A Night in the Life of Hanuk

By the time I join Hanuk for dinner at the Standard Grill, the main course has already been cleared, and the evening, along with its accompanying consumption of libations, is well underway. On this night, the Korean-born photographer and former fashion designer is at a booth with two unlikely candidates in his sphere of fashionables: attorney Eric Richman, whom Hanuk has affectionately nicknamed "EricRichman.com," and Richman's friend, a Vespa-riding Internet mogul. The conversation turns to agricultural development in downtown Brooklyn. "Farming concrete?" Hanuk asks with a mischievous grin. "What's that? This is why I drink!" And with that, he turns to the passing waiter. "I'll have another drink, please."

As the communal dessert -- strawberry and rhubarb crumble, several scoops of sorbet, and, of course, another round of martinis -- wraps up, Hanuk gets on the phone with his "sister," fashion designer Victor Glemaud, to plan the rest of the evening. The divine secret of the Hanuk-Glemaud sisterhood? As Glemaud succinctly puts it, "We shout and argue and make up."

We're to head to East Broadway's conveniently named Broadway East for their Thursday night party "Main Man." But because it's still early ("early" being Manhattanese for "before 11 p.m."), Richman suggests that the table reconvene at East Broadway's 169 Bar. We leave the restaurant, but not before Hanuk steadies the camera on his forehead -- a Hanuk secret, so no telling -- and takes several photographs of the hostess ("Young Lady! Excuse me!" Snap. "Fabulous! One more!"). Even the stern-faced maître d' cracks a smile when he is subjected to Hanuk's trademark candid, the Kiss. And this, in a way, is the charm of Hanuk. Says Richman, "When he approaches people with his camera, nine times out of ten, they smile and appreciate Hanuk's authentic attention."

The adventure continues in a cab, which whisks us down to Chinatown.169 Bar's post-ironic sign -- hazily lit, with a slightly askew martini glass spilling confetti -- seems to herald ominous things to come. Inside, the crowd is young and loud and a bit too fraternal. This disagrees with Hanuk. Though it's still early, we head next door. Past BEast's doorman, through the narrow passageway, down a flight of stairs, and up into the main room, a gaggle of editors has already started to congregate. As per most evenings out with Hanuk, the mid to end-of-night details remain quite sketchy. Though not a dancing man, I remember dancing. There may have been singing. I'll let the photos speak for themselves.

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Favorite places to party in New York:
Since the Beatrice closed, I usually just go to where the fun party is that night.

Best night to go out:
Any night really, except Sundays.

Times a week you go out:
It depends how many fun events are on that week, if my friends are going, and who's throwing the party. I try not to go out three nights in a row--my liver says, "Give me a break!"

Favorite DJ:
Paul Sevigny and Mike Nouveau

Drink of choice:
Ketel One martini, no vermouth, straight up with a twist

Favorite party jam:
Madonna songs from the '80s