…her colleague, Brian Steel, who “couldn’t help but notice” Mandy’s resemblance to Rapunzel, want to know? According to Drury, when she’s “naughty at work” they lock her up in the studio out back, but she’s not sure that constitutes a tower, or if she’d let her hair down for Mark Haines to climb up.
[via @BrianWSteel]
Article courtesy of Dealbreaker
From the mailbag:
“I work at an investment bank and we constantly have debates over who’s looking better on any given day: Erin Burnett or Amanda Drury. After researching pictures online, we came to realize that Amanda Drury does not have a Wikipedia page. What better job for an intern? Finished project to be up in about an hour.”
Article courtesy of Dealbreaker
As you may recall, a couple months back, a managing director at UBS was pulled over in Connecticut and charged with a DUI (he also had an unlicensed firearm on him, for good measure). At the time, the man for some reason felt compelled to tell the cops that a) he worked in the financial services industry and b) he was coming from Beamers Cafe, Stamford’s premier strip club. As I read the story, a coupla things became clear to me: 1) that guy likes to party and 2) that the cultural relevance of this institution to Wall Street North could no longer be ignored. You may also recall that I proceeded to announce a DealBreaker Field Trip to said establishment, and invited some people from CNBC to come with. The field trip is still on. However, I decided I couldn’t just take you a strip club without scouting the location first and having an idea as to what we could expect, you know? Rather, performing some on-site due diligence ahead of time was necessary. Last night, I did just that.
To perform the DD, I enlisted the help of my special assignments colleague, K, along with a couple of bankers/lap dance enthusiasts. As their employers to do not pay them to review strip clubs, the boys were not able to leave the office on time to make a 6:20 train, so we planned to meet them out there. As we approached Stamford, I shared with K that I had that scared/excited feeling (the kind where you’re not sure if it’s 98% scared/2% excited or the other way around, which is what makes it so intense). We arrived in Stamford at 7:05 and as I wanted to be very scientific about this whole thing, figured we’d spend a couple hours at a bar beforehand, because I reasoned that most people probably don’t get off work and head directly to Beamers but rather make the executive decision to go once they’ve been drinking and someone comes up with the bright idea (I had no idea if this was actually true, but it seemed like it could be true, which is all that matters). [Editor's note: This turned out not to be true; our contact there later informed us that it was “packed” at 6pm because this was Go-Go Thursdays, the third Thursday of every month, and ALL the dancers are required to make an appearance at that time. She assured us it would get busy again around midnight, which it did.] So we needed to kill some time in that regard and also because I needed to be bombed in order to work up the courage to do this.
We got off the train and not having a particular destination in mind, and as any place would do, just decided to walk until we ran into a bar. We passed UBS and while I felt like the “UBS sucks!” guy would’ve approved of us brown-bagging it in front of the building, decided to keep going. The first place we came across was called Tiernan’s but there was a long line out the door and needing liquor stat, couldn’t be bothered. Then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw it. Hula Hanks. A marginally Hawaiian themed bar where there’s one of those wheels you spin that has the options to land on a variety of shots, Swedish Fish or “take off your panties”? Obviously there was no better place to pre-game for the exotic dancers, so in we went. Long Island Iced Teas seemed like the way to go and after I had three (maybe four?) of those felt sufficiently ready to meet the girls.
We hopped in a cab and before I could finish saying “We’re going to Beamers Cafe, but I need to check what the address is” the driver was turning the corner. “Oh I don’t need it. I know exactly where that is,” he told us. I had been previously informed that the Cafe was not the safest place, not in a good section of town, that it gave off a menacing vibe and that drug deals in the parking lot are standard. I don’t consider myself a puss but I was legitimately scared. “It’s definitely fine,” the cabbie said. “You girls have nothing to worry about.” A minute later we pulled up to a very non-intimidating-looking place, and as we got out of the car, a couple walked by pushing a stroller. Lady and baby pretty much allayed all my fears of getting killed then and there. [Editor's Note: We were told later that the other end of the block, on the opposite side from our approach, is a menacing empty lot/vacant building type thing harboring certain amounts of questionable activity, which is probably what the reviewers were talking about.]
