Sax Restaurant & Lounge will be located at 734 11 Street, NW in the old POSH Lounge space. We first learned of their opening back in July ’10.
SAX, an entertainment venue featuring live cabaret and allegorical art installations, will open to the public on Friday, May 13. The SAX experience, from shocking paintings and elegant, erotic performances to a luxurious menu of modern French small plates and decadent cocktails, is an atmosphere lavishly unique in Washington, D.C.
The lounge will open seven days a week, by reservation only. On Sunday evenings, the entertainment will cater to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. SAX is the third restaurant and lounge by Errol Lawrence and Nancy Koide, who also own OYA and SEI in Penn Quarter.
PERFORMANCE ARTS
A 20-foot enclosed infinity stage is visible from all angles of the two-story space, which will host costumed cabaret performers throughout the evening. Entertainment will range from illusionists and mimes to alluring performances that border on burlesque as the evening continues. Hillary Wright, an award-winning choreographer and performer, will expertly orchestrate the in-house troupe.
THE SAX SCANDALS
Allegory meets contemporary art with “The SAX Scandals,” satirical murals and portraits of political and religious figures and their vices. The art, much like the SAX experience, is over the top and invites guests to enter a world of fantasy, pushing the envelope of allure and corruption. These paintings are artist Balage Balogh’s interpretation of the hypocrisy demonstrated by some politicians and religious leaders, and the images bring the taboo subjects of sex, politics and religion to the forefront of conversation.
THE SPACE
SAX’s opulent 9,700-square-foot, two-story space, reflects a modern French design, plush with gilded and faux-marbled columns, hand-button tufted damask banquettes and inlaid medallion tabletops. Authentic reclaimed church doors mark the entryway from the crystal-adorned vestibule into SAX, and red-corded curtains lead to the main dining room, which is adorned with 30 wall sconces and nine large chandeliers surrounding the perimeter balconies. All of the sconces and chandeliers are antique period pieces updated for the 21st century.
THE MENU AND THE CHEF
Like the interior design, the dinner menu is modern French-influenced, featuring sensual and satisfying small plates meant to be enjoyed without utensils. European fondues, flatbreads, canapés and main selections will pair with an extensive list of cocktails, beer and wine.
With more than 10 selections by the glass and 50 by the bottle, SAX will boast one of the largest sparkling wine lists in the city, plus a number of larger-format magnums and jeroboams. Sommelier Andrew Stover also selected Ridgeview ‘South Ridge’ Classic Cuvee Brut from Sussex, England. SAX is the only lounge in Washington, D.C., to carry this sparkling wine. Regional Operations Director Arris Noble has also replaced traditional bottle service with minibar packages featuring 375 ml bottles of choice spirits and food pairings. Cocktails made with gold leaf, edible flowers and liquid nitrogen complement the whimsical, decadent atmosphere.
Jonathan Seningen is the Executive Chef of SAX, and before opening the restaurant and lounge he oversaw the menu at OYA.
