Picture by Heidi Harris
Damien McGee’s dad and mom’ love story is straight out of a film. His mom was notably obsessive about spies and Sean Connery (who performed James Bond in seven movies). His father, in an try and seduce his mom, grew to become a spy for the Nationwide Safety Company. It labored, they usually lived fortunately ever after.
4 years in the past, McGee created Glenwood Park cocktail bar Vesper as a tribute to his dad and mom. He embellished the area with vivid couches and summary artwork, going for a mid-century trendy look. The identify of the Bond-themed drink merely added to the spirit.
Come October, McGee is increasing right into a 1,000-square-foot area subsequent door with a sister spot known as Spectre. Named after the fictional felony group that serves as villains in Bond motion pictures, Specter will probably be darker, moodier and extra elegant than Vesper, McGee stated. Hooked up from the within, it would supply the identical meals and drinks as Vesper in a “wealthy, horny” area.
Picture by Heidi Harris
“I’ve at all times wished to do non-public occasions [at Vesper]. And other people ask if they will store. However we opened throughout the pandemic and the regulars supported us all through,” McGee defined. “So, I can not shut. [to the public] And there’s a common flip away. It is actually their flip.”
“The area subsequent door is a superb place for birthday events, engagement events, and many others. and we will maintain the opposite aspect open for normal prospects.”
Picture by Heidi Harris
Nonetheless, Specter will probably be open to the general public except used for a personal social gathering. Not like Vesper, it will not have a bar — simply lounge seating with servers. It is going to be lounge-y with round 40 seats. Count on a darkish shade palette—black plum, chartreuse, and walnut—with crystal chandeliers and gold Persian carpets.
Along with its fashionable martini menu, Vesper affords a wide range of gin and tonics all through the summer season. McGee says he is contemplating this as a everlasting function on each Vesper and Spectre. 13 zero-proof cocktails are additionally accessible. Mild bites embody charcuterie, road tacos, tuna tataki, marinated olives, road corn dip, a lobster quesadilla, Mediterranean flatbread and Parmesan truffle tots.
Though Vesper solely accepts reservations for teams of six or extra, Specter will accommodate teams of all sizes.
Picture by Heidi Harris
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