Piano Bar

12/24/03

Settle down for a cigar and some tinkling of the ivories at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott's classy lounge.

by Contributor

The Scene
This piano bar on the hotel's second floor is a cushy setting for dinner or drinks. Three flower-patterned couches front the fireplace, while red leather armchairs and green velvet sofas fill the rest of the room. The dark, mahogany panels may suggest a den, but a chandelier, some traditional floral paintings, and numerous plants indicate something grander.

The Draw
The piano music will put you in the mood for sampling one of the 12 wines by the glass, the 30 by the bottle, or any of the numerous spirits at the fully stocked bar. A full food menu has impressive entries: bisque with pureed lobster claws, filet Napoleon with red wine risotto and a dessert of raspberry bash that layers fruit filling, graham crackers and two types of chocolate.