We first envisaged this blog as a sort of combination newspaper and gossip column for our neighborhood. We feel we’ve been fairly weak in the gossip department, though. Our apologies.

In the hopes of righting this omission, we offer the following tale, as told to us, of the latest events at SeaMonster Lounge (2202 N 45th St).

About a year ago, Andrew, the owner of the SeaMonster Lounge, sold it to Todd and Julio, who agreed to make regular payments. They did a ton of work to the place, replacing the floor, remodeling the front from a claustrophobic bar area to an elegant little dining space.

The bar business being what it is, though, the $6,000 / month payments became too much, they fell behind and were locked out by Andrew.

Dennis, who, along with Angela, runs Pequena Havana, the Cuban restaurant sharing the space, stepped in and took over, much to the consternation of Todd and Julio. In fact, Dennis and Julio came to fisticuffs at Goldie’s on 45th this past Saturday night (no word on who, if anyone, emerged victorious).

It’s said that Faith, the booker for SeaMonster, was left unpaid a sizable amount and, worse, had SeaMonster cancel one of the acts she booked at the last minute. As angry about the money as she was about having her reputation sullied by the last-minute rug-pull, she quit.

Through it all, SeaMonster remains open and the latest on the Pequena Havana blog is that they have a new menu, new service and new approach. Interesting times.