Drink Up: We're Gonna Be Drinking For The Cause

Now, you know us, we'll drink to anything- Tuesday, pandas, a subway ride without a man exposing himself to us- but recent events have really made us wonder if we shouldn't be doing more with those dollars.

This weekend, Marion's Continental, an institution in it's own right, is helping us help others. Ten percent of the total receipts of the long weekend that started last night will be donated to the Red Cross in an effort to aid the victims of Hurricane Katrina. That ten percent, penny for penny, will be personally matched by Marion's owner Richard Bach. He writes, ...Please come in or find a way to support the really suffering people of the Katrina disaster. It hits close to home and hurts more that way sometimes. Many of our staff, over the years, have come from that region. New Orleans has brought me personally many great memories. It's an extraordinary city, unique and important to American diversity. Let’s get her back.In the past Marion's has given to many other urban and envoirmental causes including but not limited Housing Works(in conjunction with their Fashion Brunch), many AIDS charities, Clean Ocean Action and last year's tsunami relief. While not exactly charity last fall, we cried into our martini glasses on election night there as the staff offered a free shot (of Same Sex Marriage- Mt Gay Rum, Triple Sec, fresh lime juice and mashed ginger) to anyone who voted.

And the cocktails are worth every cent. Established in 1950 and re-established in 1990, the restaurant and bar have been dedicated to the cocktail lounge aesthetic. Photographs of Marion's history are lovingly hung on every wall and entertainment like The World Famous Pontani Sisters is scheduled most evenings. The relaunch 15 years ago came at a very opportune time, Richard Bach said when we spoke to him, because it was at that point that the "devolpment from classics to new inventions." The well-trained and lovely staff can make amazing Metropolitans, Suburbans but our favorite is the French Martini (Stoli limon, pineapple juice, kissed with chambord), a delicious and frothy confection that we once chose over birthday cake.

We're staying in the city over the weekend and plan to belly up to the bar brunch and dinner. Join us. You can even throw your drink on us as long as you've paid for it. Blood orange cosmos would go best with our hair.

If you know of any other restaurants or bars aiding the relief effort, please let us know.

Marion's Continental
354 Bowery, near East Fourth Street
(212) 475-7621

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Martha Burzynski in Food on September 2, 2005 1:59 PM

Comments [rss]

gnome

the red cross is a joke. they gave tens of thousands of dollars to ibankers who live in tribeca after 9/11, who in turn bought subzeros. if you want to donate, give to americares or other organizations that don't waste money.

Jack

"Ten percent of the total receipts of the long weekend that started last night will be donated to the Red Cross in an effort to aid the victims of Hurricane Katrina."

I'm all for fundraising, but 10 percent donation is a token gesture at best. Many eateries and bars are devoting days where ALL receipts and donations are going to the relief. Such as Habana Outpost in Brooklyn.

Hey, how about another idea. Instead of paying $7 for an Appletini, go to bars that have drink specials and get drunk to take your mind off of that and donate the savings to a charity. At Blue and Gold a Vodka Tonic is $3 (much less than the typical $6 price tag elsewhere). Donate the difference and you're already way ahead of a 10 percent token donation.

"RELIEF 4 NEW ORLEANS & THE GULF COAST Party

Sunday, September 4, 2005

5pm Games. 8pm Movie "Angel Heart".

11-4pm Dance Party with Guest DJs

Party @ Habana Outpost, 755-757 Fulton Street, Fort Greene.

All $$ goes to F.E.M.A. & the American Red Cross

$10 suggested donation at the door

Businesses interested in co-sponsoring call 718-858-9500

Want to donate right now? 1-800-HELP NOW

Sponsored by Council Member Letitia James and

Habana Outpost. Cafe Lafayette. Restaurant New Orleans. The Greene Grape. J&S Tire inc. Cake Man Raven. Veliis Restaurant. Moshood. Lady Day Art. Boos Bagels."

Megan Oldham

Jesus H Christ in hell, Messr Bach. Ten percent? Ten FUCKING percent? Such charity dribbling out from the price of the swill that you serve--why do you fucking bother?

I'm just one drink-sodden louse, and I've personally already given $1000 to the Red Cross. I wager that you won't collect more than that from your cheap campaign. Prove me wrong.

I'm on my way down tonight to volunteer as a nurse for disaster relief in Biloxi.

To "every penny counts", yes even a halfpenny does, when a widow's mite is all you have. When you have a good deal more, as Marion's certainly does, it's gobsmacking ridiculous.

Luv,

Megan

la.dauphine

Yes, H - CRITICIZING CHARITABLE DONATIONS and the PEOPLE who could potentialy help is a GREAT way to help the cause!!

BROKEN IN SAFARI

***************the Gothamist homepage is not loading in Safari. Broken code, please fix****************

Blue

Yes, H, please advise what you're doing to help. Were you planning to fly down to New Orleans yourself?

H

How nice and gracious the haute bourgeoisie, or those who admire and wish to mimic them, can be. Martinis for dead poor black people. How precious, how heart-warming, how charitable!