Daily Record
46 Lounge Offers Tropical Pleasures
"Whoosh. Whoosh.
Close your eyes. Visualize. Waves lapping at the Shore?
An ever so-slight similarity does exist between smooth-flowing traffic and the gentle roll of the ocean.
The outdoor patio, courtesy of 46 Lounge in Totowa, offers the soothing sound of traffic among endless other tropical experiences affiliated with warm, summer nights.
“You wouldn't think that it looked like this inside, from passing it on the road,” said Will Morel of East Orange .
Yes the former Sport Sexy Café has experienced a transformation. Still sexy, as in the décor and well-dressed patrons and employees; still sporty, as in the flat-screens all around, including two patio side. Yet, this establishment offers tasteful equal opportunity scoping for men and women.
Sandwiched between a 24-hour International House of Pancakes and bagel shop, the simple name speaks volumes but not as much as an outing to witness the wow-appeal inside.
“It's very elegant and chic,” said Elizabeth Morel, Will's wife.
Equally impressed with the décor was her friend Jasleen Kurain, who was returning for her second time- this time with first-timers in tow. On a quest for tropical concoction, the trio bellied up to one of three bars and pored over the extensive drink menu.
Relaxing with pomegranate martinis, the trio drank in the surroundings.
Three metallic bars accented by cherry wood and seductive lantern-style lighting, the universal wattage of lounges. Then there's the lounging, made possible by cushy, earth-tone sofas- the kind you just fall into- a bonus for dates going well. Accompanying each couch, a candle lit table, topped off by a bunch of white balloons.
“I thought there was a private party here,” Elizabeth Morel said.
Party yes. Private no.
The balloons were a celebratory gesture made on behalf of the staff to ring in Status Thursdays.
Those in the know are privy to an everlasting happy hour from 5 to 11 p.m. The six-hour window of opportunity includes specials such as $5 martinis and free appetizers.
“Free?” Such was the in-stereo reaction of four patrons when the bartender informed them of the food lottery at hand. And we're not talkin' oiled-down pot-stickers or pigs in blankets warmed over.
Does coconut shrimp, fried calamari and Mediterranean hummus whet your appetite? How about a rotating buffet of music from pop, rock, hip-hop and reggae?
Having polished off some appetizers and deep into drink specials, a group of co-workers from an unnamed near-by retail store jump-started their party when the clock struck 5.
Mango martinis all around, please.
The drinks and ambiance were the draw for Maria Chrishoidis of Bergenfield , Brenda Walshe of Elizabeth and Regina Madsen of Little Falls.
“They have good drinks, music and good décor,” Walshe said.
The atmosphere and convenience earned an equal nod from the male contingent of this group.
“It's close to work, it's a good atmosphere and they have a good happy hour,” said Danny Hatizkonstinos of Queens , N.Y.
While this crowd owned the front bar, others headed directly for the door-as in the out-doors.
The balmy night beckoned later arrivals to the patio to soak up the moon and stars.
Whoosh. Whoosh,
It really does sort of sound like the ocean."
- Ellen S.Wilkowe |
