Competing with Old City bars and eateries so chocked full of yuppies that there's barely a place to sit or stand, designer Jeff Low describes Denim's 6,600 square feet as "theater but comfortable." Offset by long, dramatic chiffon curtains and colored light fixtures, Denim's six lounges are a warm but tasteful synthesis of bar stools from Italy, chrome vintage antlers and silver hand-strung beads from a Walgreens after-Christmas sale.
While Low does an amazing job creating a versatile denim palace for under a million dollars, the d‚cor is predictable and unflinchingly heterosexual at times. Custom black and white photographs of male/female pairs striking erotic poses line the walls of the denim lounge, while sexy mosaics of women in the men's room and male mosaics in the ladies room are billed for installation.
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Denim
1712 Walnut Street
(215) 753-6700
www.denimlounge.com |
With its star-crossed sights set on the likes of celebrities, sport-stars and foreign dignitaries, Denim has the fabulous in mind. The VIP lounge -- complete with a security entrance on Chancellor Street and fur throw pillows -- overlooks the 30 foot-long bar, allowing celebrities an unobstructed view of the commoners. Mahogany liquor lockers are available for $2000 per annum for Denim's frequent patrons. On opening night, DJ Jazzy Jeff was spinning while representatives of pop-stars Pink and Eve were scoping out the scene.
Despite its appeal to the rich and famous, a meal at Denim is scrumptious and rather affordable -- small plates range from $8-18 and entrees from $18-40. Tattooed from legs to chest, Executive Chef Scott McLeod hails from the South. His influences, however, are largely Latin and French. McLeod gingerly wields his meat thermometer, roasting both meat and fish to perfection. The coriander rice crusted tuna, accompanied by a roasted vegetable crˆpe ($26), is both savory and tender, while the filet mignon with parsnip puree is juicy and flavorful ($32).
Whether you come for apple martinis or for dinner, the churros accompanied by three sauces are not be missed. With a hip atmosphere perfect for people-watching and a not-so-clamorous noise level, Denim is ideal for dates. Plus, the mirrored tables provide a great opportunity to check your makeup or dislodge something from between your teeth, while directing your date's gaze towards the Philadelphia skyline.
