Devoted Summer House fans are still coming to terms with their new reality.
Photo: Rebecca Jennings
Entering Carl Radke’s Soft Bar, it’s clear that the Summer House–themed bingo cards need an update. Between spaces for classic moments like “Kyle mentions DJing” and “Jesse Solomon hits on new girl,” a prominent pink dot now reads, “Team Amanda.” Yet tonight, it seems no one is supporting Amanda.
For a decade, viewers have watched Amanda Batula and Kyle Cooke navigate their tumultuous relationship, a saga currently unfolding in season ten of Summer House. When they announced their separation in January, many speculated Batula might embrace the role of a newly single star among Bravo’s hot divorcées. However, rumors soon surfaced on social media regarding her potential involvement with West Wilson, a fellow cast member and former partner of her friend Ciara Miller. This season prominently features Wilson’s ongoing flirtation with Miller, who has expressed discomfort at how he publicly dismissed her after their breakup. Despite early denials, the Bravoverse reacted with shock on March 31 when Batula and Wilson confirming their “connection” via simultaneous Instagram posts — making this season’s drama more intriguing.
March 31 also marked a splendid day in New York, perfect for sipping margaritas while discussing Bravo’s latest developments. Unfortunately, Soft Bar is indoors and serves no alcohol, but it remains a popular destination for Summer House enthusiasts, hosted by comedian Rachel Lander, who fills the spacious back area every Tuesday. Arriving at 7:30 for the 8 p.m. airing, I find the atmosphere subdued, as if fans are bracing for a funeral—not necessarily for the show, but perhaps for its past glory. The sober setting may contribute to the lack of shouting at the screen.
Lander informs me that Radke’s absence is due to travel, not a desire to evade drama. Whenever he’s in town, he attends the screenings, and just weeks prior, guests asked about the rumors. “Carl was like, ‘They’re not true!’,” she recounts, acknowledging that she, too, believed them from the start.
The menu features Summer House favorites; I select the Shoulder Pads on the Beach, a delightful mocktail with pink champagne, a saffron-infused yuzu spirit, and peppercorn, while my friend Megan opts for a beer-and-shot combo: a white peach Loverboy alongside a mix of nonalcoholic citrus spirits. Priced at $15 and $12 respectively, they cost more than the vodka lemonade spritzes we just had at the rooftop happy hour next door. However, each drink purchase enters you into a raffle for a signed copy of Radke’s memoir, Cake Eater. The friendly bartenders, Kendra and Sasha, admit they don’t watch Summer House and have been told to refrain from commenting on the unfolding news.
From left: The nonalcoholic menu at Radke’s bar. Photo: Rebecca JenningsA dated Bingo card. Photo: Rebecca Jennings
From left: The nonalcoholic menu at Radke’s bar. Photo: Rebecca JenningsA dated Bingo card. Photo: Rebecca Jennings
Curiosity about support for Batula and Wilson’s relationship fills the room, but it quickly becomes apparent that most attendees align with a clear sentiment. “I’m deeply disappointed,” shares Nadia, 25, who’s seated with two friends. “Ciara truly deserves better. Forget those two completely.” “I didn’t want to believe it,” adds Audrey, 28, who is sitting with her boyfriend in a nearby section. “Three weeks ago, my friend showed me a video from downtown Manhattan, where West and Amanda were quite affectionate.” Initially, Audrey suspected mistaken identity, wondering if one of their mutual friends, who resembles Wilson, might have been involved. However, she concludes, “I think it’s completely wrong. While Amanda doesn’t owe Kyle anything given their relationship’s decline, she does owe Ciara, who has stood by her during the summer. West, as Kyle’s friend, should have shown him respect, and he also owed Ciara a far greater level of decency.” The group collectively longs for clarity during the reunion (receipts, proof, timelines, screenshots), though opinions diverge on the show’s future direction. “Honestly, I wouldn’t return if I were her; it seems like too much to bear continually,” Nadia remarks.
Only one attendee is still clinging to disbelief. Jordan, 36, speculates, “I think this could all be an April Fools’ joke, especially given the photo of Ciara sitting outside; it’s just not in her nature. I’ll hold judgment until tomorrow,” he comments, as his friend John shakes his head in disbelief. “I fully believe this is real,” John responds. “There are too many credible sources for it to be a stunt.” “I might just be in denial,” confesses Jordan. (If you’re reading this on April 1, Jordan, I apologize.)
Minutes before 8 p.m., Lander steps to the microphone. “The rumors are true,” she declares, “Carl’s book is indeed good!” She reassures attendees she’s on the right side of history (“Today, I posted, ‘I stand with Ciara’ as if she’s a nation in the Middle East”). When the show begins, the audience reacts mildly, mostly cheering at the mentions of Soft Bar. There are a few “aws” and laughs when Cooke gets emotional in one scene, while a few scattered boos arise when Wilson supports Miller’s decision to purchase her grandparents’ house. Disappointingly, there are no outbursts of anger when Miller advises Batula to leave her unhappy marriage, inadvertently oblivious to what lies ahead.
Photo: Rebecca Jennings
Within minutes of the episode’s conclusion, the bar empties quickly. Guests appear weary and satisfied, filled with flavorful, pricey juice. “I’m exhausted,” John remarks. “There’s too much going on. Two new Housewives premiered this week, and we have news like this, plus a Jen Shah interview dropping tomorrow. It’s overwhelming.”
Key Takeaways
- The Summer House fan community is divided over Amanda Batula’s new relationship with West Wilson.
- Many attendees express disappointment at the perceived betrayal of Ciara Miller.
- Soft Bar serves nonalcoholic drinks and screens episodes weekly.
- Fans are keen for more transparency about the rumors surrounding cast relationships.
- The atmosphere is subdued, likely due to the sober environment.
FAQ
What is Soft Bar?
Soft Bar is a venue owned by Carl Radke where fans of Summer House gather for watch parties, featuring a menu of themed nonalcoholic drinks.
Why is Radke absent from the watch party?
Radke was traveling and stated that he attends screenings whenever he is in town.
How do guests feel about Amanda and West’s relationship?
Many fans express disappointment and concern for Ciara, who was previously linked to West Wilson.
What is the ambiance like during the watch party?
The ambiance is relatively subdued, attributed to the absence of alcohol and the serious nature of recent events in the show’s narrative.
Are there any giveaways associated with drink purchases?
Yes, each drink purchase enters guests into a raffle for a signed copy of Carl Radke’s memoir, Cake Eater.
