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Club's new identity holds dash of Japan

The biggest change Rain Lounge patrons will see after a remodeling project is the addition of a sushi and sake cafe.

After an 11-month hiatus, Rain Lounge, one of Tampa's upscale nightclubs, has reopened with a new look, a new management team and some new menu items: sushi and sake.

"We would like to develop a relaxing indoor and outdoor lounge setting with great food and great music," said Lovie Hudson, club president and co-owner. "We want to appeal to an upscale crowd that wants to come and enjoy themselves."

The downtown club on Nebraska Avenue near the St. Pete Times Forum closed last year because of management and building code problems. It reopened last month after a major reconstruction.

The new owners hope the improvements help draw a more mature crowd. The club used to attract the 22- to 35-year-old bar set. Now, managers want to include more 40-somethings.

In the past, the bar has hosted a diverse mix of celebrities, from TV comedian Jamie Foxx to Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter to several Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The club packs between 300 and 1,000 customers a night, said Billy Womack, club promoter and part owner. In 2001, Rain hosted the Playboy party during Super Bowl festivities. The club opened in 2000.

The idea for the "Sushi and Saki Rain Cafe" arose during the remodeling process, Hudson said. The 37-by-11-foot restaurant will feature seafood creations by 23-year-old Hoa Ly, a former sushi chef at Samurai Blue in Centro Ybor.

Among the dishes: the "Short-E Roll," named after Rain Lounge entertainer and co-owner Eric Mishiyev, known as DJ Short-E.

Ly looks forward to working in a nightclub atmosphere, he said. He's a big fan of house and acid jazz.

"The music gives me ideas," he said. "I think of myself as an artist. I like for the food to look really good."

The sushi cafe has gold walls and purple carpet - the colors of royalty. It seats about 28. It occupies a room off to the side of the VIP area.

The restaurant is scheduled to open next Thursday, in anticipation of the long Fourth of July weekend.

Patrons who dine at the cafe will get into the club free. Cover is $5 for general admission and $10 for the VIP room.

"We would like to be considered a destination club," Hudson said. "You're here for a reason and you stay for a while."

- Jonathan Milton can be reached at 226-3321 or milton@sptimes