"In a fairly quick turnaround, Paris-based owners opened a club called Raspoutine in the former Villa Lounge on October 26. The Russian-themed nightclub is a striking contrast to the adjacent and blue Pacific Design Center, with red flowing from the carpet to the ceiling of this historic European club. First established in Paris in 1965, Raspoutine also has locations in Rome, Marrakesh, and Monaco. Each location takes on the same Russian theme, and attracted A-listers for decades, including the likes of Rita Hayworth, and more recently Jessica Biel. Unlike the European locations, the Los Angeles arm serves no food. It is a pure drinking destination with cocktails, vodka, and French champagne, and it all takes places on the corner of Huntley and Melrose. The 1,600 square foot split-level room oozes blood red walls and floors, banquettes, accented tables, plushy walls, with large matroshka dolls scattered throughout. Raspoutine is so dedicated to the Russian theme that a character from a Tolstoy novel might enter at any moment. Owners Alexander Ghislain and Logan Maggio took over the longstanding club in 2014, and started LA’s launch back in July this year. The former Villa Lounge closed in early 2018." - Mona Holmes
