The latest in Emerging Chefs’ 2012 Culinary Performance Series, Last Tango in Tremont on July 2

A couple weeks ago Kimberly at Smitten…in CLE wrote that people fall into two categories — those who have been to Cleveland’s Velvet Tango Room and love it and those who have heard its praises sung but haven’t made it out there yet.

Unfortunately, I fall in the latter. From the comfortable atmosphere of a vintage-style speakeasy to their almost-religious devotion to crafting cocktails, VTR has long been heralded to me as one of “the best bars in the world.”  But since moving to Cleveland I just haven’t had a chance to go.

I don’t have a good reason for why I haven’t been.  However, I have a feeling that my first visit there is going to make up for lost time:

On July 2nd, I’ll be heading over to 2095 Columbus Road for Emerging Chefs’ next installment in their 2012 Culinary Performance Series — Last Tango in Tremont.

After May’s impressive Ode to Pig (here’s Eat.Drink.Cleveland’s review – yowzers!), the only way Emerging Chefs could possibly top it is with a trip to the Velvet Tango Room.

I love the different artwork Emerging Chefs is putting out for this month’s party, inspired by the film it takes its name from

This month’s production (I don’t think the word ‘event’ does it justice) will be backdropped against VTR’s garden and private backroom.

As live jazz plays, Chef Brian Rosander of Rosander Event Kitchen will create a five-course menu to pair with cocktails by Paulius Nasvytis, the owner and genius behind Velvet Tango Room.

From 6-9pm, guests will lavish their senses with this three-part feast of culinary excellence, libations and VTR’s timeless ambience. Weather permitting, a silent showing of the scintillating “Last Tango in Paris” will play in the courtyard.

Tickets cost $75, but since one of VTR’s masterpieces costs around $15 (and worth every penny I’ve heard), I consider this an equitable price for the caliber of the evening. Plus, one lucky foursome will be gifted by a ‘naughty’ Bananas Foster served up by Paulius.

I’m looking forward to popping my Velvet Tango Room cherry (hopefully with one of their imported Italian cherries!) on July 2nd.

If you’d like to join me, tickets can be purchased at http://emergingchefs2012-4.eventbrite.com.

Disclosure: I will be attending Emerging Chefs with a media pass while Scott is purchasing his ticket for the event. As always, all opinions and the choice of which events I post about are my own.