Although Three Headed Productions is not new to the nightlife scene, Le Passage is the first upscale establishment in its mini-empire, which includes alehouses such as Evil Olive, Cans Bar & Canteen, Salud Tequila Lounge and Junior's Sports Lounge. At the club now known as Le Passage and the Drawing Room, everything is different yet essentially the same. Yes, you do still walk down the same brick alley, and yes, you still walk down the same narrow stairs and yes, the layout is exactly the same. It still offers the two main bars that remain jam-packed, as well as a small dance floor and plenty of seating. But there are three major changes to note: 1) the legendary red velvet couches are now brown and the gold pillars are now tiled; 2) the Yow Bar is now called the Drawing Room—it serves small dishes and has its own entrance right on Rush Street next to Le Colonial (no relation); and 3) your cell phone actually works in this lower-level lounge.

The Drawing Room is now covered with white curtains instead of the old mirrored walls. Low tables, with space for 55 in all, are scattered about with modern chandeliers hanging overhead. Complementing the decor is the American-contemporary fare created by consulting chef Shawn McClain and his protege, Nicholas Lacasse. The menu includes BBQ chicken served with cranberry-smoked chili-honey glaze and poppyseed slaw ($15) and fried potatoes with spiced coppa known as "salumi and fries" ($10). Mixing up the drinks is mixologist Bridget Albert, who creates concoctions such as the Cubanola ($14) served with Bacardi, lemon sour, pomegranate grenadine, orange and pineapple. Reservations are recommended.

Centerstage Reviewer: Janis Mabalay