The Level Startini Makes a Splash

Posted by Angie Rayfield May 3, 2007

There’s always a bit of competition to be the hottest and hippest place to be seen in New York, and one of the newest offerings is Star Lounge in the basement of the Hotel Chelsea. According to The New York Times, you’ll need a reservation for a table, and Josh Hartnett and Heather Graham are among the celebrities spotted there for karaoke night.

If the Hotel Chelsea sounds familiar, it’s no surprise. It’s always been a magnet for cool people. Arthur Miller is said to have described it as the “high spot of the surreal,” and over the years the hotel has played host to a galaxy of literary, artistic and musical stars – Dylan Thomas, Thomas Wolfe, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, just to name a few.

And, of course, there’s the infamous Sid and Nancy. If you’ve forgotten, Sid Vicious of the Sex Pistols murdered his girlfriend, Nancy Spungeon, in the hotel in 1978. One section of Star Lounge is called “Room 100” to immortalize the event – it’s sort of a mini-VIP room with drapes for privacy.

But forget the celebrity sightings, the famous former residents, and the famous crimes, and check out the bar’s signature drink, the Startini. It features Level vodka, a super-premium vodka by the makers of Absolut. Using only top-shelf ingredients gives this martini an incredible smoothness, and it’s a wonderfully balanced blend of sweet and tart.

LEVEL STARTINI

• 1 ½ parts Level Vodka
• 1 part Cointreau
• ½ part Dekuyper Crème de Peche
• 1 part Sour Mix
• Splash of Cranberry Juice
• Star Fruit Garnish

Combine all ingredients over ice. Shake and strain into a martini glass. Serve up and enjoy!

If you'd like to experience the Level Startini in its native habitat, visit the Star Lounge in the Hotel Chelsea, 222 W. 23rd Street, New York New York.