Having read the Yelp reviews online (more on those later) before embarking on our trip, I knew that there was a front room and a “VIP Room” in the back (in addition to back-back room) and that we wanted to go to the latter. It was $30 each for cover and needing more cash was preemptively annoyed at what I assumed would be some sort of ridiculous fee at an in-house ATM but surprise! You can get cash-back on your credit card at the bar, which I think is nice, considering at Scores there’s apparently a $18.50 surcharge. (Just something to think about when you’re considering which Breast-Fest you want to attend.) ALSO: I noticed this morning that they bill your card to something called “WE, INC.” Just putting it out there in the event some of you could run in trouble for spending time at one of these places.
We didn’t know how to get to the back room (you had to weave your way around what at the time seemed like a labrythn to get there but what I’m sort of thinking now was just a matter of walking from the front to the back. I don’t know if you’ve picked up on it, but we were prettay prettay prettay drunk). A very nice lady employee named Gianna offered to show us the way and proceeded to literally lead us by the hand. (More on G– who you should ask for should you go and tell her B and K sent you!– in a bit.)
If the front room– where the actual dancing takes place, on long tables around which ballet lovers congregate– looked like some sort of seedy Atlantic City casino, the back room we agreed seemed like a sports bar (there were a bunch of games on)/vaguely reminiscent of hanging out in someone’s parents’ basement in high school. Lots of people sitting around on pretty comfortable leather couches on which people are dry-humping. So, nostalgia! Like handjobs or something (except I don’t actually think that’s allowed and you’d probably get in trouble for that).
One of the other Yelp reviews I read stated the following:
Full name of “Beamer’s Cafe” really captures the essence of this soon-to-be staple on the Stamford culinary scene. The allure of this restaurant lies in it’s simple formula for success…talented staff that are eager to make your experience as pleasurable as possible, coupled with some of the freshest ingredients this side of Manhattan. A full bar seemingly belies the laid back nature of the main room but the overall atmosphere makes it work. Romantic enough for a first date but flexible enough for a great start to the evening with friends.
Now, as I just previously stated, the atmosphere in the back wasn’t half bad. Having said that! I’m not exactly sure I would sign off on this being the *best* place to take a first date. Although if you are going to pull that move, please let me know ahead of time so I can watch it unfold.
Another (amazing) review said this:
The guy that wrote the previous review on this place should probably go see an eye doctor, i visited this place last week, and it turns out, they dont sell food, it is actually a gay club, guys running around naked, in chaps, and leather hats, don’t recomend it, stay away.
While he’s right about the lack of food, I don’t know if maybe we were there on the wrong night, but FYI, we did not see a single “guy running around naked, in chaps, and leather hats.” On the contrary, we did see a lot of ladies running around almost naked, and actually do think one of them was wearing a chaps-like costume. The three of us sat down on one of the couches and with some pretty skillful-looking lap dances happening within inches of us, asked G a little bit about her time there.
Re: the recession affecting her income, she told us her take-home hasn’t changed much, and that apparently the guys aren’t tipping any less than they used to. The room was pretty crowded (and proceeded to get even more filled as time went on) but G did say that three years ago they were turning people away at the door (she added that their Friday and Saturday night levels are pretty much the same, on account of assloads of bachelor parties). She told us a lot of hedge fund employees and bankers come, but she doesn’t quiz them on what they do exactly during the day, as they come to Beamers “to get away from all that.”
“Have you heard of this place SAC Capital” she asked us. We nodded cautiously (was a certain someone about to pop out and show us his moves I wondered, not wanting to get my hopes up!!!!). “A LOT of them would come here, not not as many,” she said. G also told us that while she’s never dated a customer, she has work friends who have, in case you’re looking for a place to meet women. Additionally, she said that while the vast majority of the patrons live and/or work in CT, they do regularly see guys coming in from New York, so I guess it’s something of a destination!
