A New Place to Nosh and Toast

The resplendent French-bordello touches that make Napoleon bistro romantic and Local 16 the picture of pretty? All the chandeliers, expansive mirrors, banquettes and the ubiquitous use of ebony that are seemingly synonymous with any new bar in Washington?

You can thank designers Mick Mier and Joe Steger for that.

The pair, partners in the design firm Mier Steger Browne, have launched a place of their own, 1905, a cozy new Ninth Street restaurant and lounge that bears all their unmistakable decadent touches, with other elements that they could have put only into a place of their own. Joseph Belcher and Phil Rodriguez (from H Street's Sticky Rice) are also partners in the project.

For one thing, they've built nearly everything themselves: handmade tables, chandeliers -- even the framed mirrors -- that fill the space, along with a couple of gorgeous sconces that look like lotuses. A large trunk functions as a table, and a few quirky paintings dot the walls.

"It's a different kind of labor," says Mier, talking about what sets their bar apart from the work they've done for others. "I have to be here, so it's like doing my home."

The wine list -- about 15 reds and whites -- draws from small vineyards. Oh, and keeping with the look, they also offer absinthe.

Starting Thursday, 1905 (which, it must be noted, is across the street from DC9, around the corner from Nellie's Sports Bar and about a block from the 9:30 club) is starting a regular Acid Jazz and Absinthe Night with live jazz starting at 10.

If you go (and particularly if you hit the absinthe) take care not to bump into anything.

Says Steger: "Most of the stuff in here, it's what was in our homes."

5:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Sundays through Thursdays; Fridays and Saturdays, 5:30 p.m.-3 a.m. 1905 Ninth St. NW. 202-332-1905 or visit http://www.1905dc.com.

SAVE THE DATE

ON STAGE "Legally Blonde the Musical" Having caught the MTV airing of this Broadway musical, we can honestly say that some people over the age of 17 are going to find "Legally Blonde" one big yuck. Too pink, too florid, too too. "Frost/Nixon" this is not. But something about the story of Elle Woods (made famous by Reese Witherspoon in the 2001 film of the same name) caught on; the musical, which chronicles Elle's quest to get into Harvard Law, was nominated for a handful of Tony Awards and had a lengthy run. It's set to close on Broadway on Oct. 19. If you (or more likely, your 12-year-old daughter) are still dying to see it, you can: The touring company lands at the Kennedy Center for a run beginning Dec. 16. $25-$95 (note that $25 tickets are limited and available at the box office only). Dec. 16-Jan. 11. Kennedy Center Opera House, 2700 F St. NW. 202-467-4600 or visit http://www.kennedycenter.org.

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