Vero, on 77th and 2nd, separates itself from the other four wine bars on the same corner with its free panini night, every Monday. Betty loves having something to look forward to at the start of the week, almost as much as she loves a free meal. With the purchase of any beer, wine or mixed drink, you get your pick of 9 different paninis (Betty’s fave is the proscuitto & black mission fig).

The one downfall - don’t expect to meet a guy. The place is 100% women, with the exception of the chef…. still - on a Monday, this doesn’t so much matter. If after your free dinner you’re feeling frisky, you can head next door to Brother Jimmy’s where there’s an excess of meat.

On any other night, the chopped salad and meat and cheese plate is delicious and totally shareable, and on the weekends, Vero has “wine school” where according to the bartender, Upper East Siders let their hair down and get trashed. That’s Betty’s kind of Saturday.

Vero Wine Bar 1483 2nd Avenue between 77th and 78th 212.452.3354

http://www.veronyc.com/

Very few people head over to Session 73 and boast about it later. Its your last resort on those nights when everyone is asking each other, “where should we go tonight? I don’t know, where do you think we should go?” This conversation repeats itself over and over again until someone finally says, “screw it, lets go to Sessions.” That’s how Betty ended up there a few weekends ago.

Fortunately, a kickass band, Big Baby Ernie, was full fledged rocking out and everyone had a blast. The band covered everything from “Rehab” to “Shout.” They even introduced some originals that kept the crowd enthusiastic.

Recently, she looked them up and the Seaside Heights band will be returning to the Big Apple to play at The Red Lion on March 8th and 12th. While The Red Lion is nothing to write home about, its worth a visit to catch a set of Big Baby Ernie.

You can find out more about Big Baby Ernie on their MySpace Page: http://www.myspace.com/bigbabyernie

The Oscars are a go! Live February 24th at 8:00 EST on ABC! Betty has begun preparations for her fab Oscars party.

Create an Oscars Pool: Get all your guests in on the action with this Oscars ballot. Guests predict winners in each category. Gift ideas for the winner: Netflix membership, Blockbuster gift certificates or a set of DVDs of previous Best Picture winners.

Plan out your Party Space: Given the space limitations of most New York apartments, check out “How to Plan for Entertaining in a Tight Space”

Create a Menu: Check out Wolfgang Puck’s Oscar Party Menu for ideas. The Mini Kobe Cheeseburgers, Black Truffle Macaroni and Cheese, Sushi and Ceviche stations sound amazingly delicious.

Get in on the fun: Invite all your A-List friends, pop open the bubbly and enjoy the show!

Betty’s love for beer is no secret. She chooses a night of beer drinking over line-waiting, clubbing any night of the week. That’s why it was especially exciting for her to discover the best beer house in the area: the recently opened Beer Table in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

The initial vibe can be quite intimidating… The locals have obviously claimed Beer Table as their own. Some were even playing cards at the table, a clear indication that they came here quite often. Betty worried she had trespassed onto a local hot spot. However, she was quickly welcomed by one of the owners, Justin, who was courteous, friendly, and above all, a beer connoisseur.

The daily beer menu can be daunting at first. Betty had no clue that some beers could cost $42/glass! However, most of the beers were in the $9-15 range, much more up her alley. Justin recommended a drink called Gose when Betty requested something “light and girly.” She was not disappointed! She also got to taste the daily cask ale on hand. For those who want a little cask ale lesson, check out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cask_ale. This is basically your “old school beer”.

With a relaxed atmosphere of 3 tables that seat 8 people each, Beer Table has the feel of a refined beer hall in Germany. So, skip the flight to Deutschland and head over to Beer Table…Betty swears you wont regret it!

427 7th Avenue, Park Slope, 718.965.1196, www.beertable.com

The allure of a hotel bar is that it gives you the ability to act like someone else from somewhere else altogether… and pretending you’re on vacation is not half bad either. Below is a select list of the most enjoyable….

Thom bar at 60 Thompson “Chill Betty”
This sleek haven features food from kittichai and an extensive list of cocktails (the lychee martini is to die for). Betty likes to chill out here for after work drinks and watch the party get louder as the night goes on.

60 Thompson St., New York, NY 10012 nr. Broome St. 212.219.3200

Hudson Bar at the Hudson Hotel “Trophy Wife Betty”
The discreet entrance and glowing green escalators lead up to this enormous bar with something for everyone: The pretty glass floor lit from within will impress your female guests, and the gentleman’s library complete with pool tables will impress the guys.

356 W. 58th St., New York, NY 10019 nr. Ninth Ave 212.554.6500

Thor bar at the Rivington Hotel “Euro Betty”
Betty relies on Thor as a go-to location for low-key booty shaking, and although she’s met many a man here, not one has been a local. Be prepared as the red carpet and velvet rope is often in full swing, and you never know when when you’ll be the one turned away.

