December 12, 2007

Sea by Chloe

Chloe Bar in Santa Monica Opens

She sells seashells by the seashore.

When she’s done, she gets dolled up and heads to Chloe, the new west side hang from the duo behind Magnolia and The Bar.

When it officially opens Thursday, it’ll be just the place for old-fashioned bevvies like Pimm’s cups, Negroni, champagne cocktails, and Vespers. The modern take on a 1930s Parisian lounge has plush burgundy banquettes, French chandeliers, and antique mirrors throughout.

Partial credit for the small plates menu goes to Frank Falcinelli of Frankies Spuntino in NYC. Don’t OD on house-marinated olives and spiced pistachios — there’s crostini, cheeses, blue crab cocktail, fresh salads, a burger with English cheddar and caramelized onions, and onion rings to come.

It’s your new neighborhood haunt, but it ain’t Cheers. So skip the shorts, can the caps, and flee the flip-flops.

Phew. Try saying that five times fast.

Chloe, 1449 Second Street, between Broadway and Santa Monica Boulevard, Santa Monica (310-899-6999 or barchloe.com).