G had to talk to her boss or something then and as if on cue, a dude plopped himself down in her vacated space and told us he had made the trip from NYC with some clients who wanted to come. “I didn’t really want to come, they made me,” he offered. He then told us he works for JPM and in the next breath “actually now I’m at this new hedge fund. It’s a legit shop, I wouldn’t have gone if it wasn’t.” My eyes started to wander during the conversation and while I can’t say that I’ve compared their work to their peers at other outfits, the lap dances (which are $25/each) looked pretty quality. The girls seemed to be into it, good flexibility, lots of positions (not all of which I understood– such as the girl with her head pushed into the arm of the couch– but figured it was something to be appreciated nonetheless). Also, we agreed that all of the racks looked real, if that’s something you care about.
And then! To test the veracity of my claim that the LD’s were worth it, our boys finally made it. They confirmed our suspicions although in one round one of the girls “kept trying to have a conversations” throughout the thing which he wasn’t so amped about but wasn’t going to make a stink about either.
We headed home a couple hours later (this time being driven- thanks L!) but not before sticking some bills in the back of a brightly colored g-string, slapping an ass and telling them we’d be back with reinforcements.
Further Reading: Beamers Cafe Named Best Strip Club In Fairfield County 2010
Article courtesy of Dealbreaker
As previously mentioned, I did a little interview with CNBC’s Trish Regan. We discussed, among other things, her time at DE Shaw and whether or noat Charlie Gasparino and Dennis Kneale are necrophiliacs.
What do you think of the financial reform bill?
I think considering the effect that the banks had on the entire system that it’s understandable people are truly outraged but I do worry that the politicians might take it too far. There’s been talk it might be watered down, though, so that’s a good thing.
You were Miss New Hampshire. Do you feel that any subsequent Miss New Hampshires have lived up to your standards?
I haven’t kept up with the pageant! I don’t know anyone who’s won so I really can’t say.
Was being a beauty queen good training for financial journalism?
Well I learned how to do my make-up which can come in pretty handy but other than that I don’t think there’s a huge connection.
As a former Goldman Sachs employee, do you think all the heat they’ve taken has been warranted? Do you want to rub Lloyd’s gleaming pate and tell him it’s all going to be okay?
I think Goldman is like the Yankees. They’ve been incredibly successful so it’s easy to take shots at them. People love to hate.
After Goldman, you did a stint at DE Shaw. A friend of mine was told by a rather intense representative of the firm that they only hire “geniuses”—are you a genius? The logic follows
[Laughs] Well I’ve never been tested so I couldn’t say. When I was there the culture was very much about being super smart. And you got to wear jeans to work—jeans with hole in them!
What’s next for you professionally? RenTec?
I definitely want to say in news and financial journalism. I love CNBC and I do a lot of other work for other brands within the company, like the Today Show and Nightly News. And I’m doing another documentary.
Part II to Pot?
Yes! This one’s not in California, it’s all over. I was just in Portugal, and we were out in Denver, which is really the emerging market of marijuana.
Have you been forced to partake a lot for research purposes?
You know I’ve actually never smoked pot in my life.
Ever think about changing that?
Probably not, I feel like I’ve made it this long without doing it. I’ve also never eaten ketchup. Maybe I’ll just have one crazy night where I do all the things I’ve never done.
David Shaw, Steve Cohen, George Soros: Who would you want to babysit your kids? Who would you want to father you kids (if Mr. Ben was out of the picture)? Who would you want to pay 2&20 (or 3&50)?
That’s a tough one. I think I’d go with David to baby-sit. For managing my money? Probably have to go with David—
You can’t do that, you picked him as the babysitter.
But he’s so good!
But nothing– these are the rules. You can only use one name per category. You know Steve’s not too shabby with money, why not take him?
Yeah but David’s a genius, remember?
Well actually I didn’t say that someone on his payroll did but okay, then put Steve on babysitting. I’m sure he’d do a good job. Great airplane noises while feeding them.
Okay Steve as babysitter—though he probably wouldn’t be a match for Larry’s skills—and David investing.
And the final category?
I’m very, very happy with my husband.
