Meet the scenester: Apple Lounge's Allison Melnick

(Credit: Troy Jensen)

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If you're not acquainted with Allison Melnick, here's a primer on the 37-year-old New York bombshell, who's just opened her first venue, Apple. She's found success in many fields, including accessory design at Betsey Johnson, marketing at Bad Boy Entertainment, and hosting TV shows for E! and VH1. She also starred on Spike TV's reality show "The Club," which explored the Las Vegas club scene.

Still, Melnick is best-known for her work in nightlife, specifically, in cornering L.A.'s A-list market at venues like Nacional and S Bar. It's no surprise she learned from the best: Amy Sacco in New York, Brent Bolthouse here in L.A. What could be a surprise, especially if she's ever denied you access, is that she craves unity. "In New York, if you did a party on the block and there was a party down the street, it only meant more business," she says. "Here, everybody's against each other."

At its, um, core, what is Apple?
Apple is three destinations under one roof. You can do dinner, you can go to the show [at the Pussycat Dolls Lounge, slated to open later this month], and if you're lucky enough to get past the velvet rope downstairs, you can get into the lounge downstairs. I want to bring the old-school dinner and a show back. Like the old-school social clubs from New York. It's also about different ages. It's not about young Hollywood anymore.

What was your inspiration?
Limelight [in New York]. It was black, white, straight, gay. There was a different room for everybody, different music in each room. Every night was like walking through a fun house.

Is that the kind of crowd you’re going for at Apple?
I want a mixture of celebrities, socialites, models, tastemakers. I just want the right mix of people downstairs. I want to bring the art; I want to bring the unity of music.

Can we assume we'll see lots of the Hilton sisters, especially since Nicky designed the staff uniforms via her line Chick?
Nicky and Paris are the most loyal, loving friends I could ask for. I trust them with my life. They've always been there for me. I didn't grow up having the money they have or the stature, and we've been friends for years now. I don't come from a big family, and their family treats me like one of their daughters. They're my family. People really don’t know who they are. I have their back till the day I die.

For those who aren't Hiltons, how can they get into the lounge?
It's all about the right attitude and a certain coolness. I don't mind people wearing T-shirts and sneakers, I just want the right kind of people down there. It’s not about stature, it's not about who you are—it's about your attitude. [Editor's note: Attempts to clarify "certain coolness" and "right attitude" were not fruitful. OK, no more apple jokes.]

What does the space look like?
The wallpaper in the bathroom downstairs in Apple Lounge is a black-and-white [image of] paparazzi, just how old-school Studio 54 was outside. And instead of a normal disco ball, I have a disco ball in the shape of an apple.

In a sense, Apple is like a love letter to NYC.
I love living in L.A., but I will always be a New Yorker.

Why did you move to L.A.?
I moved out here in May 2002, but September 11 was the reason why. People didn't want to go out dancing [anymore]. I remember my last night, I was at Suite Sixteen [co-owned by Crown Bar's Andy Fiscella], and the DJ was playing "We Are the Champions." Everybody was holding up their lighters like a concert. It was just so sad and so depressing. New York wasn't the New York I've known my whole life.

What would you say is the biggest difference between the two cities?
When I moved out into L.A., I couldn't believe that everyone was walking around in sweatpants during the day. I mean, I would carry my sweatpants with me to Crunch gym. [Also], In New York, we don’t have celebrities. We have socialites and models. Those are celebrities. And in New York, we welcome the press to come inside. [Ed. note: Score!]

Given the name of the venue, you must have a killer apple cocktail.
I haven't made my signature drink yet, but it will have something to do with apple. Every waitress and waiter has had to go through a mixology course, and we only serve fresh juices.

You spent 16 years in New York as a door girl. Do you still work the velvet rope?
I don't like being at the door anymore. I want to make sure everybody is having a good time. I just feel like I was put on this earth to cater to everybody. I never feel like a promoter, I never feel like a club owner. I always feel like a caterer.

What's next for you?
I want to create a brand. Our next stop is Miami.

Alexandra Le Tellier is Bars & Clubs editor for Metromix Los Angeles.