Frank Sabatini Jr. | Downtown News

A new 60s-style cocktail lounge opened recently in the East Village with an exclusive capacity allowing only 40 to 50 customers in at a time. Named the Cat Eye Club, the entrance is marked by a discrete red-leather door that leads inside to sofas, a fireplace and screens showing old black-and-white movies. The bygone era is further captured by classic cocktails and oldies music, including that of Motown. Patrons that arrive when the lounge is filled are called on their cell phones by staffers as they might decide to grab a bite at the nearby Lucky’s Lunch Counter or The Blind Burro, owned also by Good Time Design. The company plans to open yet another lounge in the vicinity later this year, named Moonshine Flats, which will supposedly boast the longest bar in Southern California. 370 Seventh Ave., 619-330-9509.

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They’re calling them “cocktails that we’ve never seen before.” In its first revamp of the cocktail list in more than a year, Craft and Commerce in Little Italy has just rolled out 14 new concoctions created by bar manager Ryan Fisher and the champion of the El Dorado Bartender Challenge, Christian Siglin, who also works at Craft. The latest libations include The Good Sinner (St. Germaine, absinthe, pineapple and champagne); The Odd Couple (rye whiskey, pear liqueur, Angostura bitters and mezcal) and the John Birch Fizz (bourbon, Galliano, sweet vermouth, egg whites and lemon). 675 W. Beech St., 619-269-2202. 

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Cookbook author, restaurateur and reality TV personality Kevin Roberts is slated to open his far-out Kamikaze 7 Sushi Joint on April 14. “Think of it as Quentin Tarantino meets sushi,” says Roberts, referring to a motif filled with samurai swords, giant murals and flat screens projecting Godzilla and Japanese fighting movies. Roberts, who also co-owns Gaslamp Tavern and East Village Tavern+Bowl, promises customers full interaction with his sushi chefs and a menu featuring Kobe beef from Japan and over a dozen different “sake bombs.” 411 Market St., munchiestv.com.

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Three restaurants are taking part in Arts Night Downtown, which showcases a variety of works by local artists to the tune of hosted appetizers and drink specials at each venue. The event takes place from 6 to 9 p.m., April 17, at RA Sushi San Diego (474 Broadway), Saltbox Restaurant (1047 Fifth Ave.) and Spike Africa’s Fresh Fish Grill & Bar (411 Broadway). Guests can begin at any location and then take part in a complimentary champagne toast at the end of the evening at Alexander Salazar Fine Art (640 Broadway). Admission is free, although RSVP is required by emailing to [email protected].

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With so few restaurants serving head-to-tail fish, SaltBox has stepped up to the plate with a spring special called “whole bass taco Tuesdays.” For $15, you get the entire fish served on a platter, plus black beans, avocado slices and house-made salsas and tortillas. A side of orange-cumin slaw is also thrown into the deal. All combined the meal feeds two people and is available from 5:30 p.m. to closing. 1047 Fifth Ave., 619-515-3003.

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Chef Aron Schwartz of Marina Kitchen has launched a weekly series of three and five-course pre-fixed dinners that will continue throughout the year. The menus are driven by seasonal ingredients and “whatever comes onto the market.” With an impressive wine cellar on site, customers can opt to have their courses paired with the latest and greatest vintages. Ingredients highlighted during the month of April include Alaskan halibut, Colorado lamb, spring garlic, ramps and morel mushrooms. The cost is $45 for three courses (plus $25 with wine) and $65 for five courses (plus $35 with wine.) 333 W. Harbor Drive, 619-699-8222.

Frank Sabatini Jr can be reached at [email protected].