By Marsha Sandman | CNA Media Team
As if the Alberta Rose Theatre isn’t fabulous enough. Joe Cawley, owner and purveyor of all things amazing, has opened Rosie’s Lounge right across the street.
It’s a cocktail lounge, restaurant, late night spot and a perfectly warm and inviting oasis. Guests say they are impressed immediately with the delightful décor which is, of course, dominated by roses.
Both warm and engaging – Blest VonWeter, manager, and Sarah King assistant manager – are longtime Concordians. You might recognize Sarah as the singer with The Nowhere Band at the Alberta Rose Theatre. They are the creative talent behind the interior design.
Blest produced the cocktail offerings and Sarah helped to build the dinner, happy hour and late night snack menus for the 4 p.m.–1 a.m. lounge.
Blest and Sarah have been friends for more than 30 years and business partners for five as interior designers and owners of Gold Dust, which was once located inside the Alberta Rose building.
Joe appreciated their design aesthetics and knew they were the perfect pair when he learned Gold Dust on Alberta Street at 14th Avenue will close soon.
He gave them complete artistic license in the remodeling and design of the former Stella Taco at 2940 N.E. Alberta St.
“It’s decadent, colorful, glamorous, romantic and welcoming,” Sarah explained. Gilded mirrors and larger-than-life roses grace the walls. Blest built the beautiful and abundant crystal chandeliers.
The new solid walnut bar is an excellent spot to enjoy libations. This is not your typical minimalist Portland bar. Rosie’s Lounge is Portland proud with 90% of the décor sourced locally. “Love is in the details,” Sarah pointed out.
After you’ve settled in, you’ll be wowed by the dinner and drinks menus. Blest is a master mixologist who promises seasonal changes.
The impressive dinner menu was designed by the owner, head chef Dee Dee Hopkins, and a group of other talented chefs, in addition to Sarah. It’s a unique and interesting menu intended to please all palettes.
Next spring Rosie’s plans to offer a brunch service with outside seating. Promised is a menu with seasonal changes and all food is, like its surroundings, sourced locally.
Facebook.com/rosiesloungeportland and Instagram’s @Rosie’sLounge offer evidence of the popularity of Rosie’s Lounge since it opened in December.
After living east, south, north and west, Marsha Sandman is home at last. And she wants to hear your story. Contact her at MarshaJSandman@gmail.com.