- Field Day |
- Buildings Alive |
- Visions |
- CLGBT |
- Green Community |
- Fun & Free S#!T |
- Crossword |
- CL Space |
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
L'Olivier Cabaret to open in Ybor next month
Posted by Brian Ries on Tue, Dec 9, 2008 at 12:26 PM
Olivier Cuevas -- owner of St. Petersburg's L'Olivier Bistro -- is working feverishly to complete his new L'Olivier Cabaret before the Super Bowl. "Because there will be so much attention on Ybor during the Super Bowl," he said, "all these big networks will be situated there. It will be dramatic and important that we open then."
It's going to be a challenge. The cabaret is under Teatro on 7th in Centro Ybor and will feature a lounge decked out in couches and chaises, a big dining room and a large stage, not to mention the 18-foot-tall Eiffel Tower Cuevas has planned. "It'll be Paris in the 1920s," he explains. "La Belle Epoque, crushed red velvet, a grand piano, candles everywhere."
L'Olivier Cabaret's menu will feature straightforward bistro fare -- although more extensive than that at his St. Pete spot -- with nothing over $20 at dinner, or over $10 at lunch. If you're looking to spend more money than that, there will also be a Champagne bar with bottles ranging from $50-$500, including icons like Dom Perignon and Krug. Only French, of course.
The main focus of attention will be the twice-nightly shows
that run from Thursday through Sunday, with variety acts bookended by the Cabaret's own can-can girls. "It will be very Victor/Victoria, or A Chorus Line, magicians, maybe seven performers in a night," said Cuevas. "And, of course, drag queens." He is also negotiating to get RuPaul to perform at his opening bash.
A little over the top? Maybe, but Cuevas thinks the prices -- and his attitude -- mediate that. "It's going to be simple but beautiful, a classy act, the kind of place that's missing in Tampa," he explained. "But we cannot take ourselves too serious either. We don't have the financial resources to open Moulin Rouge."
Comments (4)
Showing 1-4 of 4
I have produced shows, much larger than these for many years toruing the north east to sell out crowds year after year. I would like to meet you and talk shop. maybe we could help each other. I also excell in mareting. have a degree in accounting/business administration. it's all about the art and getting them thruthe front door. I also have a awearhouse full of wardwrob, the good stuff professionally madeand some i made myself. i am an accoumplished illusionist. i do believe we could learn things from each other.
like
dislike
i pln on eing at the masquradeball, perhaps we could meet there. i'll bring my press book.
From start to finish my experience with O'livier was a disaster! I attended the Feb 28 RuPaul show at O'livier with friends and the experience was so atrocious I am appalled and will never go back! The reservations and door staff was RUDE and INCOMPETENT; the first time I made reservations for the show it was for a table of 6 (at $89 per person!). They "misplaced" this reservation so my guests and I were forced to make other arrangements. THEN, I was LIED to by the reservationist and I wasn't the only one, everyone who had the "luxury" of standing for a 3 hour show knows my pain, at $40, standing next to the bar, in heels, behind a column that blocked the show, in the one-person wide pathway used for service and access to the restroom... so much for "lounge seating"!! The little piddling chihuahua managing the door and ice princess hostess did not help accommodate any of the paying customers who were placed in this lovely situation. The group spend half the time apologizing to each other for blocking views, step on, knocking into each other. I actually felt worse for the people who were seated in one corner where there were couches, people lined up in front of them to watch the show. Did you know a $9 beverage goes down too quickly when the restaurant is stifling with the heat? Had a couple of these while waiting for a chicken salad which took over 45 minutes to arrive because the staff forgot to go get it. Was it worth the wait? It was a dish that made Ya-ya's look gourmet and wasn't half as edible. The show... I mean, how can you hate a pathetic sound system playing a canned version of the actual Moulin Rouge soundtrack. I'm not kidding, the actual soundtrack people! Yeah originality! Then RuPaul showed up... in body only... nothing like a perform who shows up with a look on his face that says "you are not paying me enough for this" and then completely failed to deliver... how many times can you hear "Cover Girl" being lip synched by someone who has the BALLS (duct taped down mind you) to say you better lip sync for your life... I'd call RuPaul's performance DOA, call CSI. In fact, CSI should just pronounce the whole experience a death of something that could be fabulous. Save your money people! This is one cabaret worth missing!
I completely agree with Matty. We booked reservations for 3 people at $69, and when we got there we were told only $89 VIP was available. When we were seated originally we were behind the people standing at the bar. All we could see were the backs of the guys ahead of us. When we complained about this they moved us to a table closer to the show. We got a bottle of champagne, a salad, and the entree, but no dessert. The service was horrible (and the 18% tip was already on the bill.) Based on the service 18% was ridiculously high. We definitely won't be back!
Latest in Daily Loaf
-
Told that the city's bond rating is at stake, Tampa City Council supports major increase in garbage rates
Councilmembers Suarez and Cohen said they hated raising rates, but worried more about the city losing its bond rating.
-
Mitch Perry Report 2.16.12 - Iorio calls out J.D. Alexander
-
J.D. Alexander is bringing people together
In her op-ed, Iorio blasts other FL senators for Alexander's antics, as well as the public. "Why do Floridians put up with such a sorry state of affairs?" she asks.
- More »
Author Archives
-
Plaza Courtyard is sweet 4
In less than a year, a desolate spot has become a St. Pete destination.
-
Eating 2011: 10 meals I can't forget 1
The dishes restaurant critic Brian Ries is still dreaming about.
- More »
Top Commenters
