Who spiked the punch?

New York has been obsessed with hidden speakeasy-themed and mixology bars for a while now. Back Room, Death & Co., Little Branch and p.d.t. have been favorite haunts of ours for a while, but sometimes too much of a good thing can be, well, too much. So when I heard about Cienfuegos, a secret Cuban rum social club, opening in east village a few months ago, my initial thought was "not another one..." But the reviews were good & a little part of me was curious, so when I was catching up with my publicist friend from Manolo last night, we took a gander.

We entered through the back of Carteles sandwich shop and up the stairs where we were transported to an adorable world of Cuban revolution meets shabby chic. Green painted ceilings and walls, crystal chandeliers and pink tufted banquets all contributed to the scene. We ordered one of their specialty punch bowls (served in one-, two-, and three-finger pours) where you serve yourself out of a silver punch bowl with a ladle. Our drink was the perfect sophisticated concoction of everything you want in a cocktail. I just might have to go back once a week until I've tried the entire menu. Viva la revolution.

xx J