Rebranded, reworked and ready to rock is the word coming out of the Chambers Hotel this week.
Earlier this summer, the art hotel parted ways with famed New York chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, handing over the reins of its restaurant and nightlife to Twin Cities bigshots D'Amico & Partners. They unveiled their reboot with a soft opening Monday. The verdict? So far, so good.
The restaurant -- called D'Amico Kitchen -- has moved out of the basement and onto street level. The room's bright-white palette is accented by new pieces of art and soft draperies. The menu, with its variety of pastas and sophisticated Italian entrees, should please foodies still mourning the loss of D'Amico Cucina.
Five floors up, the rooftop lounge is now called Sid and Nancy's, after the volatile punk-rock couple. (Not "XO" as was previously reported.) The neon art that gave the minimalist space its original name (Red, White and F---ing Blue) now greets guests in the first-floor hotel lobby. D'Amico president Richard D'Amico said a less profane name might suit the lounge better, because it is often used for private events. He thinks Sid and Nancy's still provides some edginess. No word if they'll be playing non-stop tunes by Sid's legendary band, the Sex Pistols. Probably not. The lounge is open Fridays and Saturdays.
Over the past three years, the large courtyard bar has become one of the hotel's best assets. Ergo, the dreamy new name for the space: Eden.
"Our goal is to make it a super lush oasis in the center of downtown," D'Amico said.
New foliage will take some time to achieve actual lushness, but in the meantime, they've added more table seating and draped the cabanas in stark white curtains. Chairs outline the glass fire pit.
Today marks the start of Eden's weekly Friday Champagne happy hour. Live music will accompany the make-your-own Champagne cocktail bar (4-7 p.m.). While you're at it, try out the bar's new drink list. I recommend the Fredo, a Bombay Sapphire martini with pear liqueur.
Look for DJs in the courtyard on Friday and Saturday nights. Starting in mid-September, movies will screen outside every Sunday. They'll start off with a month of Italian films by masters like Federico Fellini and Michelangelo Antonioni. The courtyard's ice bar (dubbed the Ice Chamber) will be back in November.
My only regret: The big one-armed gorilla statue is gone. However, D'Amico said they found a good home for it -- back in Chambers owner Ralph and Peggy Burnet's yard.
"It was one of [Peggy's] favorite pieces, so she's happy to have it back," D'Amico said.
Seinfeld is coming One of the true kings of stand-up comedy is coming to the Orpheum for two shows on Nov. 14. Tickets for Jerry Seinfeld go on sale today at noon.
7 and 9:30 p.m. Nov. 14. 910 Hennepin Av., Mpls. $49 to $79. 1-800-982-2787.
More comedy Comedy night is back at the Spring Street Tavern this Sunday. The night, hosted by Patrick Bauer in Club Underground, starts with improv from 7:30 to 9 p.m., and continues with stand-up at 9:30. Minneapolis comedian Mike Brody headlines the night. The group Socially Awkward will headline the improv.
7:30 p.m. Sun. 355 Monroe St. NE., Mpls. $5. 612-627-9123.
Remember the time And the plot thickens ... Michael Jackson's death received a twist this week (it's a homicide). But forget that. Let's dance. Spin is the latest nightclub to offer its own MJ tribute party. Saturday's themed night coincides with what would be the King of Pop's 51st birthday. The party will feature a costume contest and music from Jackson's catalog all night long.
10 p.m. Sat. 10 S. 5th St., Mpls. $6. 18 and older. 612-333-5055. www.spinmn.com.
612-673-7909
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