On October 23, The Iconic, Original Location of Mother’s Bistro Becomes A Lounge and Gathering Place
Live Music, Showtune Sing-A-Longs, Drag Performances, and More
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – It’s all about the love at the new Velvet Lounge! Located on the recently renamed Harvey Milk Street (212 SW Harvey Milk Street) in the heart of downtown Portland, The Velvet Lounge has an atmosphere and a new menu fit for a queen. This all-inclusive, inviting bar with crystal chandeliers and velvet banquettes serves tasty small plates, delicious cocktails and lots of love. Chef/Owner Lisa Schroeder, husband and Musical Director Rob Sample and their team will be offering a highly curated selection of live music in the Main Room, and fun sing-alongs, drag queen events and a whole lot more in the Lounge.
“To us, the Velvet Lounge encompasses two exciting gathering places for the community, and by ‘community’ we mean everyone,” said Chef/Owner Schroeder. “Most importantly, the warm ambiance makes it easy to sip and eat while creating memories amongst friends and family.”
Returning to its roots as the original location of Victoria’s Nephew, a café owned by LGBTQ leader William Jamison (after whom Jamison Square is named), The Velvet Lounge will welcome a diverse clientele via upbeat entertainment and programming designed to have something for everyone. From showtune sing-a-longs to drag performances, from live music to movie night, the Velvet Lounge is the everybody-knows-your-name spot where all guests can feel at home and relax with friends. A menu of specialty martinis, classic cocktails, and yummy bites from Schroeder’s repertoire will complete the experience.
In addition to regular jazz and blues nights, DJ’s and big name bands looking to play smaller venues, Schroeder and Sample also plan to offer the Main Room to nonprofits and organizations they support for meetings and events, and have already hosted events for Basic Rights Oregon, Our House, Cascade Aids Project and Planned Parenthood. The Main Room includes a state-of-the-art sound system, mobile stage and bar, lighting for performances and serves the full menu from the Lounge.
Hours for the Lounge will be Tuesday-Thursday 3pm-10pm, Fridays and Saturdays 3pm-11pm; the Main Room – Varies with performances/events.
Chef Lisa Schroeder is best known as the owner of Mother’s Bistro & Bar, a restaurant inspired by home-cooked foods from mothers around the world, located in Downtown Portland, Oregon. Using classic cooking techniques combined with years of international experience, owner and award-winning Chef Schroeder creates menus that offer refined versions of traditional home-cooked dishes made with love.