Welcome to Bedlam
Eastern Bloc's Benjamin Maisani takes us inside his new polysexual bar, Bedlam
By John Russell
When Benjamin Maisani opens a new bar, New York pays attention. And it’s not just because the Parisian-born hunk is rumored to be Anderson Cooper main man. Maisani is also part owner of East Village hot spot Eastern Bloc, where gay boys go to imbibe seven nights a week, so this new venture was bound to cause a stir. But the fact that Bedlam, located in the space formerly known at 40 C, will cater to a mixed downtown crowd is even bigger news—not to mention the star-studded private launch party where Cooper, Sarah Jessica Parker, Matthew Broderick and other bold-faced names toasted Maisani and co-ower Pablo Raimondi. With Bedlam officially opening to the public this Friday, we decided to get the deets from Maisani himself.
AntiTwink: First off, what's with all the taxidermy? We're all familiar with the dead animals at Eastern Bloc, but I hear there's even more at Bedlam.
Benjamin Maisani: It is true that the taxidermy at Bedlam is even more spectacular than at Eastern Bloc. Personally, I love taxidermy. I think that when it's well done it can be quite beautiful, and I feel that it gives great character to a space. I also think it gives a touch of an Old World vibe, which is something both my business partner Pablo Raimondi and I felt was appropriate for Bedlam.
Unlike Eastern Bloc, word is that Bedlam isn't actually going to be a gay bar. So what's with all the gay press you've been doing leading up to the opening?
Indeed, Bedlam is not a gay bar, but given that I own a pretty popular gay bar, Eastern Bloc, this new venture was bound to catch the attention of the gay press. We're actually getting a lot of press all around, both gay and mainstream, as we've been profiled in the New York Times, Time Out, New York Magazine, the Village Voice and Next Magazine. We're just grateful for all this attention.
I've also read that your bar is going to specialize in classic cocktails. What's the menu like? Do you have a mixologist working up some signature drinks?
Bedlam will indeed offer a selection of house specialties inspired by classic cocktails, such as the Sagamore House (Maker's Marks, Luxardo Maraschino, Lillet Rouge, Angostura aromatic bitters and lemon rinds) and the Selby Club Negroni (gin, Apperol, Lillet Rouge, lemon and grapefruit juice). Our GM Sam Chiera (Santos Party House, Beauty Bar) is our chief mixologist and has concocted several such signature drinks.
The name "Bedlam" is usually associated with uproar and confusion. Why did you choose that as the name of your bar?
The name Bedlam actually refers to an old psychiatric hospital, London's infamous St. Mary Bethlehem, which became known as Bedlam during the 19th century. We felt that given the Victorian theme of our decor, which combines vintage anatomical charts, taxidermy and old books, the name Bedlam was a good fit as it captured the historical period we were trying to evoke, while the darker connotation of its modern definition gave a bit of an edge to the whole concept, which seemed appropriate to a bar.
Do you have parties or DJs lined up yet?
Our DJ line up already includes Cat Hartwell doing a bi-monthly Wednesday party called Juicy, Max Pask on Saturday October 2nd, Zack Lapez on the 3rd, DJ Kimskii on the 16th, and Gant Johnson doing a Columbus Day weekend party on Sunday October 10th. We are adding more DJs and promoters to our line-up every day.
What do you have lined up for the official public opening?
We're also very excited to have superstar DJ Greg K spinning at Bedlam on Friday, October 1st, for our official launch.
The space—formerly 40C—has had some, shall we say "interesting" parties in the past. Did you guys burn sage or something to cleanse the place?
The bar's previous owner actually brought some sage to burn and walked around the space Buddhist ceremony-style, so I guess that took care of the "cleansing process"!
I hear your private opening party was quite the star-studded affair. Do you think Bedlam will be the place to go for celeb sightings?
I don't know if Bedlam will be the place to go for celeb sightings, as our main goal is to provide a fun space where everyone feels welcome and can have a great time regardless of who they are, famous or not.
Bedlam opens Oct. 1st at 40 Ave C.
