Deep down each of us really wishes we had our own neighborhood piano bar where we can belt out our favorite Broadway tunes while swilling martinis and reminiscing about “the good ol’ days.”

Burlesque impresario (and Broadway fanatic) Ivan Kane is making those wishes come true with his newest venue, Café Wa s, which should open on the corner of Sunset and Vine sometime in June 2008.  Kane is the deliciously twisted mastermind behind other ventures like deep, which was featured in Ocean’s 11, and what is probably the best-known burlesque club today, Ivan Kane’s Forty Deuce.
Café Wa s is yet another example of Kane’s crusade to return going out to a big event with food, drink and entertainment all on the bill.

While you won’t be able to take the mic yourself, Kane’s philosophy of a spectator soiree guarantees you a good time—and you never know what celebrity songbird might unexpectedly show up for a command performance. As patrons enter the whimsical club, they feel like they are slipping into a Dickens novel or Degas painting: part sophisticated and part seedy.  Slide into a secluded lounge or head to the candle-covered balcony (but not via the grand staircase that leads nowhere) and admire the oil paintings nailed to the ceiling.  Even more impressive are the the burnished antique mirrors and salvaged balustrades lining the room.

The dinner menu was created by Tim Goodell (of Aubergine and Dakota at the Roosevelt Hotel), and includes items ranging from a selection of fine caviar to an artery-clogging hamburger topped with brie, prosciutto and a fried egg.  The bar will feature the usual selection of fine spirits and wine to choose from as you enjoy the musical ministrations emanating from the revolving grand piano…Liberace, eat your heart out. – Eric Rosen