Don’t doubt that at all. But in our imaginary scenario, he’s out of the picture and you need a donor.
Really, no, very happy with husband.
Pretend I’m putting a gun to your head.
Can’t answer this question—impossible.
Fine– but I just want you to know that George Soros does have feelings.
Alright, let’s move on. I noticed that you didn’t graduate from college until 2000, after finishing high in ’91. What went on in those gap years?
I took some time off to pursue a career as an opera singer.
Why’d you give that up?
I didn’t love it enough. It was something that I wanted to do when I was 14.
What’s your favorite opera?
La Traviata.
Do you sing in the shower?
I have sung in the shower but I don’t anymore because one time our neighbor came over and asked us if we could “turn the volume down on the stereo.”
Wow. The cheek of some people.
Are your daughters going to call Larry Kudlow “Uncle Larry”?
Definitely. He hasn’t babysat yet but he promises and I’m going to be taking him up on that soon.
Pick for the World Cup?
USA, definitely.
The Dealbreaker readers came up with some questions for you. I’m just going to run down the list. Question number 1: How does it feel to be classified as a MILF?
What’s a MILF
It’s…it’s an acronym…it stands for Mother I’d Like to…synonym for word which means to have relations with. It’s a compliment.
Oh, then it feels good.
Question number 2: How do you feel you measured up next to Mandy and her assets?
I think I held my own.
Question number 3: If you had to: Charlie Gasparino or Dennis Kneale? Killing yourself is not an acceptable answer.
I think I would have to kill myself. Or be on life-support.
And then? Who would it be?
You think it would still be appealing for them?
Dennis Kneale and Charlie Gasparino? Yes, one of them would definitely still go for it, if not both.
Question number 4: Just so we can be fair, in that same vein, if you had to get down and dirty with one of the anchorettes on CNBC, whom would you choose?
See this question is just as hard as the last but for the opposite reason. I’m not into women but if I were it would be really difficult. We have a lot of beautiful ladies at CNBC.
Question number 5: Don’t know if you’ve kept up with this story, but a woman named Debrahlee Lorenzana recently claimed she was fired from Citi for being “too hot.” If you have kept up, give us your perspective — is she too hot?
She certainly looks very hot. Though obviously that shouldn’t have had an effect on her job.
Amanda Drury has said she’s coming with us on a field trip to Beamer’s, an establishment in Stamford, CT – are you in?
If Mandy goes I’ll go.
Article courtesy of Dealbreaker
From: Francis, Melissa
To: Bess
Date: 10:16 AM
Subject: I’m back!Hope I can fill Mandy’s … shoes!
Article courtesy of Dealbreaker
As you may or may not have heard, Melissa Francis is due back on The Call this coming Monday, following a short maternity leave. Apparently this has the potential to create a somewhat awkward situation off set, as Amanda Drury has been filling in for Francis since the beginning of May, and the viewers likey. Unfortunately there are only three slots available, currently occupied by Drury, Larry Kudlow, and Trish Regan. The plan is to bump Mandy, though to where no one knows.
On the one hand, this seems fair– the spot originally belonged to Francis, of whom we are personally big fans and who has electric chemistry with The Kud. On the other, it’s not very democratic. Maybe CNBC should go with the viewers choice, and this Friday have people text in their ideal trio. Or maybe we should make this a ladies only thing and give Kudlow a platform to speak at 3AM, when you know he’s up. But there’s are just my suggestions! If anyone has other ways to settle this, please speak up.
Article courtesy of Dealbreaker
I’m interviewing the CNBC anchor/Amanda Drury gal-pal next week and, like some of her former colleagues have done in the past, she’s graciously agreed to answer some of your questions. Naturally I’m sure most of you would like to know if she has any tips to offer re: being a working mom but anything else?
Article courtesy of Dealbreaker
Article courtesy of Dealbreaker
Though she’s been a favorite around these parts for almost a year now, it wasn’t until May 10 that Mandy Drury became a permanent member of the CNBC stateside team, an achievement which I’ve told you people I take an enormous amount of credit for. To celebrate this momentous occasion we decided it was high time to have a little chat about how things have been going so far.
