The Bubble Lounge Announces New Menu of Small Plates Created by Consulting Chef Brian Konopka, Late of Le Cirque

San Francisco, CA and New York, NY —June, 2007— Acclaimed Champagne bar The Bubble Lounge (bubblelounge.com) is proud to present a new menu of original small plates. While The Bubble Lounge has offered light fare since its inception 11 years ago, such a well-rounded range of dishes is a first for the Champagne bar. The menu was deftly tailored by New York—based Consulting Chef Brian Konopka to accompany The Bubble Lounge’s extensive offering of Champagnes and sparkling wines.

A wunderkind who began working for New York’s original Le Cirque at eighteen, Konopka also enjoyed stints at Michelin three-starred establishments such as L’Arpege in Paris and El Bulli in Spain before being tapped by the Maccioni family to open Le Cirque at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. After five years there as Chef de Cuisine, Konopka has returned to New York with a boutique consulting company and plans to open his own restaurant.

Konopka has brought this formidable experience to The Bubble Lounge and created imaginative dishes presented with flair. The new plates are light enough to pair with a glass of Laurent Perrier Brut, yet beguiling enough to warrant repeat visits. Filo Crusted Hearts of Palm with Prosciutto and Parmesan marry crisp, flaky pastry with a succulent savor. An exquisitely wry take on British pub food results in Quail Egg "Toad in the Hole" with Crispy Apple Wood Bacon. Luxurious caviar-topped blini are given an inspired twist as the caviar is infused with Beet, Saffron, Ginger, Wasabi and Truffle. Desserts have also been transformed to suit The Bubble Lounge’s sparkling offerings. Among the refined additions, Caramelized Banana and Tahitian Vanilla Crème Brûlée reinvigorates a hoary bistro classic, and "Gateau au Citron" achieves an ethereal lightness by layering lemon cream between delicate pastry shells. As a sign of The Bubble Lounge’s commitment to such compelling food offerings, the kitchen at its New York City location was revamped to accommodate the more complex menu.

Now an established nightlife fixture, The Bubble Lounge retains its sparkle, continuing to evolve while still devoted to bringing an enviable selection of Champagnes and sparkling wines to the sophisticated diners and drinkers of San Francisco and New York.

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For more information, please contact Charles Communications Associates at 415-701-9463.