Rouge: In the back of the West Village restaurant Paris Commune, a staircase flows down to reveal a twinkling room drenched in rouge, glass, and crystals. Even before the menu is opened to reveal the 20 wines by the glass and over 200 by the bottle, there’s a sense that Rouge is trying very hard to accomplish something (beyond the obliteration of your sobriety, that is). A mural, reminiscent of Ludwig Bemelmans’ famed mural at the Carlyle bar, dances around the room, red velvet draperies hang over the entryway, and a chic wooden chandelier dangles over the bar. Chi-chi bar nibbles include housemade pate, cheese, caviar, and oysters on the half shell. The crowd is mixed but gay friendly—c’mon, it is the West Village. |
