The General Turns 26

This year, my friend Roe's birthday falls on Good Friday, so last night me and the gals decided to celebrate a little early. However, there was one small problem: a monsoon decided to unleash its wrath on Manhattan at precisely the exact moment we commenced our evening of fun. Umbrellas were flailing, our feet were soaked and our coiffed hair was in disarray. By the time Lins, Roe and I met at the subway, we looked liked we had swam to 86th street. We stifled our dissapointment in mother nature, and headed to Dos Caminos in the Meatpacking District. We don't hang out in this uber swanky neighborhood often, so we were ready to take it on.

As soon as we sat down, our informative waiter recommended a potent margarita made with double distilled blue agave tequila, which we ordered: stat. And just when a mouthwatering lava bowl of guacamole graced our presence, Jesse joined us for the birthday fiesta. I think the guacamole I ate last night at Dos Caminos was the BEST guac I have ever eaten. The chunks of fresh tomato, zesty lime juice and creamy avocados create this incredible dip that tortillas were born to be eaten with. (At one point my excitement over the guacamole was so intense that I almost inadvertently stabbed Lindsey with my fork. I sometimes have a problem holding on to my cutlery.)

We all ordered the Mexican Chopped salad, made with chiles, crisp apples, beans, green olives, cheese, tomatoes and crispy tortillas tossed in a savory vinaigrette. Mmm mmm good! Mexico City Style Quesadillas and Sweet Potato Fries rounded out our lip-smaking meal. Everything about Dos Caminos, from the warm lighting and rustic atmosphere to the sip-to-the-last-drop margaritas and palate pleasing Mexican food, equal a delicious experience.

Even more delicious was the fact that directly below us was 675 Bar. In times of turbulent weather, the less walking the better. We moseyed on down to the bar and this is where things got interesting. Since we were coming directly from the restaurant above, we got a private escort, head of security style. Now, this guy was an absolute hoot, sporting jeans, a hoodie and an arm cast - not exactly intimidating. Suprisingly, what he lacked in uniform he made up for with enthusiasm. In one breath he told us to "follow me," "now wait right here," "get in line against the wall - single file!" "show me your wrist!" "YOU NEED A STAMP!" ect, etc. It was hysterical, we weren't sure if we were getting admitted into a prison ward or what.

Most bars in the Meatpacking District take clubbing very seriously, but this basement dwelling has more than meets the eye. The theme of 675 appears to be The Retro Home. It reminded me of That 70's Show with wood panelling and Ikea-esque furniture. The even cooler thing was that along the stone wall perimeter are these inconspicuous rooms. In a previous life this space must have been a wine cellar or distillery of some sort. Our "room" had a TV, plaid couches and lounge chairs, cabinets and a (broken) foosball table. We graciously took on the role of letting curious foosball enthusiasts know that sadly, the ball was stuck inside the table. (Side Note: It turns out, one curious foosball enthusiast used to work at Roe's law firm. Small subterranean world indeed.) We tried a few cocktails, one being the April Affair. No Bueno. The mixture of cucumber vodka and blueberry liquor left a curious aftertaste that did not require a follow up. Our last drink, The Moustache, was a refreshingly bubbly combo of Proseco and St. Germain.

That facial hair-inspired cocktail served as the finale to our night on the town. In a funny twist, the rain we dreaded all night ended up leading us to an interesting bar beneath Dos Caminos. Roe's birthday was a success, deluge or not. The four of us gals are going to Tennessee in two weeks, which will ensure a plethora to write about. Great times with great friends and a laugh factor that tips the scales into the red zone. So, with that being said, I encourage you all to travel to Hudson Street and go south of the border at Dos Caminos and south of the street for 675 Bar.