Spring is in Full Swing at Bembe

The spirit of New York is in full transition. People are coming out of winter hibernation and as far as the energy of the city's celebratory spirit goes there is no sign of recession. The white blossoms on the trees line streets all over the 5 boroughs have just taken full bloom. New Yorkers smile more as they prepare for warm weather, cold drinks and outdoor seating.
Sundays are fun days for many New Yorkers. I love to go dancing and let off steam before I begin my week. My two girls and I were at Bembe on Sunday night. Bembe is a petite Afro-beat and Reggae club in Williamsburg right under the bridge. They are known for their Brazilian cocktails, music and its unique way of taking Tequila shots. I was sitting in the flimsy Hammock next to the bar and a handsome Brazilian boy, who was buying us drinks.
The creative and authentic drink list is not to be overlooked right away for a Red Stripe. The whole Coconuts that surround the bar are broken right before your eyes for many creative cocktails. Watermelon chunks are mixed with various spirits in a big bowl full of tasty and strong punch. Caipirinhas, Mojitos and other frozen drinks are made to order. This is the only place I have ever had a Capeta and I tend to drink one every time I go. The Capeta is special because it is made with Cachaca (like a Caipirihna), which is Brazil's special version of Rum. It is distilled from Sugar Cane and tastes similar. The special thing about this drink is it contains Agave. Agave is the natural stimulant you find in many energy drinks these days. So, think Vodka and Redbull, but much better. The Capeta is creamy and smooth like a Pina Colada.
We migrated to a small table where we could see the live band and chat for a bit. The small tables are made of wood stumps from trees. We decided it was time for a Tequila shot. They provide ground coffee beans and sugar for your Tequila drinking pleasure. It is truly delicious. You dip one side of your lime in the ground coffee beans and the other in sugar and bite it after you get the Tequila down the hatch. The band played on until midnight when a DJ took over to continue swaying the sweaty bodies. It's definitely the type of place where you may step out with your friends that smoke for a breath of fresh air. The place gets quite hot. The little club presses on until 4 in the morning slowly filtering out and making it easier to dance without finding a strange man a little too close for comfort. If you happened to like the strange man, it is a place where you can get low.
Bembe is open 7 days a week and they have different South American and Caribbean themes on different nights. Spring into the Spirits of Bembe and check them out at: www.bembe.us. A Sia Saide!

Cheers!