Session 73 boasts an unflinching weekly lineup of live music while filling a more important niche than ever. The atmosphere at Session is all about food, drink, music and mood. The small, shareable and international varied dishes encourage cross pollinating and casual sociable dining, while the live music fuses the bustling bar and separate lounge dining room into one scene. Whether you’ve come to eat or to drink, you’re part of the overall scene.
But the casual atmosphere doesn’t sacrifice elegance. Session’s long-stretching, dark wood bar is moodily lit by hanging blue lights and adorned with a canopy of shimmering hand-worked copper, and candle-lit “wave” tables flank the carpeted stage. Meanwhile, the warm tangerine-colored walls and midnight-blue velvet banquets lend the dining room a comforting lounge-like feel.
Though the word tapas and the tradition are largely latin, Session’s menu applies the concept to other cuisines, including pan Asian, American and European. With prices starting at just $8 a dish, diners are encouraged to fill the table with an assortment of plates, from the French-influenced cheese fondue with bread and seasonal fruit, to more exotic Asian combinations like chicken teriyaki and mushroom dumplings served with a soy ginger sauce.
Music is at the heart of Session 73, though, the venue has built up a solid roster of bands and pop/rock and 80’s combos all of whom are established on the local and international circuits. Tango and Salsa sets the backdrop early in the week, while more mainstream, funky instrumentalists and vocalists liven things up as the week moves on.
Those who just want to drop by and catch the band and have a drink can select from the well-rounded list of more than a dozen top single-malt scotches, 12 designer tequilas, more than 10 beers on tap and wines from California, Australia, South Africa, Chile, Argentina and Spain.