THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, October 26, 1995 TAG: 9510240154
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 20 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: On the Town
SOURCE: Sam Martinette
LENGTH: Medium: 79 lines
Back in olden times, when I used to work in the restaurant business in Ghent, it was pretty common for those of us who worked until 2 or 3 a.m. to frequent private after-hours clubs.
It was like living in a nether world, where we danced and drank until dawn while the real world slumbered.
The clubs were all right in their own way, pretty basic for the most part, downright ratty in some cases. But there were few places to go at that time of night to let off steam after working a difficult job.
The after-hours clubs are still out there, lights flashing, drums pounding away, but a new breed of private club has opened downtown. Bugatti's (111 College Place, 627-7777), with its faux marble columns, potted palms and rich, warm interior, is more reminiscent of a place where Jay Gatsby might choose to hang out than somewhere you would run into a disco duck.
Operated by the Virginia Theatrical Society, in the persons of Jim Manning and Bernie Rich, the opulent club is as different from other after-hours clubs as, well, night and day. In fact, Manning is quick to point out that Bugatti's is a private club, with the same sort of license as a country club.
``Everybody thinks of clubs like this as `after-hours,' while in reality we're just a private club designed to cater to people leaving the theater or those who work in restaurants that are just closing down for the night,'' Manning said. ``We expect to appeal to a more upscale crowd, the avant-garde who work in the theater and the arts as well.
``We think that we've come far enough along in the city that there will be 300 to 400 people who might like a place like this.''
Manning knows about theatrical types. Some years back he produced a series of Broadway road shows at Scope, in conjunction with the city of Norfolk. You might recall ``South Pacific'' with Howard Keel and Jane Powell, Leslie Caron in ``Can Can,'' and Mitzi Gaynor as Mitzi Gaynor. He sees the Virginia Theatrical Society as a support group for theater and the arts, with Bugatti's serving as the social arm.
Indeed, Bugatti's might serve as a set for a film or stage production. On the walls, artist Cathy Cox has reproduced splendidly many Toulouse-Lautrec posters evoking the demimonde of Victorian-era Paris. The gold filigree on black columns and burnt-orange and black colors warm up the refurbished former Naivete Dress Shop, adding to the plush feeling of Bugatti's.
In a concession to modern times, Bugatti's has a dance floor midway back on the first floor. Off to the sides are small cubbys where dancers might rest and share a private drink. The small, off-set areas were once dressing rooms and areas for clothing racks. Behind the main bar, reflected in the mirror, stands an antique cappuccino machine imported from Palermo, Manning said.
``We'll offer some upscale sandwich platters, five hors d'oeuvre platters and gourmet desserts, along with espresso, cappuccino, cafe latte and cafe mocha,'' he explained. Bugatti's also will sell beer and wine to members and their guests, and will extend BYOB privileges to members.
Manning originally wanted to open at 5 p.m., but for now the club will open from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. most nights, with extended hours on weekends.
``Early in the evening we'll play romantic music - Sinatra, Jerry Vale, Tony Bennett - then later on we'll play some jazz,'' he said. ``Then if we develop a late-night crowd that wants dance music, we have that as well.''
Manning hopes to develop a ``doo-wop'' appreciation society that will meet on Sunday evenings to listen to the street-corner music that reached its zenith in the late '50s and has made a comeback in the films of Martin Scorcese and Robert DeNiro.
Clearly, Bugatti's seems different than any private club in the area. Manning has had a good response from people coming in to preview the club.
``The younger people coming in seem to be enjoying something different, more elegant than what they're used to,'' he said. ``And we've already booked cast parties and opening night parties with the opera and stage company.''
Membership in Bugatti's will cost $150 per year, with a $30 monthly minimum. Look for the Bugatti parked out front on weekends. ILLUSTRATION: Photo by SAM MARTINETTE
Bugatti's is designed to appeal to an upscale crowd, Jim Manning
says.
by CNB