Storyville

 Looking forward to the opening of Storyville this week.  It will occupy the old space of Saint nightclub.  Apparently Storyville was a nightclub and music venue back in the 1940's in the Pizzeria Uno building in Kenmore. Who would have known?

  The new Storyville in backbay will offer a lounge-like atmosphere with dining, drinks, and dancing.  Curious to see what kind of crowd this speakeasy venue will draw. students? thirty-forty somethings?  bridge-n- tunnel?  euro?

Storyville is already getting mixed reviews on Yelp, but it's still too soon to tell. 

The Red Lantern

The exterior of Red Lantern is dismal and contradicts the chic interior decor. Once inside, it reminded me of NY's Tao restaurant (less the huge Buddha statue in the back).  Lounge music was playing, while funky red lanterns swayed over the seating area.  Finally Boston was on to something hip and classy!  Well...until I noticed people sharing Scorpion bowls. Isn't that why people go to the less sophisticated Hong Kong in Harvard Square? C'mon Red Lantern you can do better! 

On a positive note, the cocktails (Sumo Summer Martini) were yummy and my crazy Noodles were tasty.  Red Lantern has potential, but they just need to nix the shared drinks and neon straws.