San Francisco - May 23, 2007

Sinfully Good

Harlot Opens

They met beneath the red light down a dim SoMa alley. He hustled for fame and fortune in Web 2.0.; she starved as an artist by day and walked the streets at night.

Silently, they entered Harlot, the new den of iniquity from Martel Toler, Nabiel Musleh, Robert Nunez, and Jacek Ostoya.

Music filled the dark, high-ceilinged lounge, a former printing press. She collapsed into a cowhide-covered Louis XIV chair while he fetched libations: Vespers for her (kaffir lime vodka, cranberry, orange juice), Libertine for him (gin, Madeira, lemon, sugar).

She took in the black damask panels, Gothic oil paintings — and noticed her date was besotted by one of her sisters in sin. She spied her escape: the heavenly VIP lounge above.

She climbed the stairs and found well-dressed rabble-rousers tempting her with Poco Dolce chocolates and artisan cheeses. Famished, she accepted and struck up an actual conversation in front of the fireplace.

Redemption? Go holy nights.

Harlot, 46 Minna Street, between First and Second Streets (415-777-1077 or harlotsf.com). Opening tomorrow night.

Photo Credit: Misha Vladimirskiy