Tutto Go-Go

It has not been often that I've held tribal council at the end of the week at Tutto Mondo (1820 South Blvd., 704-332-5142, www.tuttomondo.net) but a refreshing visit amongst friends reminded me of why it was overdue.

Safely hidden upstairs next to the Pewter Rose in the South End, I featured it way back on March 17, 2004 paying homage to its interior design, low-key attitude, and word of mouth advertising. Shoot, they even pay tribute to my column with a link on their website.

A year and a half has expanded on its theme not only with a full week of entertainment, but its clientele. 9:30 DJ scheduling, with a very complicated array of assignments depending on the numbered week each month, still rounds up the urban professionals and has added a significant homosexual base, as well.

I have mixed feelings about the attention bestowed on me in this setting; I'm unquestionably straight as an arrow but appreciate the compliments, I guess. It must be my athletic, lean physique and crunchy short hair that garnered the occasional double-take. Much appreciated.

On this "True Blue" Friday, it was that guy smitty at the turntables, who specialized in classic house spins while 1/2 price appetizers and 1/2 price Cruvinet wines were served from 6-9. Weekenders will appreciate the $5 vodkas and Red Bulls and $5.50 Cosmos on Sweet Saturdays, and a nightly admission completely devoid of a cover charge.

But almost forgotten was its dark, moody setting stocked with deep loft-style furniture, underneath the twinkle of the holiday lighting. Other than a new phone number, they've kept a good thing going.

*****************************

Has anyone else been "Observing"... have things tapered off at Town (710 West Trade, 704-379-3555, www.dineattown.com)? It might be an overstatement, but I've caught a late week stop there a few times lately to a lot more empty seats than usual.

If I'm right, then it proves my point that the nearby Johnson & Wales culinary school, although stacked with cooking talent, is still just a bunch of broke students. College kids = cheap booze, and adjacent nightlife better still suck in the dollars from somewhere else.

*****************************

Cans Bar and Canteen (Graham & 5th, www.cansbar.com), originally slated for a January opening, looks busy inside while renovating this two-story development in the Cotton Mills.

It specializes in canned beer offerings, along with premium bottled selections and liquor, while incorporating a retroactive 80's theme replete with old video games and a jukebox.

Funny that it specializes in throwback while its logo and and exterior signage would indicate a futuristic appeal. If mullets are welcome, than I don't want to be.

But come to think of it, I believe there are some area bars that specialize in cans of beer...in Rock Hill.

*****************************

I was an unintended recipient of one of the emails circulated over the past two weeks accusing Menage owner Stefan Latorre of racial discrimination, an investigation I don't care to pursue.

However, I am curious if anyone has experienced this elsewhere around town, and please don't name names, just examples. Our blossoming cultural diversity probably makes this inevitable, as we learn to expand our tolerances. Feel free to email me at charlottenightlife@hotmail.com.