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What do a Blue Wave, a Screaming Nazi and a Washington Apple have in common? Each finds their home in Charles Village's newest bar, The Den. Hopkins senior Sean Ferguson works the bar twice a week and will happily fulfill any request, but his favorite drink to concoct is a Boat Sinker. A silky layer of raspberry liquor is topped with lemon vodka and Sprite creates a beautiful contrast in the high ball glass. You don't casually sip this drink -- think of it as a giant shot through a straw. The combination of fruit flavors overpowers the alcohol taste and allows it to flow smoothly down your throat.

Located on 34th and St. Paul, The Den is conveniently close to our Homewood Campus. This stylish lounge, situated above the reinvented Nifty Fifties, now called Tamber's, opened in early July. Striving to offer a different, classier atmosphere in Charles Village, The Den certainly accomplished its goal. The spicy red walls, dark wood floors and warm crimson suede-like furniture create a modern, minimalist atmosphere that still remains cozy and unpretentious. Even with the troops of Hopkins students migrating in and out every weekend, The Den is as pristine as the day it opened.

The most unique feature of The Den is the large king-sized beds lining the back wall. Reminiscent of the New York City clu, Bed, which has appeared in the television show Sex in the City, the beds give the lounge a sexy and mysterious feeling; however, don't be so fast as to run directly from the door to throwing off your shoes and jumping on the bed. This amenity is reserved for those willing to splurge on a bottle of champagne. The Den is stocked with everything from a $75 bottle of Mo91t to a $300 bottle of Dom Perignon '98. If you gather a group of friends to split the cost, the price is well worth paying, especially to celebrate a birthday or have a change from your $5 bottle of Andre. It's best to call ahead and reserve a bed as they fill up on the weekends.

Upon entering The Den, you may be thinking, "What is this place doing here?" It doesn't seem appropriate for our PJ's-adoring college students. The Den is the brainchild of two Hopkins alumni, Dave Weishaus, Class of 2003, and Trey Thompson, Class of 2002. Ever wonder what exactly you'll do with that Hopkins diploma? These two wisely decided to choose an unusual path and take a chance. Weishaus began working as waiter of Nifty Fifties in 2000 while he was completing his International Relations major.

Two years ago, opportunity knocked when he discovered that they would be knocking down the building and creating an entire new complex. With Thompson, a Biology and Computer Science double major, as his partner, the two decided to rent out the second floor. Using their own savings, they handpicked all of the d8ecor and even did most of the construction. The Den employs other Hopkins students and alumni, allowing Weishaus to boast "We have the smartest bar staff in Baltimore."

When Weishaus and Thompson are asked why they created The Den, an unusual addition for Charles Village, they simply replied, "It just needed it." Charles Village is truly changing right before our eyes and will soon become unrecognizable to current Hopkins students. "[The Den] fit well with the direction that Charles Village is going," Weishaus said. The Den certainly stands out in the current state of Charles Village.

With The Den providing "a different flavor for the neighborhood," students now have another option for the weekend --- something more appealing than the plastic table cloths of CVP and unruly frat boys of PJ's. While Hopkins students will never lose their love for those two popular hang-outs, it's great to have a taste of upscale Baltimore similar to Red Maple here in our community. "Our goal was to provide a safe, clean environment," Thompson said. It's fun to change out of your hoodies and tennis shoes and dress up for a night out and enjoy an older, more mature crowd.

A lot of us have been lost with the destruction of Uni Mini -- where are student supposed to eat at 1 a.m.? The Den proudly boasts that their kitchen remains open until 2 a.m. every night. Their gourmet pizzas, including chipotle chicken and Cajun shrimp pizzas, and various appetizers like crab spring rolls and hummus are a great step up from common bar food. The kitchen is run by a former Gertrude's chef and has just created a new dessert menu complete with a chocolate fondue plate. Weishaus proudly presented a seared tuna steak flown from Honolulu only hours before.

The Den also offers special events. Hopkins organizations are welcome to plan catered events. For this coming Valentine's Day, The Den is hosting a unique event, Lock and Key. Each female receives a lock to on a velvet ribbon to wear around her neck, while each male will have a key. Everyone will have to mingle around and find the match to their lock and key. It takes place on Feb. 10; be sure to call ahead to reserve your place.

The Den has proven to be an excellent investment for these Hopkins alumni. It's a beautiful addition to our changing village. Weishaus modestly said that they aren't in competition with their neighbors, but how could they be when they're in a league of their own?

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