Entertainment

Trends come and trends go, but there are some things that have always stayed cool.

With "Quantum of Solace" — the 22nd installment of James Bond's adventures — opening Friday, Nov. 14, two trends at the top of our list now are 007 and martinis (where Bond goes, they tend to follow).

Always on the lookout, the Lizards have located five bars in town that can serve up a cocktail worthy of our favorite spy. And lest you protest that we're not sticking with the champagne, martini and wine formula that James Bond is so well known for, it's worth pointing out that Bond has varied his drink orders with a Raki ("From Russia With Love"), mint julep ("Goldfinger"), Rum Collins ("Thunderball"), Sazerac ("Live and Let Die"), mojito ("Die Another Day") and yes, even a beer ("On Her Majesty's Secret Service").

We may not be able to live out our Aston Martin-driving, jetpack-wearing, gadget-laden fantasies, but we certainly can don some casual yet sophisticated evening wear and order up a cool libation in an equally cool setting. Don't feel limited to something "shaken, not stirred," as Bond first requested in the Ian Fleming novel "Diamonds Are Forever," either. You're calling the shots now, Commander; we're just giving you five locations (listed alphabetically) that are perfectly suited for the mission at hand.

1. CENA

Address: 2854 Miamisburg-Centerville Road, Miami Twp.

Class factor: Warm, rich colors and dark wood tones fill the Cena lounge and restaurant. The lounge area features several comfortable large upholstered sofas to help you relax and soak up the Latin-inspired ambience.

Featured cocktails: The Cena lounge offers a wide variety of cocktails on the bar menu including signature martinis, mojitos, caipirinhas and several American classics the menu describes as a "selection of desirable fruits, dangerous spices, delicious sweets and dreamy chocolates."

WWJBD? (What would James Bond do?): Nosh on some Brazilian and Mediterranean small plates, sip a caipirinha (the national drink of Brazil) and let the flavors transport him to warm memories of his deadly, covert operations in that part of the word. Our favorite drink in our Cena explorations thus far is the Caipirinha De Maracuja made with Cachaca, Passion Fruit puree, guava juice, lime and sugar ($8). At the very least, we're guessing the interesting list of ingredients would catch Bond's watchful eye. With two Brazilian beers on the menu that you don't often seen dining out (Palma Louca and Xingu both priced at $3.95) this could be the one place on the list that Bond would opt for a frosty, cold beer.

Worth noting: Cena (Latin for the main Roman meal or feast) features a Brazilian churrasco dining concept with a wide variety of meats carved tableside that will leave you feeling like you've just eaten two Thanksgiving dinners. For those with smaller appetites, the tapas menu is a terrific option that pairs nicely with just about any cocktail. Live music with Mediterranean and Latin flair fills the lounge on weekends. Cena's happy hour runs from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and features 11 tapas for $3, $2 sangrias and $2 off any "original Cena cocktail."

Contact: (937) 438-2362 or www.cenarestaurant.com

2. CARVERS STEAK AND CHOPS

Address: 1535 Miamisburg-Centerville Road, Centerville

Class factor: Dim lighting, dark wood paneled walls, warm leather overstuffed booths and walls of wine await patrons at this classic steakhouse. A few carefully selected, brightly colored abstract paintings add much-needed color to the space. Our Lounge Lizards' intelligence found that the bar area is large enough to seat you and all of your secret agent friends. In warmer months, the outdoor patio area is worth a visit.

Featured cocktails: The Carvers' martini list features 14 options including the classic Vesper made famous by Ian Fleming's Bond in "Casino Royale" (both the book and the movie). The recipe for Bond's "Vesper" martini, as described in the 2006 movie: "Three measures of Gordon's (gin); one of vodka; half a measure of Kina Lillet. Shake it over ice, and add a thin slice of lemon peel." You likely won't be able to find Kina Lillet anywhere since it has not been made since the mid-'80s, so plan on replacing this wine-based Vermouth substitute with a regular dry Vermouth. Other classics not to be missed include the Martini d-Elegance ($8.50) made with Ketel One vodka, dry Vermouth and garnished with two blue cheese-stuffed olives. Though not listed on the cocktail menu (you have to know to order it), the steakhouse classic Old-fashioned made with Makers Mark ($8.25) was one of the best we've had in quite some time.

WWJBD? (What would James Bond do?): Find a quiet corner at one of the high-top tables in the bar area and order the Vesper — reciting the recipe to the bartender just in case he/she needs a reminder of how this drink is really made. Bond invented it after all. Carvers' Vesper ($8.25) really isn't what it's billed to be. Although it has the vodka and gin (Bombay Sapphire, not Gordon's), it's missing Vermouth and is garnished with an olive instead of a lemon peel. Still, it's along the lines of a traditional martini that Bond would not likely scoff at.

Worth noting: According to a large sign in the lobby, our local Carvers is now also locally owned, adding a new layer of community attraction to this longtime favorite. With a three-course Sunday dinner being offered for $20, the end of the weekend may be the right time to stop in.

