Big deals, divas, and dildos dominate O.W. Bar’s newest night.
By Brandon Voss
There’s only one thing in the world worse than being talked about, and that’s not being talked about,” said Oscar Wilde, the legendary literary dandy after whom O.W. Bar was originally named. Although it’s been three years since best friends and business partners Scott Talbot and Paul Kolbusz purchased Midtown East’s Oscar Wilde Bar, rechristening it O.W. Bar, the popular neighborhood lounge keeps tongues wagging. Plugging the gaping hole left now that Will Clark has taken his Porn Idol competition to XXXL Tuesdays at xl, O.W. Bar welcomes the game show Queer Deal or No Deal to its weekly lineup.
Gay for Play
“It’s clever, suspenseful and better than the original,” says Talbot, referring to Deal or No Deal, the game show that’s been a hit in 35 countries and is currently a primetime success on NBC. “We’ve all seen drag shows, amateur nights, best butt contests, etc. But this was a chance to do something really exciting and original, a very gay twist on one of the leading shows in the world.”
Talbot is also thrilled to award hosting duties to Scott Nevins, the unofficial Ryan Seacrest of gay Manhattan. (Eat your heart out, Howie Mandel!) “When they pitched the idea to me, I thought the concept was really fresh,” says Nevins. “And hey, any excuse to be close to Bloomingdales — I’m there!”
Okay, Here’s the Deal…
Queer Deal or No Deal contestants, who can register to participate with each cocktail purchase, must choose one of 22 bags containing mystery prizes such as drink coupons, theater tickets and cash amounts ranging from 25 cents to $500. The briefcases of the straight version have been replaced with “gaudy knock-off Louis Vuitton handbags from Canal Street that only an old Jewish woman or a drag queen would like,” says Talbot.
After each choice, the contestant may either claim the prize or choose another — hopefully better — bag. Meanwhile, an unseen “Diva,” communicating via Yahoo Messenger on the big screens, will attempt to buy out and screw over the contestant. But if you do her bidding and show a little skin, the bitch might go easy on you. Warning: Should you choose a purse containing a big fat dildo, you’re a big fat loser!
Out With a Bang
Though Talbot and Kolbusz officially put O.W. Bar up for sale a few months ago, looking to pursue other ventures around town, the power duo has done nothing but improve what Zagat calls “one of the better choices north of Chelsea.”
“This is still our business,” explains Talbot, “and if you take your foot off of the accelerator, that’s a recipe for disaster.”
In addition to hosting regular film premiere parties and various events for the many “retail queens” in the area, the team continues to honor “buy three, get one free” punch cards and just introduced a specialty jumbo martini menu, featuring flavors such as Key Lime Pie, Oatmeal Cookie, and Brazilian Fruit Fly. Sound like a good deal? As Wilde also once said, “The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it.”
Weekly Lineup at O.W. Bar
Monday
Bingorama with Kenny Dash
Tuesday
ManWhore with Shaboomboom*
Wednesday
Amateur Talent Contest with Porsche
Thursday
Queer Deal or No Deal with Scott Nevins
Friday
’80s Night
Saturday
Flesh with wall-to-wall go-go boys
Sunday
Outdoor BBQ and Karaoke with Kenny Dash
HX, January 2006.