Mr. Dallas

The Vatican unveiled some new sins earlier this month to a hosanna of yawns. These don't-do's for the 21st century have a pale, mewling quality (pollution, genetic manipulation, excessive wealth) compared with the sizzling-brimstone-fajita measure of the seven deadly sins (lust, wrath, gluttony and other fun stuff).

KYE R. LEE/DMN

Mark and Shelley Cwikla play blackjack Wednesday at the James Bond-themed party at The Club.

Mr. Dallas, who grades nightspots by the seven deadlies, joins the ho-humming chorus. He's hardly likely to toss aside his valet key for the flagellant's lash on account of what Gianfranco Girotti, the bishop of buzzkill, called "new sins which have appeared on the horizon of humanity as a corollary of the unstoppable process of globalization."

'Casino' at The Club

REX C. CURRY/Special Contributor

A Red Heart Martini at the Bolla Bar

Last week's Casino Royale party was just the sort of jolt The Club needed to rouse itself from early-onset senescence. The ostensible purpose was to mark the exchange of chefs between The Club and sister restaurant Trece. Blackjack and craps tables – the play was for prizes – were set up inside and on the seldom-used patio facing the Centrum Building portico.

The patio bar provided comp martinis. The bar inside was slammed most of the evening of March 12 with everybody wanting something else. The crowd, about 200 strong, was more varied than The Club's usual sedate, well-connected clientele, though over-40s predominated. It was good to see so many men in tuxes.

The Stoneleigh Hotel, back in business after a $36 million redo, features the new Bolla restaurant and bar. The bar seemed promising on two early visits. It's a profound change from the storied Lion's Den. For one thing, there's way too much light for Lion's Den-like shenanigans. On the other hand, the Maple Avenue-fronting patio should be a treat and perhaps create some walkabout synergy with the Stoneleigh P and Nick & Sam's across the street.

Glo Lounge has debuted quietly at Henderson and Capitol avenues. It opens daily, except Sundays, at 5:30 p.m. ... To celebrate the clement weather, IV Lounge is offering half-price caipirinhas ($4) tonight and Saturday. ... Good excuse to get back to Nana: Beginning Friday, the Bar at Nana will offer flights of four wines with accompanying nibbles on the last Friday of every month. $15 a person from 6 to 8 p.m.

"Let's stay out till we don't want to live anymore." – Weary lounge lizard regarding one of his Sisyphean weekends

Get Mr. Dallas on your cellphone – night-life news and views text-messaged daily. Sign up at DallasNews.com/alerts, or text MRDALLAS to 73807 from your phone.

Mr. Dallas chronicles night life for the over-30 set on the Web. He is not a positive role model. Read more at guidelive.com or www .misterdallas.com.

ARCHIVES: Search for more stories on this and other topics | Search Tips

SUBSCRIBE: Get The Dallas Morning News delivered to your home