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Cool kitsch
By JANE BOKUN
© St. Petersburg Times, published October 19, 2000
[Times photo: Chris Schneider]
Ignacio Hernandez, 22, left, jokes with his wife, Joy Hernandez, 22, while having cocktails recently at the Rain Lounge in Tampa. Rain is the brainchild of Rick Calderoni, one of the owners of the Green Iguana restaurants in Tampa.
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TAMPA -- Tom Jones gently croons to appreciative twentysomethings, who mingle in themed rooms with multicolored waterfalls. It's a Thursday night at Rain Lounge, an eclectic new bar in Tampa's Channelside district.
Even to the most jaded of bar hoppers, this establishment is decidedly unusual.
It strives to convey an atmosphere of ultimate relaxation, with some power-packed libations thrown in. The darkened bar has rooms that extend inside and out with comfy leather couches and a theme that combines a Zenlike experience with a '50s lounge.
"We even have an individual room with a bed in it," said manager Samantha Gantt. "People like to lounge around on it while they have their drinks."
Rain is the brainchild of Rick Calderoni, one of the owners of the Green Iguana restaurants in Tampa. It has only been open for a month or so, but the place is generally packed on Friday nights.
The bar features a different singer each night and has special event nights, such as a salute to Frank Sinatra. There also is high-tech dance music on designated nights. The outdoor Miami-style bar is marked by swaying palm trees and moonlit couches. Some of the rooms inside are available for private parties, and, according to Gantt, "You can rent the entire place."
Promotions include $3 martini nights and other nightly drink specials. There are hot hors d'oeuvres available, but the emphasis is on the pure pleasure of a cocktail in a more than pleasant atmosphere.
There is a $5 cover charge after 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights. Upcoming events include a masquerade ball Oct. 28. Tickets, $100 each, will include an open bar with premium liquor and substantial appetizers.
ON THE TOWN
- Rain Lounge
- 302 S Nebraska Ave. (next to the Ice Palace); phone (813) 229-7246; open 5 p.m.-3 a.m. Wednesday-Saturday.
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