Excuse Me, Mister

Clubs? Too crowded. Bars? Too much smoke. Carnival Center? Too much hassle. So what do you do if you want to hear live music without dealing with drama? Go to Ruby J's Restaurant. The spot, formerly Madame's, is known for being a primo performance space with tasty fare. The lush, Parisian-style interior is very Moulin Rouge – appropriate, considering Madame's was renowned for its fabulous cabaret drag show most nights of the week. That still happens (on Saturdays), but the stage at Ruby J's has expanded to welcome a troupe of new talent.

Tonight from 7 to 10, scatting songbird Renée Fiallos and her band play live jazz while you and your date sip cocktails and get toasty in the romantic environs. And beginning February 15, there will be live rock at 11 p.m. Happy hour is 5 to 7.
Fri., Feb. 1, 2008