Friends of The House: Ariel Arce Q&A
Friends of The House: Ariel Arce
Friend of the house, Ariel Arce, also known as “The Champagne Queen” is a restauranteur from New York City. Founder of Tokyo Record Bar, Airs Champagne Parlour, Niche Niche, and live music hot spot Special Club, Ariel definitely knows how to create a vibe. Ariel came by the World of McIntosh Townhouse to hang and talk all things food, music, and the NYC hustle.
1. We all know and love your restaurant Tokyo Record Bar / Airs Champagne bar, but now you have Niche Niche and Special Club, can you tell us a bit about the concept / inspiration for your new venture?
Niche Niche is a dinner party every night of the week where we invite in a different beverage personality from any background to come in and curate a tasting for our guests. We then pair the wines with a dinner that changes nightly. It’s meant to feel like one big party!
Special Club is a musical social club, a space to see up and coming artists perform while still being able to chat with friends over an amazing bottle of wine or dinner.
2. What was your first day opening Special Club like?
All our friends were in the room. It was electric and everyone was making out. It felt sexy and chic.
3. What was one of the most interesting concerts you’ve been to?
Probably seeing Buckwheat Zydico perform for the first time in NOLA during Jazz Fest.
4. Favorite record?
Songs in the Key of Life Stevie Wonder
5. If magic was real, what spell would you try to learn first?
Patience Spell..how to have it.
6. Do you think living in NYC played an important role in your growth as an entrepreneur?
I do. I think if you were born in the 80’s or early 90’s- NYC was scrappier. You see wild stuff all the time and it colors your opinion on what you can get away with. You’re totally de sensitized and I think New Yorkers don’t often take no for an answer lightly. Especially girls raised in Hell’s Kitchen.
7. How do you relax after a hard day of work?
A joint and the TV show a la moment.
8. An epic feast is held in your honor, what’s on the table?
Pizza. Tons of pizza from Frank Pepe’s and Lucalis and Emmett’s and Scars. A huge caesar salad and a big cheese board with the stinkiest and gooiest French cheeses possible. And maybe we start with a kilo of caviar and potato chips. I’m a girl of simple tastes.
