The new downtown restaurant-lounge AMPM, in the Mosaic Building site of the defunct restaurant-lounge Scene, had a soft-opening launch party Friday night, offering samples of its menu as well as drinks from the bar. The most notable change from Scene is the installation of dozens of disco balls of all sizes in the dining area, which adds a funky vibe to the space. Too, a counter-like seating area in the dining room has been replaced with regular chairs and tables. Other than that, it's for the most part as sleek and cool as Scene was.
Having never eaten at Scene, however, I can't comment on whether AMPM's food is an upgrade or not. The shrimp cocktail, chicken quesadillas and fried chicken-and-waffle samples earned good marks, but the full menu -- featuring items ranging from grilled cheese to seared salmon in a curry sauce -- makes me wonder if such disparate entrees can be pulled off equally well. AMPM (300 N. Akard St.) -- which most notably hosted a recent private visit by Kim Kardashian -- opens to the public Monday night, so if you stop by for eats, lemme know what you think ...
A few days ago, I learned from the man himself that Keith Labonte, the former general manager of State-Thomas' Four Lounge who was until recently the GM at National Sports Lounge, is now back Uptown. I've never downplayed my affection for the small, cozy lounge, but it did lose a little something-something during Keith's absence -- and the absence of his remarkable cocktails. But the energetic guy and his drinks are back -- on Friday night, I sampled a green-tea-based (!!!) cocktail he's working on, and there are more concoctions to come. Welcome back, guy!
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