Blub Blub

Date: February 6, 2015

Destination: Mrs. Fish

Cost: $13.00 plus gas

I descended down the staircase into the heart of the new DTLA. Surrounding me were the pretty people of the city, and above me hung a large aquarium - its bright inhabitants gliding through water like the dolled-up guests in the club I'd just entered. Lush gold-fringed curtains lined the walls and kitschy furniture was placed strategically. It felt like a movie set.

I had come to Mrs. Fish to hear a musician-friend play. I love opportunities like these to visit venues I'd normally not seek out. Located in Pershing Square, adjacent to the popular bar, Perch, all that's noticeable from the street are large black double doors and a small sign, attended by a bouncer and a velvet rope. It was early in the evening - the set was to start at eight - and I'd had the good fortune to find free street parking right around the corner.

Once inside, I was relieved to find a mixed crowd (even two seniors), but patrons skewed toward young professionals. Many men were attired in suits and most women donned the current uniform of skintight short knit dresses and staggering pumps. I hung out at the bar, nursing a Mirror Pond from Deschutes Brewery and listening to a band fronted by Mina Ledesma, which did not include my friend.

I swam through the three-leveled club, like the fish above me, and found a nice seat at the downstairs bar with a view of the stage. I pulled out my phone, double checked facebook posts and realized my friend had performed here the night before. Oops. As consolation, the friendly bartender introduced himself, thanked me for "gracing his bar," and offered up a free refill of my brew. The night had been slow so far, he explained.

I stayed and people-watched for a while and then took a stroll outside around Pershing Square. Wandering into the Biltmore Hotel, I enjoyed the glorious architecture and  the historical photos of Academy Award ceremonies long past. The lounge was grooving with a jazz combo and lots of patrons, which gave me ideas for a future Saturday night. I was able to walk in to the grand ballrooms and remember the elegant weddings and events I'd been fortunate to attend there decades ago.

Before too long, it was time to jump back on the 101, happy in the knowledge that I would no longer be intimidated by the downtown club scene.