Bash Compactor: Where There's A Will...
Look at me, man, Im trying to close a bar.
Jud Mongel was holding a broom in one hand and a dustpan in the other. He had more important things to do than talk about his new, hipper-than-thou Greenpoint bar, Five Leaves; Id also started to catch some nasty stares from the friends and family that made up the opening nights crowd. A waitress came over and took half my beer away. Look, Im sorry, Jud said I cant talk to you, a redheaded woman with glasses saidyet minutes before she was chatting with me happily about the place.
Five Leaves opened last Friday, but it has been in the press for months thanks to the marquee name of one of its original investors, Heath Ledger. After the movie idols untimely passing, his father reportedly ponied up the cash Ledger had pledged to open the Bedford Avenue space.
Look, hes been drinking all nightyou can talk to him over the weekend. Its just the press has been bugging him about the whole Heath Ledger thing, said Justin Chearno, one of Mongels pals.
I almost admired the Brooklyn entrepreneur for his high ideals and disregard of slick public relationsafter all, its more important to sweep the floor than talk to some hack scribbling in a small notebook. At least thats what I thought when tattooed Mongel, a former party pal of Ledgers, fixed me with his bright-eyed stare, flashed a toothy smile and told me to fuck off.
While, on opening night, the bar hadnt quite come togetheronly beer and wine were being served, and the much-ballyhooed kitchen was not yet up and running. Hopes are high that the spot, designed by John McCormick (PT, Moto, Smith & Mills), will provide the neighborhood a happening new hangout.
At around midnight, the lights began flickeringit had been enough for one nightand Mongel made an announcement: Thank you all so much for coming and supporting us, he said, pumping his fist victoriously in the air. Drinks are on the house!
As the hipsterati rushed the bar, thirsty for one last brew before heading off into the night, the bars owner relented. Just kidding, just kidding.