Gratuity Accepted

The last time I traversed the penthouse floor of the Charlotte Plaza building, it was called the Tower Club and as usual, drinks, steaks, and cigars were someone else's responsibility.

Last Thursday night's social would be no different, courtesy of some attorneys on retainer and a fantastic renovation to become the freshly-minted Bentley's on 27 (201 S. College St., 704-343-9201, www.bentleyson27.com) subbing in just over one year young.

If you're my kind of reader, you certainly appreciate gratuitous alcohol, and appreciate it I did. The best beer in my hand was the one I didn't pay for, and while sipping many fine Amstel Lights I was reminded of the stellar view of the skyline amidst the setting sun, including an angle on the new Coliseum that would make birds envious.

It gave this guy an opportunity to explore a blog entry and simultaneously work, and play, at the same time.

Every once in a while, swipe up that credit card and consider this alternative to happy hour. Many a time we speak of wine at Blue or martinis at Capital Grille. But picture a panoramic view of downtown, plush leather accomodations, and a live piano (Friday and Saturday) as a necessary evil and prelude to your weekend.

The name? Proprietor Jim Emad, in tribute to his family, honors his wife's maiden name, and bought the business in a corporation named after his siblings (Lauren Taylor, Inc.). The service? General manager Ahmad Mohammad, eager to appease a curious writer, returns from servicing an exiting customer just as promised. Waitstaff swarms our tables with a surf and turf of filet and crabcakes.

A martini is encouraged, with the honorary namesake consisting of an infused vodka of fresh pineapple and mango. The apple martini, a fruity concoction, is also highly recommended.

The atmosphere is warm amidst a fireplace ambiance, and while cigars are welcome, they are not sold.

I look forward to my return; however, I have an idea: You pay for it.

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It is the fall, so expect many football-related references when we essentially are up to almost seven days of televised matchups..

Last Thursday's N.C. State-Clemson ESPN matchup, exhibiting pre-game signs of two ACC teams in tumultous disrepair, was a one-sided affair in the Tigers' favor, and very evident at Picasso's (1301 East Blvd., 704-331-0133).

It would not otherwise be worth mentioning except that I observed exactly every seat in the bar as occupied, while loaded in Clemson orange (obviously, they have not read my alumni bar article...their official home is Jocks & Jills), and Wolfpack fans howled in disbelief at the score disparity.

For the record, it is still pound-for-pound the best sports bar in the city, and ask for Tim to pour you one.
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To do: The Forum. Too early to start chanting "Menage-who?" Or, Charlotte Coliseum grand opening, Rolling Stones-style.