Hot or Not?
Couture Ultra Lounge in Old Town
Posted by: John Chandler on Feb 16, 2010 at 01:00PM
4 Comments
Trucking back to the office after running an errand in Old Town, I stumbled across this place. I peeked inside and goggled over Couture Ultra Lounge’s vast open floor plan with two bars, a raised dining area, ersatz Greek statuary, and some vaguely Moorish banquette seating for VIP chillin’.
My sources tell me that it will be a big hit with the bridge-and-tunnel crowd, much like McFadden’s, Barracuda, and other joints I instinctively avoid, while less well-heeled natives will shun the place like it’s built over an old Indian burial ground. Over at barflymag.com (an indispensable guide to local watering holes) they haven’t posted a review yet, but I heartily endorse their observation that “overuse of the term ‘Ultra Lounge’ is becoming ultra-lame.” Why not “Extreme Lounge” or “Mega Lounge” or “Uber Lounge?”
I’m not sure why Couture’s business cards list the website since there’s nothing on it. Anyone been there yet? Food any good? Is it another example of faux LA velvet-rope wankery? Will I get the stinkeye if I show up in my usual attire of rock T-shirt, jeans, and sneakers? Does Rudy Fernandez hang out there?
So many questions.
Tags: Bar Openings
Remember that line from the overly sappy not so hip movie “Shakespeare in Love”? The line, delivered by Geoffrey Rush, always arose during a situation where our characters were facing imminent failure. When asked what to do, he always said “Nothing. Strangely enough, it all turns out well. I don’t know. It’s a mystery.”
Cheesy as that is, I believe the concept applies here. Whether you like the name or hate it, others will feel the opposite. Whatever you think of the menu or drink options, others will disagree. Portland has enough diversity, I have to believe someone will decide this is a gem worth keeping. Others will feel compelled to be contrary. So, I say to you, wait for an opportunity to write a review of the place. Expense your food and drink with the company. And, trust that some mysteries will always exist.
Saw this place mentioned in the St. Johns Sentinel, of all places, but haven’t heard a thing otherwise. Then again, if it’s aimed at the B&T crowd, I’ll enjoy my T&Ts elsewhere.
I worry that in this case “Couture” means “Turn your Izod collar to the up position”. Please advise…
not sure. but sounds like Caligula and Annie Green Springs brand Peach Schnapps.