Cocktails are Forever

Pretend you're 007 in Hotel Helix's sexy, slightly naughty lounge

By Michael Hamilton

It's both luxurious and slightly sinister, but maybe it's only sinister if you've seen "A Clockwork Orange." White patent-leather-lined, make-out friendly banquettes, and a curved bar make it perfect for a sexy date. Especially if you want to pretend you're a spy. Or a junior development executive. The mood changes every few hours, choreographed by a sophisticated lighting system; in the morning, the space is immersed in a yellow/gold and orange glow, and by evening, lights of red, blue, and several shades in between abound.

Like the rest of the Kimpton lounges, this one has a clever drink menu including the Junipertini, made with Tanqueray and garnished with three blue cheese-infused olives and the Caramel Apple Carnival, a mixture of Skyy Vodka, Apple Pucker, Pineapple Juice, Sprite, and Tuaca, garnished with a cherry. I recommend the Blonde Bomber (Skyy Vodka with fresh lemonade, Basil elixir, and a splash of soda served on the rocks with a twist of lemon). Cocktails range from $8-$12.

Chef Stafford Mather's menu features fresh-made shareable plates of American classics gone contemporary. Think creamy tomato bisque with tiny skillet cheese sandwiches ($7), spicy mini corndogs ($8.50), and baked macaroni and three cheeses ($9).

For a full review of Hotel Helix, click here:

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A son of the South, Michael Hamilton loves three things: eating pork, talking about people behind their backs, and drinking "Co-cola" with boiled peanuts. He's also working on a book of essays he refuses to show anyone.