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Therapy Cafe reopened in uptown last week after a significant expansion and renovation, and its bigger look now matches its famous double martinis.
The new Therapy is easily triple the size of its original location. It and Rock Bottom are now the only businesses along the block of Tryon from Seventh to Eighth streets after Therapy took over spaces that previously housed an art gallery and Lola's.
The new look is spacious and modern, yet cozy. The deep reds and browns have been replaced with cool blues and greens and lots of candlelight. Seating includes a mix of big booths and hightop tables, and ample seating at the long main bar. A private room is also available to rent for receptions, business meetings and parties.
Much like the bar, the menu has expanded. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are now served, and the fare goes beyond sandwiches – thanks to the full kitchen chefs have to work with (left over from Lola's).
Owner Jason Stone has incorporated food into the new menu that comes fresh from his local organic farm. Entrees include pasta pomodoro, smothered pork chops, shrimp and grits, and a New York strip ($12-$21).
The only thing that hasn't changed is the bar's tongue-in-cheek martini lineup (Freudian Sip, Down and Dirty and Centerfold Citrus to name a few) – and those are still half-price on Wednesdays (normally $12), the bar's most popular night.
Free music at Ayrsley
Last week I reported about the flurry of free concerts that various venues are hosting this month. I just got notice that there's another to add to the list.
The Town of Ayrsley is the latest to get in on the free-music promo. Ayrsley's Summer Concert Series started last week and runs through Labor Day. You can hear live music from local artists every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 5 to 8 p.m. Rachel Tripp plays tonight and Hip Cats perform Saturday.
saarthun@charlotteobserver.com; 704-358-5207
