photo: David-Anthony Gonzalez

Many times, you find VIP rooms at your favorite clubs not so VIP as they fill with the "forward this text to all your friends for VIP" crowd. At Connoisseur, enjoy VIP service without all the club hassles. With limited seating to ensure ultimate guest attention and a bar that comes to you, this compact West Town wine lounge allows for nights of splurging without regret.

Ignore the strip of highway across the street and the absence of any well-known neighbors; frosty white windows keep the outside out. Inside, you immediately get the sense that you're at a housewarming-cocktail party. The staff quickly seats, ensures comfort, recommends and serves. A constant rain of attention from everyone down to the coat-check person partially keeps you from noticing the mod-like setting infused with Moroccan. Suede chocolate seating and scarlet lamps accent olive walls dotted with what look like fabric-coated stool heads.

The lounge accommodates a harmonious mix of all types. The space also provides in-house catering for corporate events. Impress a date or celebrate a birthday with a $700 bottle of champagne. Come learn about wines by the winemakers themselves at one of the many planned wine-tasting events, or drop in for a Creole-inspired meal while a DJ drops soulful house beats.

Don't make a menu choice too quickly; the staff prides themselves in making your choices for you. Your server will likely recommend the crawfish etoufee (a bowl of smothered crawfish served with French bread, $14). Before your meal arrives, the bartender rolls his bar over and prepares a special drink, like the clear chocolate martini with a truffle resting at the bottom ($14). Meals and desserts range from $8-$16. You'll also find a global selection of about 40 wines.

Centerstage Reviewer: David-Anthony Gonzalez