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Y! MyWebBar Review
Stars Lounge
The view, the jazz and the airy open space will transport you to a restful, relaxed state.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
High atop the Crowne Plaza Hotel in downtown Dayton sits Stars Lounge, undoubtedly one of the best spots to enjoy a nighttime view of the city, live music, cocktails and a sampling or two from the appetizer or desert menu. After a day of enjoying all the holiday season had to offer, the Lounge Lizards were ready to relax and experience the twinkling lights of the city. Stars Lounge offers an extensive selection of cocktail suggestions — most priced at $7.95 — including our choices — an Orange Cosmo and a concoction they call the Starliner made with Espresso, Stoli vanilla, Bailey's and Frangelico.
While negotiating our order with the server, a request for a less boozy tasting Cosmo was greeted with a less-than-enthusiastic, "We can't really do that." Less vodka, more cranberry juice would have done the trick, but we chose not to argue the point.
Extras
Stars Lounge
- WHERE: 33 E. Fifth St., downtown Dayton [Map]
- HOURS: 2 p.m.-midnight Sunday through Thursday, 2 p.m.-1 a.m. Friday and Saturday
- COST: Appetizers from $7.25; sandwiches from $8.50; cocktails from $5
- VIBE: A nighttime destination to be sure. With sizeable glass windows for views of the city, it's a chic, cool destination.
- PARKING: If you park in the Transit Center, you can save your receipt for validation in the lounge and/or restaurant. Take the Skyway from the garage to the Crowne Plaza, then take the elevator to the top floor.
- MORE INFO: (937) 224-0800 or www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/cp/1/en/hotel/DAYCC/dining
- MORE: Reader ratings, complete profile
The presentation of the beverages is impressive with a portion of the drink served in a traditional martini glass and the remaining portion sitting in another glass chilling over ice, together both make up nearly two drinks.
The Starliner was a rich, smooth, chocolaty blend that is a lovely dessert drink. The Orange Cosmo was incredibly strong and, as we thought, could have benefited from more fruit juice.
We capped the evening off with an Orange Toddy ($5.75) made with an orange-spiced tea, nip of brandy, honey and a cinnamon stick. We paired it with the chef's seasonal offering from the desert menu — a chestnut funnel cake with citrus cherry glaze ($4.95).
After making our selection, our server suggested this item might not be the best option. Being funnel cake lovers from way back, we stuck with our choice and were glad we did. The toddy arrived and was a refreshing, warm drink that paired nicely with the dessert.
The batter appeared to have been pushed through a pastry bag with a serrated tip and was piled high forming a tower nestled in a citrus cherry glaze and finished off with a dusting of powder sugar.
This dessert was a hit — the nutty flavor of the chestnut and the tart cherries was a nice combination that could have benefited only from a sweeter sauce. Nonetheless, an unusual treat.
The view, the jazz, the airy open space will transport you, if only for a while, to a restful, relaxed state.