107 Rivington St., New York, NY 10002 nr. Ludlow St 212.796.8040

The Living Room, W Times Square ” Tourist Betty”
When Betty’s feeling touristy or is unfortunately located near times square, she heads over to this sweetly scented 7th floor getaway. Betty’s favorite thing to do is to grab a drink then stroll the gift shop, which sells everything from sex toys to Rebecca Minkoff handbags (and you know she loves those). And seriously- it smells really, really good in there, (which you cannot say of many bars.)

1567 Broadway, New York, NY 10036 at 47th St. 212.930.7444

Rose Bar at Gramercy Park Hotel - “A List Betty”
Go just to say you’ve been and you’re over it. Go before 8 if you want to get in. Notoriously scene-y, but sometimes that’s just the kind of night an a-list Betty’s feeling.

2 Lexington Ave., New York, NY 10010 at 21st St. 212.920.3300

The big apple is dotted with seemingly thousands of Irish pubs. As a connoisseur of all things great, Betty is on a constant quest to find the best pubs the city has to offer. She loves the warm welcome, cold beer, friendly patrons and bartenders, and relaxed camaraderie of a true Irish pub.

A recent visit to O’Hanlon’s had Betty deeming the place O’Manlon’s. This pub is teeming with men (not the backwards-hat-rugby-shirt-wearing-college-frat-boy type but real men…in suits no less). O’Hanlon’s fits the bill of a true Irish pub and serves up a wide array of cheap beers (although with the male to female ratio you’ll only be opening that cute clutch for a lip gloss touch up).

Challenge your hot suit to a game of pool, darts, or a game of digital trivia. Check out O’Hanlon’s on Saturday night to be sure to catch the hottest crowd.

349 E 14th Street, New York, NY 10003 Phone: 212.473.9431

1849 boasts a variety of happy hour specials and a glance in the window had Betty’s hopes soaring. But her experience signaled that instead of striking it rich, all she may have found is fool’s gold. The décor is very loungey in the front with plush antique-like red velvet couches that clash with the numerous very modern flat screen TVs. The place is flooded with too much noise to enjoy gossiping over your happy hour specials.

While the prices make for a very happy hour indeed ($3 drafts), the act of waiting in line and the terrible service defeat the aim of happy hour altogether. One redeeming aspect: hot bartenders. If you’re heading out with one partner in crime hit the back and sit at the bar, there’s some eye candy gold to be ogled.

http://www.1849nyc.com/ 

183 Bleecker Street, New York, NY 10012-1406 Phone: 212.505.3200

Betty did her fair share of drink-experimentation in college, so upon moving to the city she dropped jungle juice and adopted Vodka Soda as her signature cocktail. She didn’t cheat on the side with gin, whiskey, or beer (gasp!), she stayed true to her one and only.

On a date, this commitment was especially crucial. She could consistently gauge her level of toxicity thereby preventing any life-altering choices, she never woke up with her head pounding over the toilet, and she watched her calories so she could wear her skinny jeans on the second date.

Yet Betty’s routine was shattered when on a blind date at Little Branch, her Vodka Soda order was mocked! Her date explained Little Branch is known for their exotic drinks (same owner as speakeasy, Milk & Honey). They are flavorful, fresh, and old-fashioned and you never know what you’re going to get.

Betty is a girl that knows what she wants, but something about the jazz trio, warm and tiny interior, and devotees at the bar, brought out her adventurous side. Sitting at one of the intimate booths, she sampled their infamous concoctions and forgot drinking could be such a sophisticated and delectable experience.

Betty decided she could date other cocktails but Vodka Soda would always be her main squeeze. And as for the blind date… she thanked him for sharing this treasure but it turned out Little Branch was much more memorable than this Big Apple Boy.

20 Seventh Ave. South, New York, NY 10011 at Leroy St. 212.929.4360

You know you’re in New York when even a Christmas Tree is dressed in the latest trends. This year, the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will host a 550-pound Swarovski Star (most glitter ever!) and will display energy saving lights (very inspiring!).

Tonight, 7 PM -9 PM, is the official lighting ceremony. Al Roker will host the celebrity show with performances by Celine Dion, Josh Groban, Barry Manilow, and Carrie Underwood. Although some may revel in this traditional yet kitschy event, Betty is not one to brave the crowds. Lucky for her, the tree will stay lit from 5:30 PM-11: 30 PM thru January 8th and can be admired while holiday shopping.

After a week of obsessing over her outfits, spending an extra 10 minutes on her hair every morning and using the her best flirty eyes, Betty finally got the cute guy she had been running into at lunch to ask for her number. When he called to set up the date he said that he would come meet her, just name the place.

Hudson Bar and Books is the perfect place for a first date.  The lighting is dim and the small space romantic with cozy tables for two lining the wall. Drinks are expensive but the ambience is worth every penny.

Know if you go: The tiny space doubles as a cigar bar so don’t wear your newest frock….

636 Hudson St. New York, NY, 10014 212.229.2642