HOT ARTICLES ON NEW YORKS HOTTEST NIGHTS!!!

Time Out New York July 3-9, 2008
Where to Dance issue
Decoding the Clubs

Simply Salsa at Taj is a good way for determined non-dancers to loosen up after work on Monday.
With upscale Indian décor and Latin sounds from DJ Henry Knowles, this is a departure from the electronic and house scenes. And while there are definitely some expert dancers here, the joint holds salsa lessons every evening t 6.30pm to ease you into the sabor.

AM.com March 21st, 2008
Salsa

Want to move like J. Lo? Talia Castro-Pozo, Co-Director of Manhattan's Stepping Out Studio (steppingoutstudios.com), will have you shaking it like a Polaroid picture in no time. "Women love being sexy and (dance is) very sexy," says the Salsa and Merengue instructor. "And women like men who can dance." Latin Dance is meant to be social; Castro-Pozo encourages students to try their moves on the dance floor.
Where to bust a move:
Taj Lounge's Monday Night Salsa Party; doors 5pm, $6 admission and dance lesson at 6.30pm. $12 after 7pm
48 West 21st st. 212-620-3033

New York Spirit April & May 2008
Adventures by Jena la Flamme

After completing one month of formal lessons, I had signed up for my second when a friend introduced me to a venue that has since become my second home: Taj Lounge on 21st st. between 5th and 6th. It thrilled me from the moment I walked in. The décor is exotic and sensual. Large swatches of raw silk drape the room in rich color-saffron, crimson. Recessed booths pilled with cushions are frame with ornate wooden latticework, circular tables proffer aromatic food and exotic Indian statues overlook the dance floor.
Since then I have returned every week to this place that feeds my hunger for movement: the salsa dance floor. Like great food, yoga and sex, salsa makes me feel ecstatic and alive. This “effect” is nothing less than trance.

Sunday, Styles New York Times Sunday, February 3rd, 2008
Night Out with Ingrid Hoffman
Tostadas to a Salsa Beat by Tatiana Boncompagni

Next the women embarked to Taj, a restaurant and lounge in Chelsea, which is host to salsa nights on Monday. Once inside, the group took refuge in a plush booth, where they ordered a round of pink shots made of vodka, pomegranate and pineapple juice. "To all the chicas," said Ms. Hoffman, raising her shot glass for a toast. Soon the women rose from the table. Accepting the hand of a dancer, Ms. Hoffman took a turn on the floor, her hips swiveling skillfully to the music.

City Scoops Nov/Dec 2007
Nightlife
The Rhythm of the Night

Salsa dancing may not be a New York invention, but this city has embraced it with the fiery passion it deserves.
By Daniela Hernandez

For the dedicated salsa dancer, the week begins early. Taj Lounge “After Work Mondays” at Taj (W 21st bet.5-6th) draws a mixed crowd of dancers and non-dancers, making it ideal spot for people that are just getting into the salsa scene or who want to try something new. The venue beautiful outfitted with Indian-inspired décor in vibrant oranges and reds, lends itself to a friendly and social atmosphere, as booths line the walls, making it easy for people to sit and talk. There is a large, open floor with plenty of space for dancing, which can be a rare commodity. Complete with a live band and a weekly performance, the to Taj party is dynamic; the perfect place to relax after work and enjoy a couple of drinks, good music, and of course, the dance.
At LQ
Like Taj, it’s a good place to go after work, though it lacks Taj’s intimate setting.

iSalsa Magazine Winter 2007
In the know
The Taj Lounge in NYC

Dancers from all over New York flock to NYC to learn On-2 style, and salsa venues pop up in unexpected places. One such a place is Taj, and Indian restaurant in Manhattan, which hosts a weekly Monday night salsa party.

Owner Philip Quilter took time out of his busy schedule to speak with iSalsa.

iSalsa: What made you decide to start salsa at an Indian restaurant?
Philip Quilter: There is a huge market for salsa that I don’t think NYC is catering for yet. With the popularity of Dancing with the Stars, and other popular TV dance shows; people are looking for traditional types of salsa venues that accommodate dancers, instructors, and local salsa bands like Willy’s NYC Salsa Project Band. And last week we had Jerry Rivera.

How did you get into salsa?
I partnered up with DJ Henry Knowles and Talia Castro-Pozo – those two are the forces behind the Monday night salsa parties. Talia recently performed on the Today Show with former Giant, Tiki Barber. She was coaching Tiki for a competition on the show where they performed the cha cha.
Although there is a serious amount of popularity and publicity associated with the whole Latin/salsa scene, a lot of people feel there aren’t adequate venues catering for these events – apart from lower scale like YMCA halls, which are traditionally stark and non-appealing. We’re a full –service restaurant- there is good food, friendly service, and we put a lot of effort into the décor. Our motto is “come in and enjoy yourself with your peers in the salsa community. That’s what we are trying to create, it’s all about enjoyment, people mixing and mingling, and coming together to enjoy themselves.”