rev:text
| - If Buffy the Vampire Slayer made the underworld sexy then L'Auberge is a fast follow. Decorated in modern gothic decor, the restaurant is adorned with heavy wood pieces, bare brick/stone walls lined with candles and dressed in Hirst inspired pieces of art including a whale spine and two stuffed horses with necks sewn together. If the decor wasn't cool enough, the bar with it's large selection of scotches and brandies alongside dripping pillars of candle is something I could sit and stare at all day.
Arriving late, we were unable to order much food besides fries, burgers and a cheese platter but from what we had, everything was delicious. I'm sure the amount I had to drink contributed to the overall vibe of this place but it is seriously a cool venue. Besides the restaurant and bar, we happened to hit L'Auberge on a night when their downstairs opens as an after hours type of bar. Since we were already in the restaurant, we weren't charged cover which was apparently $20 per person. In any case, knowing now that the downstairs looks even cooler than upstairs I would definitely have paid it. After descending a flight of stone stairs, you go through a dark stone tunnel to a nightclub of sorts. There is only one bar, but multiple areas to sit or dance in. Following suit with the decor upstairs, the downstairs was similarly adorned with heavy wooden and leather furniture, wrought iron grates in some areas and walls filled with pillars of candles. For the adventurous, there was even a stripper pole to take things up a notch (women only, no men allowed on the pole according to the bouncer)! The music like the rest of the venue was a more transcendental kind of electronic which totally suited the space but may change depending on the evening.
Overall, I would revisit L'Auberge if not to repeat the great time then to see in a sober state of mind whether it was scotch goggles or a truly cool place. Regardless, before the drinks started pouring, the venue was still beautiful so I would rate it 5 stars based on pre-drink experience.
|