Light Up And Eat Up At Socialight Cigar Lounge & Bistro

[All photos courtesy of Socialight Cigar Lounge & Bistro]

Hoping to successfully combine a bar, restaurant, and cigar lounge, Socialight Cigar Lounge & Bistro opened on February 7th in West Bloomfield. The chop house inspired menu features seafood, steak, and local ingredients. Chef Ryan Porter's previous executive chef experience includes Barrio and Chen Chow Brasserie, both in Birmingham and both now closed, and Huerto Restaurant & Tequila Bar in West Bloomfield. His sous-chef, Carole Wendling, worked under Matt Prentice, (yes, that Matt Prentice).

Cigar smokers can take advantage of a monthly membership allowing them to not only smoke and eat in the lounge but also have access to a humidor, wine/cigar storage, and more. However, Socialight is anxious to avoid a "smokers only" crowd, promising a "state-of-the-art" filtration system and completely separate non-smoking bar and main dining room, which they hope will differentiate them from competitors who allow smoking everywhere.

This is the first foray into more upscale dining for owners Jeffrey Yatooma, Dani Sitto, and Steve Romaya (managing partner) but they apparently have expectations of success as they are already planning to open a second location in Novi soon. The interior of the West Bloomfield restaurant was designed by John Janvirya (who also designed the former Chen Chow in Birmingham) and when the weather breaks a garage door will open the dining room to a patio, which should be completed this spring.

Socialight is open 7 days a week, from 4:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m. Monday through Wednesday, 4:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 4:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m. Sunday.
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