Hip Kitty Jazz Lounge & Fondue

Hip Kitty Jazzes Up Claremont
by Marina Duron

The Hip Kitty Jazz and Fondue Lounge adds a distinctly unique element to the revamped Packing House.  Drawing from her childhood, Nancy Tessier brings the live jazz music that once filled her home to a receptive Claremont clientele.  Adorned with 50’s, 60’s and 70’s relics, colorful lighting fixtures dangle from the ceiling to illuminate the space.  Hand painted original artwork is tastefully displayed on the north wall, all from Nancy’s own personal collection. 
Business owners, college students, teachers and professors are part of the eclectic group that formed throughout the night at the swanky jazz lounge.   You don’t nesscessarily have to be a hepcat to appreciate the live rhythmic jazz  tunes that resonate throughout the space.  A happily married couple danced enthusiastically to the bands rendition of Bob Marley’s “I shot the Sheriff.” 
Seated on the rolling chairs amongst the head bobbing crowd in the establishment’s “drink only” area, I quickly transported myself, Fred Flintstone style, across the original hardwood floors to join a birthday celebration of perfect strangers.  The design creates a communal environment encouraging others infused with the vibe to mingle.  Whether you are seated at the bar or the booths that line the perimeter of the room, you feel a part of a greater community. 
The  outdoor patio produces a relaxed ambiance achieved by the use of a bamboo wall, music and a central fire pit.  The fire pit illuminates through blue glass tempered to withstand the heat. The fire pit is an ode to Nancy’s artistic ability as a former glass shop owner.
A screen and outdoor projector are upcoming additions to the patio.  Nancy laments, “I would like everyone to be able to enjoy the live band so I will be installing a screen and over head projector in the patio area so that those who chose to sit outside do not miss the experience.”  The Hip Kitty is a perfect date spot, girls night out or group activity.  Open Wednesday thru Sunday 5:30- 2:00am.  The menu offers a variety of cheeses, meats, vegetarian and dessert fondues.  Indulge in a dinner for two, but make sure that you come famished; you will be served courses that include 2 half salads, a choice of cheese fondue, a meat/seafood fondue, a chocolate dessert fondue, and a bottle of Fat Cat Wine priced at 90 dollars.  If you are coming after dinner or a movie, experiment with the milk, dark or white chocolate dessert fondue.  It comes with an assortment of fresh seasonal fruit and sweets and is a great value at 16 dollars for a portion that feeds two.  The Hip Kitty Jazz lounge will surely usurp the traditional fondue restaurant that offers only sustenance but lacks the character and originality that makes the Hip Kitty the highlight of the Claremont Village West.

Located in the Packing House
502 W. First St., Claremont
(909) 447- 6700
www.hipkittyjazz.com