by Eric Marion

March 6, 2009

The opening of State nightclub last month brings opportunity to Providence, and challenges to its owner.

The nightclub, owned by openly gay businessman Alex Tomasso, opened its doors in style in February. The new club, best described as a lounge, is located at the former "Bar One", behind Olives.

To describe the club as "different" by Providence standards would be an understatement. Elegantly designed in a French Empire motif with a nod to contemporary design, the interior is easily one of Providence most impressive venues. The layout invites polite conversation in a relaxed, if upscale, environment.

The drinks are to die for. Tomasso flew a famed bartender in from Florida to design the cocktail menu. The result is a world-class (literally) range of beverages. The mixologists at State have the finest from which to draw when designing drinks: fresh basil, vanilla beans, pineapple slices, and rasberries for example. My personal favorite is the French 50, a rasberry champagne drink which is hand squeezed through cheesecloth to create a perfectly unique experience.

State isn't for the Walmart crowd. Proper attire is required for admittance, and only finer products are available. But where else can one share joke and beverage with Gordon Fox.

Tomasso has launched "gay Sundays" at State and hopes to make State a destination for discerning gays in Providence. But be warned before entering: State has taken fabulousness to an entirely new level.