Matt Levine's The Eldridge: An Inside Look

I WAS TOLD THERE'D BE FLUTE At The Eldridge Before his Lower East Side club/lounge The Eldridge was even open, owner Matt Levine made a name for himself by talking about how the place was going to transform the New York party scene by providing night owls with a "truly creative nightlife experience." All manner of unique flourishes were promised, from laser-engraved entry cards to "table attendants" in lieu of waitresses to cocktails that require fresh gold flakes and caviar to "Juilliard professors playing live music of flute, saxophone and trumpet in the background."

His hubris angered some people, but Matt was not deterred. Last night, The Eldridge hosted a party for designer Catherine Fulmer (fun fact: Hugh Grant's girlfriend!). It was thrown (publicized? Is there a difference?) by esteemed fashion gay Kristian Laliberte. We decided to check out The Eldridge in action and to email Matt some questions as to how he's faring. His words, below: