Birthday girl Zuly Ruiz and BFF Lori Stokel Rodriguez stopped for a pose in between their "pink champagne" cocktails and a walk down the Red Rug.
There is no one among us who doesn’t know the feeling of panic that approaches with the coming of every birthday in the life of that special “little one” we all seek to pamper and please.
Whether it’s choosing a theme, getting the invitations together, having enough space or choosing just the right menu—whatever the case is— it can be a recurring nightmare for moms, dads and grandparents.
But the need for experiencing party panic has come to a screeching halt with the opening, several months ago, of Party Den 9610 in Ozone Park.
To begin with, stepping in through the front door leaves you at first with a feeling of total surprise. The storefront in no way suggests that you will be walking into the expansive space that you do encounter upon entering.
Owner Carolyn Calore-Merlino has transformed the former retail outlet into a virtual paradise for children and adults alike. Every inch of the space reveals a reason to point a finger and follow-up with an “look at that–I can’t believe this place.”
But in fact this space does draw a lot of attention because of it’s design, and rightfully so. It certainly represents a welcome departure from the bouncy castles, pony rides and ball pits that have become the expected standard.
At Party Den, there is nothing that lends itself to the word standard. “We want to make sure that every child leaves here with a memory of the day that they will have forever,” says Merlino. And as memories go, this establishment goes the extra mile to make them.
Guests can choose from a number of themes including the creation and participation in their own fashion show, complete with red rug entrance, “pink champagne” served, of course, in flutes, and a walk down a lighted runway.
But if fashion doesn’t strike your fancy, Party Den can be magically transformed into a Disco Palace complete with, yes you got it, light up disco balls and stage! For the singers in the crowd, karaoke is always available and for the really adventurous, there is the option of making their own music video. To help with that, Party Den has a professional hip-hop dance teacher to put the added touch into the video experience.
One of Party Den's added touches, a candy table that appears to be something out of a child's dream world, designed to fit the special preferences of each individual customer.
Available packages include crafting, making ice cream sundaes, decorating personalized cakes or cupcakes and many more. You can even come up with your own theme and Party Den will be happy to carry it out for you.
Options include a photo both, costumed characters, candy and popcorn carts, colored hair extensions and temporary tattoos—the list seems endless.
Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance and the calendar for bookings is crowded so it is suggested that you have an alternate date when calling. Party times are sold in blocks of either 1 1/2 or two hours but there are available arrangements for extended time.
Adults can stay on the premises and keep their eyes on the little ones without interference with video viewing that allows supervision without getting in the “little people’s” space—we know how grown up they like to be.
You can contact Party Den for additional details and pricing.
They are located at 9610 Linden Blvd. in Ozone Park and can be reached at 718.323.9610
By Patricia Adams
