Celebration IS IN ORDER AT THE MAX LOUNGE

a blend of just enough relaxation, just enough entertainment and just enough space for good conversations. When you look up you will see a handmade blue chandelier that sparkles with Max character, a signature piece for the lounge. Aartisan Design did the Art Deco décor.

That’s probably why the managers and servers know they’ve been the destination for lots of all-important first dates. They haven’t celebrated an engagement yet but it will likely come soon. They have had bachelorette parties and many other regular gatherings.

Co-manager Nicolette Berge likes to see the variety of guests at the lounge. “People can have a conversation. While we’re not a sports bar, we have televisions so fans can keep track of what’s happening,” Berge said.

Max Lounge is a classy one-year-old, with hand-crafted drinks, comfortable furnishings, a stage to show off local music and a VIP room. The family of staff and guests who created the place have cause to celebrate.

The lounge is located in one of the fastestgrowing areas of the metro. The Max sits in a strip mall at 1410 9th St. E. in West Fargo, just across the parking lot from its mentor, Maxwells Restaurant and Bar.

When you walk through the door you know you entered a different place―an island with

“I love this space. It is comfortable and classy, unique – there is nothing else like it,” she added.

Berge began her hospitality career at Maxwell’s Restaurant and Bar only six years ago. She moved from her hometown of Valley City for education and employment and is preparing to take her final course at the University of Mary studying business with an emphasis on human resources. She does the marketing for both places.

She has a passion for wine. In June she takes the Introductory Sommelier Exam in West Fargo. “There is so much to learn about wine and I can’t get enough of it. Being informed allows me to help direct customers in a wine selection everyone at the table will enjoy,” Berge said. “My plate is full with school, work, studying wine – in addition to a social life – but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I am super driven and optimistic about what the future has in store for me.”

Berge is proud of the hand-crafted cocktails served. She has high praise for her co-manager,

Aaron Hanson, and bartender, Chad Bjork. The food comes from the highly-rated chef at Maxwells Restaurant and Bar, Michael Wald. The lounge has a gourmet, affordable menu. “We pride ourselves on quality service, food and drinks,” Berge said.

Hanson is the night owl and stays late. Berge comes in early. Bjork perfected the Sazerac. “Hanson and Bjork are excellent,” Nicolette said. This summer the Pickletini, made with vodka and dill pickle juice, will join the menu. Sometime a drink to match the blue chandelier may appear. In the meantime, the beverages include classics, signatures, martinis, draft beer and bottled beers, and red, white and sparkling wines to fill the bill. Information for the day is on butcher block paper, drawn with Bjork’s own artistry.

Berge notes they have live music on weekends They book upbeat, mellow bands from the area. Michael Leier, the most recent Fargo contestant on The Voice, performed at Max Lounge. It’s good to have a mellow band if you are part of the book club in the VIP room. If you would rather be your own DJ, you can play through your phone or study the big music billboard of who will perform next.

This summer they will have live jazz bands on Tuesdays – Max’s own wine and jazz with halfprice wine by the bottle. You can keep up with what’s coming on the website maxloungend.com or call 701.356.7464.

Ramon Sosa, general manager of Maxwells Restaurant and Bar and the Max Lounge, said “I have the commitment to my entire staff to lead them down a path that will create and open opportunities for them.”

The Max Lounge is certainly that opportunity for Berge, Hanson and Bjork, and all the people who enjoy relaxing in the 100-person lounge, small enough to be intimate, large enough to celebrate.

Happy anniversary Max Lounge. [AWM]