We took a look around the Crown Bar today, the new restaurant/bistro/lounge from the boys behind Winston's and The Dime, but we could only get a few shots of the exterior and great patio for you, dear readers. What we can tell you is that there's a private opening tonight, with full public debut tomorrow, May 1. The former Tempest space is wiped clean, now the room sports a huge white marble bar in the center with tufted banquettes and ottomans on one side, booths and tables on the other, fabric wallpaper, lots of dark woods, leather, amber lighting. It's all new, but already feels comfortable, lived in, with a 30s-40s vibe. There are seats on all sides of the bar, which makes for easy bar eating if you so choose. Chef Chris Ennis, quickly putting his short term at One Sunset behind him (he was at Vibrato before that), came up with an "American bistro" menu, easy noshing food like flat breads with La Quercia prosciutto, burgers, crab and sweet corn fritters, salads. They'll take reservations for tables, although some will be held in the later hours for bottle service. This being a Winston's sibling, the lounge features prominently (as does the DJ booth) and stays open until 2am, and because several partners are entertainment heavyweights (Andy Fiscella, an actor; Chris Huvane, West Coast editor for GQ; Beau Flynn, a producer), the crowd follows suit. Metromix has the rundown on the DJs and nightlife angles. (7321 Santa Monica Blvd.; no dinner Sun, Wed)
· Winston's 2.0: New Crown Bar Details [~ELA~]
· Samantha Ronson and The Alliance Open Crown Bar Tonight [Metromix]
