Detroit Auto Show: The Volt Bar and Grill
The Renaissance Center is a complex of cylindrical buildings on the waterfront in downtown Detroit. It's the global headquarters of General Motors. Among its other distinctions, the RenCen is the most baffling building to get around in since Daedalus imprisoned the Minotaur.
Thirsty wanderers will eventually come to the Marriott's hotel bar, which has within the last two months been renamed the Volt Bar, after GM's much-ballyhooed range-extended electric car that is supposed to debut in late 2010.
"Of course I know what the Volt is," scowled a bartender when I asked. "Where are you from?"
For those who might question whether federally bailed-out GM ought to be enabling boozers, fear not. The was a no-cost branding opportunity. The thing that makes it the Volt Bar appears to be a bit of signage recycled from an auto show display.
The menu hasn't changed -- there are still the massive burgers and horse-choking turkey clubs you'd expect. I would rename some items, though. Lithium-Ion Fries, for instance. High-Tech Battery Burgers. Traction Motor Turkey Club.
Order now; it will take another two years to reach your table.
-- Dan Neil
Photo: Dan Neil / Los Angeles Times
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The Volt Bar and Grill
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In photos: Detroit Production Cars
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