, Michelle W, Deanna W, Chun’s Rachel
Eleven. Eleven name tags (at least) ended up on Will C’s shirt, but not his own.
Twelve. Twelve PM is when I finally made it home last night after our post-​YEE food hunt.
AH-​AH-​AH /​thunder crash
— - — - — - — - -
* Sorry if I forgot anyone!** I have the WORST short term and long term memory. Oh snap… where am I?
** Looks like I forgot at least one Unilocaler — DeShaun. Apologies!

Well, I didn’t count on having such a great time, but I was pleasantly surprised! Who knew free gin would gather a crowd?
This was my first Unilocal event (elite or UYE) and I wasn’t sure what to expect, but if they’re all like this, sign me the hell up!
I got reacquainted with Vivian H., and met quite a few people.
So a big «nice to meet you» to:
Nydia C.
Juan T.
Peter K.
Sandy C.
Will C.
and I know there were more, but I just didn’t remember with all the noise, liquor, low lighting, liquor, and liquor.
I’ll have to work on lengthening that list (and remembering names better!) next time.
Awkward hellos melted into drunken laughter… and what’s better than that, huh?
Now I just need to find a way to use my keychain/​bottle opener, sweatband, shot glass, button, lip balm, and nail file all at once… this could get messy.

— Another Unilocal event in Brooklyn, CHECK
— Dress to Impress, CHECK
— Show up without my plus 1, CHECK
— Got my drinks (Cocktail, Cider) CHECK
— Tried out some snacks and flirting around with the waitress (LOVE HERRRRRRBS), CHECK!
— Met new Elite Members (Cassandra, Kenny, Melissa IN PERSON, Rachel (YOU ROCK!), 5 other New Unilocalers that I can’t remembeer (sorry i’m really really getting old, but Please add me!) CHECK
— Sweat on the first floor but not second Floor, CHECK
— Hung out with Sandoids, Rachel (her friend, forgot her name sorry), Wing, Will, Cassy, Jennifer, Peter (K, not D), Yosh, Lizz, Briana, Cara, Dan, John, Katherine, Jamel, Laura, My other Sexy Jenn.
— Getting home safe and not drunk… ANOTHER CHECK
— Expecting naughty pics thru Unilocal Thread, CHECK
Thanking you Sexy Jane K. and Big Boy Peter D. for a nice event. CHECK!