Do you prefer to be called Mandy or Amanda?
Always Mandy. The only time I’m ever called Amanda is by my mother when I’m in big trouble.
Let’s just get the crushing of Wall Street’s dreams over with– are you single?
Nope, I’m married.
This is going to kill them.
[Laughs] Sometimes you have to give them the cold hard truth.
Kids?
Yup, two boys, 4.5 and 7.
How’d they take the move from down under?
The 4.5 year old doesn’t really know what’s going on but the 7 year-old was devastated. Finally I just had to resort to bribery. I said, FAO Schwartz- when we get there, anything you want.
You did a lot of filling in for CNBC stateside starting last summer but didn’t officially make the move from CNBC Asia until May 10. Interesting timing, in that Charlie Gasparino by that time was safely divorced from the network and signed with Fox Business. Did you finally make the move knowing you wouldn’t be assaulted by the scent of Drakkoir Noir?
[Laughs] Decisions was made totally unrelated to Charlie. Though I’m confident I could take him.
Are you enjoying Trish Regan and Larry Kudlow?
Love them. It’s been fantastic. We get along really well as a team.
Have you socialized with them off the clock yet?
Not yet but I think we’re all going to Larry’s wife’s gallery.
Let’s get down to business- Vikram Pandit, Jamie Dimon, Lloyd Blankfein. Who do you pick for your drinking game team, who has your back walking down a dark alley, who manages your money?
Can I swap in another name?
Okay, just this once.
I really would love to interview James Gorman, my fellow Aussie. I think he’s from Melbourne, like me, and I just think he’d be a great interview.
Yeah it would. But back to the scenarios….focus.
Hmmm okay well I haven’t measured all of them but I’d want the biggest, meatiest guy to have my back in a dark alley, so whoever that one is.
It’s Jamie.
Okay, Jamie for that scenario. Um, my money…whoever has made the most for themselves and their firm.
Beelzebub. Lloyd.
And for drinking game ahh– do I really look like a drinking games girl to you Bess?
Yeah! You’re fun, you’re the life of the party.
[Laughs] Oohh I don’t know about that but I’m always up for a good wine– a nice Napa Valley Shiraz.
I’ve been told Jamie Dimon has never done a keg stand. Something he needs to cross off the list. Just passing on information. Anyway, your Shiraz– who are you sipping that with?
Ooh, I guess it’d be Gorman.
Gorman it is. I hope he calls you after this.
Me too!
Do you pick out your own clothes to wear on-air or is there a CNBC wardrobe department?
I pick out my own clothes. I don’t know if management always approves of them!
Let’s play word association. Goldman Sachs.
Wealthy.
Jamie Dimon.
Friendly.
Handbridge.
Sorry?
Oh it’s like this sort of temporary construction designed to narrow the distance between two bodies on either side of a channel– you know what, we can talk about it some other time…Where have you been hanging out? Any favorite spots yet?
I love love love Central Park. It’s great. But I really just got here so I haven’t done much exploring yet.
Do you read Dealbreaker?
Yes, we love Dealbreaker.
Do you read the comments?
[Laughs] Boys will be boys.
I announced a while back that there’s going to be a DealBreaker field trip to Beamer’s, Stamford’s premiere strip club. If you haven’t heard of it its cultural relevance to Wall Street North cannot be overstated. I got busy and it got put off but it really needs to happen in the next couple weeks. Are you coming with us?
I don’t know how CNBC management would feel about that. But I’m absolutely going to think about it.
Article courtesy of Dealbreaker
The Druries will make their debut co-anchoring The Call while Melissa Francis is on maternity leave. “Amanda is one of the smartest and most talented business news anchors anywhere in the world and we are very excited that she is joining our U.S. team,” said Jeremy Pink, SVP Business News, CNBC. No doubt but we’ve got bigger issues to focus on. Namely the fact that AD will be here May 10 and before she’s made an member of the stateside team, she’ll need an official nickname. If inspiration is necessary: