Mama D’s perfect night out is a perfect night in

There are a ton of parties that spring up (and disappear) throughout the city. In New York, plenty of weekends are a tug-of-war between your FOMO (fear of missing out) and pestering indecisiveness. There are so many options – your bed, takeout and Netflix usually being a staple and comfortable one. If you’re too lazy to go out clubbing or bar-hopping, but feeling upbeat enough for a night out, head over to a new event that will give you all the takeout-with-Netflix-in-bed feelings, while curing your FOMO. Imagine all-night cocktails and gourmet treats, lounge chairs and movies – it’s Mama D’s Sneaky Speakeasy.

Diana Mino is a gourmet chef, photographer, community organizer, and total cinephile, but who is Mama D and what the heck are her Sneaky Speakeasies?

Mama D: [laughs] Well, Mama D is Diana, that’s me. I grew up outside of Philadelphia, in the rural suburbs. They were originally farms, so there’s a tiny country girl in me. Don’t get me wrong though, the moment I could make it to New York, I said, “Bye! Hello NYC.”

Roderick: Tell me about your Sneaky Speakeasy.

Mama D: Mama D’s Sneaky Speakeasy is a host of events throughout the month that brings artists, music, food and film together for a great party.

My first night at Mama D’s Sneaky Speakeasy, I arrived at the venue, inconspicuously located in a gem of an area called Bushwood, a name for the not-so-famous borderland between Ridgewood, Queens, and Bushwick, Brooklyn. I walked up to the tall brown doors. “I’m here,” I texted. Outside of the cozy establishment, I stood waiting and listening to the muffled chatter of guests and then Mama D opened the door. In front of me was a smiling young woman, petite but with a strong and comedic personality. On a scale of Rachel Ray to Anthony Bourdain, she’s somewhere in the middle.

Inside was a well-decorated scene. The walls were covered with art, red brick and blackboards. I stared at the perfectly placed cocktail glasses, sprinkling light over the neon-lit bar, it was like I walked onto a set of an HBO show. I took a sip of my first cocktail and sank into one of Mama D’s pillowy couches; the evening was off to a great start.

The DJ began her set, scratching on real records, a refreshing departure from the YouTube playlist DJss of today. As I bobbed my head to the music, I was offered my first hors d’oeuvre — the hospitality y’all, the hospitality.

Roderick: How did Mama D’s Sneaky Speakeasy get started?

Mama D: I moved back to the city seven years ago and, honestly, it started out as a small party where there was food, drinks, movies and art. I wanted to feel comfortable, hang out and have a good time. I was envisioning my perfect night out meets my perfect night in.

Roderick: When I think of the perfect night, the best moments were either completely random, or with the people I truly care about. Is that what you had in mind?

Mama D: Exactly! I thought about the things we look for on a night out or brunch, great food, drinks, entertainment, art and people we enjoy being around.

Roderick Thomas: Why put on these events, D?

Mama D: I want to develop community. I want a space for people to be their full selves and not be so compartmentalized. Life is meant to be lived, it’s that simple.

Mama D’s food and drinks were truly as she’s branded them, “Gourmet As Fuck.” The Tasty Treats are an array of savory foods, from spring salads and vegan delights to her mouth-watering Goud’ Burger (yes, that’s a Kenan and Kel reference). And if you’re not in the mood for food, you can enjoy one of the many fruit-infused drinks, mango, passionfruit, or her regular Sneaky Ice Tea.

Diana operates her events with the Bushwood Collective, a talented team who pull together these great parties, made up mostly of women. In addition, Mama D offers apprenticeship opportunities for those wanting to enter the nightlife scene who have little or no experience.

Mama D: I’ve worn and wear so many different hats in my life. It’s important that I create opportunities, especially for other women. It’s crazy that you have to lie your way into bartending and nightlife, so I created a program for those who are interested.

Roderick Thomas: That’s awesome. Now, can you tell us something interesting we don’t know about you?

Mama D: I lived in Paris for a few years, and oui, je parle le francais.

Roderick Thomas: Impressive. Now, what the hell inspired those restrooms, Diana?

Mama D: [laughs] I love seeing people’s reaction!

At Mama D’s events you’ll have your pick of two restrooms. The first I call Golden Girls, a pink and fluffy environment that screams, “I’m living my best Floridian retirement life!” The other however, is a collage of naughty, after-dark cinema wallpaper, that will either have you laughing or gasping.

Roderick Thomas: The one and only Mama D, thanks for inviting me to your event. I’ll be back.

Mama D: You’re welcome and thank you!

If you’re up for a great night, you can attend Mama D’s upcoming parties, 90s kids, Back to the Grind on September 8 and Mama D’s Second Saturday Salon, on September 14. You can find Mama D’s off the Halsey stop on the L train or the Forest Ave stop on the M. For the exact location and event details, check out sneakyspeakeasy.com, or contact organizers directly on Instagram at @mamadssneakyspeakeasy.

Thomas