No, I don't get drunk
When I tell people I do the nightlife column for The Sun, they almost always say:
"Wow. That's a cool job. So, you just go out and get drunk for free?"
Not exactly.
If I'm reviewing a bar, the owner doesn't know I'm coming.
And unless I'm called out on it, I never identify myself.
That way, I get the same treatment as everybody else.
The Sun usually pays for a drink. Maybe two. That's it.
I don't get wasted, either.
When I review a place, I make mental notes of the decor, service and atmosphere.
Back when I started doing this, I kept a pen and paper in my pocket and would occasionally dart into the bathroom to write down details. But now I'm pretty good at taking mental notes.
So, yes, writing a nightlife column is a blast. But it's not one binge after another.
(Photo by Getty Images)
Erik Maza is a features reporter at the Baltimore Sun. He writes for several sections of the Sun paper and contributes weekly columns on music and nightlife. He also writes and edits the Midnight Sun blog. He often covers entertainment, business, and the business of entertainment. Occasionally, he writes about Four Loko, The Block, the liquor board, and those who practice "
Comments
Booooooooooooooooooooooooooorinnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnng!
Posted by: GF | February 12, 2008 2:46 PM
So you mean that wasn't you outside of PUR last weekend vomiting on Boston Street?
I am dismayed.
Posted by: Drew | February 12, 2008 3:16 PM
No, Drew, that wasn't me being filthy in front of Pur. That was my roommate Patchen.
I was at Ful swilling cocktails made of grain alcohol and rainwater while puffing on a large cigar, because the smoking ban does not apply to Ful.
Posted by: Sam Sessa | February 12, 2008 3:20 PM
Libel! Base villiany! I challenge you to meet me on the field of honor at dawn.
("Bass Villainy" would be a good name for a death metal band.)
Speaking of death metal, let's not forget the requisite umlaut: PÜR. That's the Option key and U hit simultaneously for those of you who seem prone to leaving it out.
Oh, I went there, Sessa. It's on.
Posted by: Patchen | February 12, 2008 3:48 PM
Whoever believes this would be interested to know that I'm selling the Brooklyn bridge at a bargain price!
Posted by: Marc | February 12, 2008 3:57 PM
Marc,
How much?
Posted by: Sam Sessa | February 12, 2008 3:59 PM
The Sun probably makes up for the beers tabs with a large paycheck. Right?
Posted by: TS | February 12, 2008 4:21 PM
TS,
Have you ever seen the black Maybach sedan parked outside Pur on Tuesday nights? That's mine. My car cost more than most houses. But why roll if you can't roll in style?
Posted by: Sam Sessa | February 12, 2008 4:28 PM
hahahahhahahaha! you have no IDEA what you're missing! Feel free to crawl around at night with me sometime!
Posted by: jmgiordano | February 12, 2008 9:18 PM
As co-owner of FüL, next time I will make sure you get a Baltimore Drizzle on the house. For your roommate, they are normal price of $19. We also have a fine selection of cigars wrapped in pages from a Gutenberg bible.
Posted by: bryanintimonium | February 12, 2008 10:20 PM
You know, I stood outside FüL for over an hour on Saturday before I got in. Then I could barely even get to one of the Corinthian leather sofas! I almost couldn't get to the bar to get one of the bar's famous (infamous?) Transubstantiators - a subtle goblet of Chateau Margaux chased by a thimble of Diva vodka. It was so crowded someone almost, almost touched my virgin wool Forzieri solid black dress shirt.
Posted by: JTK | February 12, 2008 10:30 PM
Speaking of The Sun, how do you feel about these made up articles by Templeton?
Posted by: (Bowling) Ben | February 13, 2008 8:58 AM
sam, uhhh yeaaaaa...i'd really like you to make your blog postings a bit more dickensian
Posted by: locust point man | February 13, 2008 12:09 PM
Hahahaa don't worry he'll get his next week. Crazy ex-marine is gonna mess him up.
Posted by: Evan | February 14, 2008 10:45 AM
That's sure what it looks like (next Monday, that is, for us On-Demanders)
I can't wait to see how this story plays out.
I like to think of Alma Gutierrez as the Wire stand-in for Mr Sessa.
Posted by: (Bowling) Ben | February 14, 2008 3:54 PM