Rain Offers Sneak Peak into Cool Setting for Clubbing and Movies

A very eclectic crowd attended the sneak press peek at in Studio City, with a mix of younger and older men and women and at least one man dressed as a woman.

, and it's not bad weather.

Not just wanting to be a gay bar, Mykee Be, the "social coordinator" for the club, said he hopes it to be a place for a higher-scale clientele for people of all persuasions. He said he is aware of complaints by Studio City residents in the past by neighbors of certain clubs and said there's a sound wall and plenty of parking to avoid disruptions into the residential areas nearby.

The cool mix of dancing lights and colorful original artwork also includes some good bar food and cleverly-named drinks like the BLT, Special K and the Ruby Slipper (vodka/cranberry). There are also specialized Martinis and on the dancefloor, there's not only bright twirling lights, but smoke too if the mood needs it.

"I've always wanted my own place, and this is essentially it—what I've always dreamed of," said Mathieu McBee, who has been a bartender for 24 years.

As director of operations, Mykee Be said he planned to have a movie night at least once a month in part to respond to the Studio City Patch readers's interest in having. (See the poll below.) 

The space is where the former situated, on Ventura Bouelvard between and on the second floor above. There is ample parking in the complex owned by Maurice Safizadeh, who attended the pre-opening Thursday night.

Safizadeh actually designed some of the lighting in the club, and collaborated with McBee in the overall look.

In addition to its entertainment, Rain features a world class Cuban-inspired tasting menu born from a collaboration between celebrated chefs Raphael Gamon (Cher’s longtime private chef; PrivateChef.com), and Joey Santos (Celebrity Chef and owner of WellDoneCatering.com).  

Rain Nightclub (www.facebook.com/rainonventura) will be open nightly at 5 p.m. for cocktails, food, and entertainment.  Happy hour specials will be available seven days a week until 10 p.m.  

See the photo gallery above, and the grand opening for the public is planned for Friday, Feb. 3.