(Hector Saldaña/Express-News)
Jazz singer Ken Slavin keeps the music flowing at Sage Ristorante e Bar.
Address: 401 S. Alamo St. (at East Nueva Street)
Hours: Bar — 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday-Saturday; 4 p.m.-midnight Monday-Thursday; closed Sunday. Restaurant — 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-10:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; 5-10:30 p.m. Saturday
Phone: (210) 212-5820
Snapshot: Massimo Pallottelli's new romantic, classy hideaway at the Fairmount Hotel at the southwest corner of South Alamo and East Nueva streets (across the street from La Villita and HemisFair Park) opened in January and is gaining a reputation for its live weekend jazz, prized food and intimate vibe. Seven small tables, roomy chairs, a five-stool bar and a grand piano dominate the charming long room with its oak floors, high ceilings and plush upholstered walls. Big windows mean no claustrophobia.
Behind the bar: A native of Rome, Pallottelli is perhaps proudest of his extensive list of Italian wines. "Where did wine come from? Hello!" Pallottelli said. He stocks great California wines, too, available by the glass or bottle. Imported Italian beers such as Peroni and Moretti are available along with a wide range of Mexican beers for less than $4. Well drinks cost $5. With this crowd, martinis and scotches rule most tabs. "Mostly we go with the classic drinks," Pallottelli added. "This is not a shots bar."
Who goes there? Generally, this is a more mature clientele, from 35 to 60 years old. About a 50-50 mix of tourists and locals dominate the nightlife at this spot that resembles off-the-beaten-path nooks in New York and New Orleans. But in-the-know rock 'n' rollers make the scene, too.
Munchies: Full Sage menu available in the bar, including lobster ravioli, grilled calamari, salads, appetizers and homemade desserts. "It's very fresh and very lean," Pallottelli said. "We don't fry. We stay on the light side."
Fun and games: No pool tables or video games. There is one TV. They're not missed.
Soundtrack: Classic jazz. Jazz crooner Ken Slavin enjoys creating an atmosphere of casual elegance with his trio on the weekends. "Visitors to downtown are always looking for live music," Slavin said. "They want live music, but they want to relax and have conversation, too."
The skinny: Weekends swing with Slavin behind the microphone, so this is a win-win barhopping stop downtown for hunkering down with lovers and friends or for falling in love on a slow dance. Pallottelli's reputation for excellence in the food and bar biz is well deserved. All credit cards accepted. Free valet parking. Happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. Pallottelli, who looks like a seasoned Italian movie star, said the trick is to "keep it authentic." Surprisingly affordable.
— Hector Saldaña
San Antonio Express-News publish date Sept. 1, 2006
