All of Richmond is buzzing about Infuzion's Ice Lounge, not only a first for the city, but for the U.S. as well. If donning an insulated parka and gloves and drinking cocktails "in the rocks" sounds like your style, this is the place.
Your $15 buys you 30 chilly minutes in the cavern where the tables, bar and highball glasses are all made of frozen H2O. You'll also get a "been there, done that" souvenir photo from your session.
But, there's much more happening at this hip venue than just chilling out in a frozen tavern. Also inside this renovated 1940s-era warehouse in the historic Scott's Addition neighborhood are a cosmopolitan dance club and a new tapas-style lounge.
If you're looking for heat rather than ice, a visit to the 5,000-square-foot dance floor will warm you up. Take advantage of the free Salsa lessons from 8 to 9 p.m. Thursdays, followed by a fiery dance party. Fridays at the club feature top dance tunes from the '60s to the present, and Saturdays have a continental vibe, with European club mixes and Infuzions' feature dancers. "What is yet to be discovered about Infuzion may be the best-kept secret in town … the Bistro and Lounge." IF YOU GO: Infuzion Lounge
1401 Roseneath Road
804-249-COOL
http://www.infuzionlounge.com/ w Non-smoking
w Off-street parking on Leigh
w Free designated driving service on Saturdays Hours
w Bistro & Lounge: 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tuesday-Saturday
w Ice Lounge: 5:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesday-Saturday
w Club: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday-Saturday
w Closed Sunday and Monday |
What is yet to be discovered about Infuzion may be the best-kept secret in town … the Bistro and Lounge. With a "Milan-modern-meets-Asian" décor featuring muted earth tones, comfy banquettes and club chairs and fresh orchids galore, the Bistro offers an eclectic, global tasting menu of small bites.
There are actually three separate spaces within the Bistro: a full bar with lounge seating, the main lounge with live entertainment and a cozy private lounge with an electric fireplace that would be great for a birthday party or business tête-á-tête. The food is designed for sharing with a table of friends, as well as to compliment the lounge's signature infused-vodka martinis and sparkling Bellinis.
Chef Jason Boyd has gone out of his way to please every palate imaginable. The eponymous spring rolls are a fun take on buffalo wings, while the diminutive Beef Wellingtons and elegant prosciutto-wrapped asparagus with goat cheese satisfy the need for upscale hors d'oeuvres. The puff pastry on the Wellies was perfect, and the addition of the asparagus made it a demi-dinner.
The menu is divided into sections titled "Hearty Eats" – think sliders and upscale tailgate fare; "Choose Your Own Adventure," with pick-three trios from bruschetta to salad wraps; "Fresh Fare" for vegetable-lovers; "From the Sea," with offerings like tuna tartar, diver scallops and cider-bacon clams; "Local Favorites," with in-the-know picks like the Outer Banks' Owens Restaurant hush puppies and a Dim Sum Sampler; and "For Your Sweet Tooth," with selections of French pastries, cheesecake popsicles and Richmond's DeLuca gelato.
Prices range from $6.25 to $11.95 and portions are generally for four, with a pared down late-night menu available until the wee hours.