FRAUNCES TAVERN HOSTS PENTHOUSE PETS

John Wegorzewski With Dr. Victoria Z.

Dr Victoria Z. With John McHugh, Laine Spencer And Sylvia Cruz

How the times do change, that’s for sure.The venerable historic Fraunces Tavern located on Pearl Street in the heart of New York’s Financial District was once the setting for George Washington’s farewell address to the officers of the Continental Army. Last week it was the site for a “Come Meet Your New Neighbors” bash hosted by Penthouse Magazine. Seems Penthouse Magazine has a brand new home on 20 Broad Street, right next door to the New York Stock Exchange, just around the corner from the legendary tavern and the execs thought it might be a neighborly thing to invite Wall Streets young movers and shakers over for a little cocktail or two. Instead of bewigged and frock coat wearing Founding Fathers greeting the Father of Our Country, this time the welcoming committee was made up of Penthouse cover girls in sexy revealing evening gowns and spike heels and the guests were Brooks Brothers suit wearing financial types –at least the ones who still had a job. Penthouse Pets on hand were Krista Ayne Penthouse Pet of the Year; Runner Up 2007, newcomer Lexi Blade who will make her Penthouse debut in the February 2009 issue and Victoria “Dr. Z” Zdrok, Penthouse Pet of the Year 2004, Penthouse monthly sex, love and dating columnist and author of best-selling book, “Dr. Z on Scoring.” PR Guru Claire O’Connor was the Matchmaker between the Pets and the Wall Streeters.“I’m so happy with this new location,” said the sexy Doctor who is also an official member of the Penthouse Magazine editorial team. “I hope our neighbors will see us as a breath of fresh air. We like the flavor of the neighborhood, and of course my door is open to any of the area’s men and women who seek relationship advice.” Penthouse Magazine has outlived many would be rivals and hopes to have a run like Fraunces Tavern which was built in 1719 as an elegant residence for the merchant Stephan Delancey and his family. In 1762, the home was purchased by tavern-keeper Samuel Fraunces, who turned it into one of the most popular taverns of the day. Though it is best known as the site where Washington gave his farewell address, the tavern also played a significant role in pre-Revolutionary activities. After the war, when New York was the nation’s first capital, the tavern was rented to the new government to house the offices of the Departments of War, Treasury and Foreign Affairs. In 1904, the Sons of the Revolution in the State of New York purchased the tavern and hired preservation architect William Mersereau to return the building to its colonial appearance. Fraunces Tavern® Museum opened to the public in 1907. Today, the museum complex includes four 19th century buildings in addition to the 18th century Fraunces Tavern building. .