Contact: (937) 433-7099

3. COCO'S BISTRO

Address: 515 Wayne Ave., Dayton

Class factor: A running theme for all five of our James Bond inspired cocktail hangouts continues at Coco's with dark woods accented by bursts of color, thanks to a few carefully selected art pieces. When done well, this decor can create a sophisticated milieu perfect for any secret agent's lair — and Coco's is no exception.

Featured cocktails: The Bourbon Bath ($9), made with Woodford Reserve on the rocks shaken with Gran Marnier and sweet Vermouth, is one of the Lounge Lizard favorites and one we're sure would impress James Bond. The Blue Goose ($8) made with orange Grey Goose, Blue Caracao, white cranberry and a splash of lime also is a treat.

WWJBD? (What would James Bond do?): The patio marks the perfect summer spot for any secret agent looking to make a quick getaway. A stone's throw away from the parking lot, Bond could leap over the fence, jump into his convertible of choice and be off to save the day. During winter months, the suave and debonair Bond would request an out-of-the-way corner table to conduct his business and escape detection (while sipping on his newly found favorite — the Bourbon Bath).

Worth noting: Coco's menu has been updated recently. A few of the standouts include Chicken and Basil Lasagna ($15) — a rich, decadent comfort treat that arrived just in time for winter — and Blackberry Pork ($18.50) served with a four-cheese au gratin croquette that will leave you wanting more, calories be damned.

Contact: (937) 228-COCO (2626) or www.228coco.com

4. LE MONDE

Address: 329 E. Fifth St., Dayton

Class factor: As one of Dayton's early pioneers in the cocktail renaissance, this small, yet cozy space adjoining Cafe Boulevard offers a contemporary space to enjoy a cocktail. Le Monde, or "the World" depending on your fluency in the French language, is the kind of name that could draw an international man or woman of mystery through the doors — and the ambiance, martinis and other libations will be enough to keep them there.

Featured cocktails: With 16 specialty cocktails on the menu, it's hard to choose just one to feature. With this November chill, a fond favorite is The Nuts and Berries ($9) — made with a delightful mix of Frangelico, Chambord and a splash of cream that can help warm-up any night. The Kimono ($9) made with Tangeray Gin, Skyy Vodka, Sake, Blue Curaco and a Lychee fruit, is another inventive option we're fond of in the summer months.

WWJBD? (What would James Bond do?): Bond would be above the "what is a real martini" debate and enjoy any number of cocktails from the expansive list. We'd suggest the Very Berry Tini ($8) or the Le Monde Cosmopolitan ($8.50) if Bond should be working his mojo on a lady friend — it shows a softer, gentler side that she would likely find irresistible.

Worth noting: This indoor space is small and can become cramped quickly with any kind of a crowd, in which case looking into seating at Cafe Boulevard next door would be a good plan of action. The expansive outdoor patio in the back is one of the best (if not the best) in town. For live-music lovers, jazz is on the menu Friday and Saturday evenings.

Contact: (937) 824-2722 or www.cafeboulevard.com/lounge.php

5. MCCORMICK & SCHMICK'S

SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

Address: 4429 Cedar Park Drive, Beavercreek, at The Greene

Class factor: Continuing the theme of dark woods and rich appointments, this is another classically appointed bar area that beckons the cocktail aficionado or super-secret agent looking to blend in. And with more than 30 varieties of fresh seafood available daily, there's always something available to tempt your taste buds away from the bar.

Featured cocktails: Don't know your Sidecar from a Sazerac? Here's a history lesson you'll enjoy: For anyone looking to experience cocktails made with freshly squeezed juices and top-shelf liquors and liqueurs, M&S is your spot. During a recent visit, the Lounge Lizards explored the meticulously detailed cocktail menu featuring classic drinks complete with information on their histories through the decades. This is a bar that offers a trip back in time and whether you end up in the 1700s, 1800s or 1900s is entirely up to you. Our favorite? The Basil Grape Refresher ($8.50) made with fresh basil and white grapes muddled, vodka, simple syrup, lime juice, Angostura bitters and ginger ale.

WWJBD? (What would James Bond do?): Cozy up to the bar during happy hour. We imagine that if Bond were battling this recession, he'd want to check this one out. This has to be the best happy hour deal in the area. During happy hour, M&S rolls out a bar food menu with astonishingly low food prices starting at just $1.95 per appetizer. Of course, there's a required drink minimum — $2.50 minimum beverage purchase per person, so an iced tea or soda will get you there, but we are talking about Bond here. The salmon-cake appetizer ($1.95) and the crab and artichoke dip ($3.95) are just two of the outstanding choices that are sure to pair perfectly with a secret agent's beverages of choice.

Worth noting: Did we mention the happy hour? We know the answer to that, but seriously, if McCormick & Schmick's doesn't have the best happy hour in town, then someone needs to convince us otherwise. This happy hour, though not your traditional big-screen blaring sports or trivia-centered happy hour, succeeds because it gives patrons access to fantastic food at terrifically low prices. If you have a hot date planned for the near future and are on a tight budget, this is the happy hour for you. Hours are Monday through Friday 3 to 6 p.m. and Monday through Thursday 9 p.m. to close (which is typically at 10 p.m.). You can thank us later.

Contact: (937) 431-9200 or www.mccormickandschmicks.com