(photo by Jessy Plume for TRAFFIK)
____________________________________________________________________________
In Part One of our feature on nightlife proprietor Michelle Marini, we discussed a little bit of her personal history with “tinseltown” and the City of Angels (if you missed it you can click here to read it). In Part Two, we will be learning a little more about her influences, current project, and what she hopes to accomplish with this new venture.
In January of 2009 we asked Michelle Marini, what she would like to tackle next. She responded with, “I’m angling to open a small bar in Gallery Row Downtown. It’s a super artsy, fashion-minded community that’s in the making.”
Intrigued, our conversation continued.
Why Downtown? What made the idea of opening something up Downtown first pop into your head?
Marini enthusiastically replied, “During Artwalk. Fall ‘08 I believe. I felt like I was in Manhattan, and loved it!”
Ultimately, this decision and idea eventually evolved into the newest addition to the already popular Spring Street area Downtown, The Falls (interior pictured below, photo originally published here) –a lounge that boasts a delectable drink menu concocted by Marini and her partner Al Ameida, replete with cocktails featuring natural juices as one of the ingredients is located in the City Lofts Building (626 S. Spring St. L.A, CA 90014). The LA Times described it as “kind of like if the ’70s and the ’40s mated and had a casually stylish baby.”
__________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Recently, we decided to pick back up with the questions to give everyone more insight into what went into the Falls and what to expect when you set foot into it.
TRAffIK: On any given night you could be found mixing with the Downtown locals (and now neighbors of the Falls) whether it was taking in the nightlife at places like the Association or taking in the Art during the monthly Downtown Artwalks, do you think this has helped you to gain an understanding of the folks that currently make up the Downtown scene?
MM: No! Now that we’re open I realized I didn’t have a clue. The folks that have been coming in have been awesome, as I expected. And we’re gaining new locals day by day. I have noticed, however, that people are very loyal to their blocks. Some friends came over from Spring and 4th. I joked, wow, you traveled ALL that way?! And they answered that they usually go to The Must, which is right where they live. And coming down to The Falls was a trek. So it’s been a bit of a challenge being the new bar. Plus I suspect since I had Lava Lounge and now The Woods we might be considered “Hollywood,” which we really are not.
TRAffIK: What do you hope your patrons feel when they step into the Falls and what kind of experience should they expect?
MM: The bar is cozy, but a bit glamorous at the same time. I hope they feel at home, but clever that they have discovered this cool little spot.
TRAffIK: We mentioned how supportive you have been of the Downtown businesses, in general when you go out for the evening what does that consist of and what type of service do you expect?
MM: I feel like my trips out are always research for future projects. I try to make it at least once to as many new spots as best I can. I’m particularly interested in the new boutique bars that custom mix drinks to your current whim, and even chip ice the texture that suits the concoction.
TRAffIK: Do you have any favorite places in LA that you frequent and why?
MM: For months I really haven’t had much time to go out, and I suppose I frequent the bars that I am personally involved in (invested financially) most. I do not have a favorite bar other than my very own yet– but, I really admire my neighbor [downtown] bars like Varnish, the Association, Las Perlas. I also love Roger Room or Lubitsch for drinks, and admire the concept of La Descarga. I also used to like the Chalet in Eagle Rock when it was around, but it was so damn far.
My fave place to go barhopping is actually SOMA San Francisco. The venues there were initially built AGES ago. Many of the current owners have managed to keep and layer the historical ambiance with their own flourish, in a whimsical, if not somewhat flamboyant mind-blowing sort of way. OTT (over the top).
TRAffIK: As a bar/business owner and as a customer/patron, what is one thing that you wish more nightlife venues offered this day in age? Do you feel there is a deficiency of anything in particular during this particular time?
MM: Yes, customer service. Our policy is to be very courteous and friendly. I like to meet people and in turn introduce them to other patrons. I want to be responsible for lots of new friendships, and or hookups! The bar has a curve so you can see everyone sitting at the bar.
TRAffIK: You were a constant fixture greeting the regulars and newcomers at the Lava Lounge and can often be found at the Woods doing the same as well. Do you feel this accessibility that the general public has to you has contributed to the success of the venues?
MM: *Really? I’m so pleased you perceive me that way. I see myself more as skulking in the shadows. I tried not too get too friendly with the bands as I may decide not to invite them back; I’m not of the disposition of rejecting. And, I found I have a terrible habit of comp-ing drinks, not so good for business. Most people now have no idea I’m involved with [my other bar] the Woods. I like being subsurface, like a mole, apparently a cordial one.
Aside from expecting to find Marini as a permanent fixture inside of the Falls, the décor appears to pick up where the Woods left off with the addition of a carefully measured dose of sass and glam. The feeling of warmth is a carryover due to their similar signature vintage wooden “rustic” stylings, master craftsmanship (meticulously formed tree trunk tables, wooden bar stool tops, and the addition of embedded logs in the walls of the Falls) paired with the sophistication and glamour of golden undertones and retro accents (found in the wall designs, chandeliers, and lighting fixtures) all come together cohesively to lend themselves in creating a great backdrop to a night out (whether it be of the dress-up sort or a more casual meet for happy hour type) in Downtown.
____________________________________
The Falls at night photos by Jason Costanzo
(click on images to enlarge)
____________________________________
A nod to the ever present Downtown artistic community begins at the door, but is also found in one of the lounge’s focal points which brings the Falls to life with a waterfall Video Sculpture which was created by L.A. transplant (by way of Canada) MATTEO, who’s client roster includes a who’s who of celebrities and powerhouse entertainment companies. MATTEO’s track record has also contributed to the approval grant bestowed upon him to exhibit forthcoming works at the Tom Bradley terminal in the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) expected to occur in Spring 2011.
So whether you are a Downtown resident still looking for a place with zero pretension to make your regular haunt, or if you’re on a quest to find the cocktail that best suits your taste buds (try “the Brown Derby,” “Satan’s Whiskers,” “the Rustic,” or “the Lola”), or even if you just want to unwind and put in some of your musical requests to the dj’s that will help build the Falls’ vibe, rest assured that if the Falls is anything like Marini’s previous/other ventures you will come out with a multitude of new acquaintances/friends each time you visit thanks to the friendly atmosphere, socially minded layout, and not to mention Marini’s matchmaking skills and uncanny ability to retain information (likes, dislikes, life stories) about her patrons. She may just pair you up with your next best friend, business associate, employer, or significant other.
The Falls Lounge is currently open to the public. A carefully selected drink selection is available (three red wines, three white wines, six rotating beers on tap and six in bottles/cans.), and there has been a rumored addition of bar-type food to possibly make an appearance in the near future.
*Editor’s Note: (Marini will however be more of a prominent figure at the Falls, reminiscent of the Lava Lounge days)
