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Chopsticks III... Karaoke
Hot Spot: “How Can Be?” Lounge
By Steve Rodin
David Chow has been the owner of Chopsticks II for over a
dozen years. The East Burnside St. Karaoke Lounge, one of Portland’s
most popular night spots, is packed every night. Chow decided to
expand a little over a year ago when he no longer was able to satisfy
all requests for party reservations. So, a year-and-a-half ago, he
decided to do it by opening another location, Chopsticks III, also
known as the “How Can Be” Lounge, is located at 535 N.E. Columbia
Blvd, just east of Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. That added 3500
feet of lounge to Chow’s lounge and Karaoke business.
Like his other location, Chopstick’s III has a great sound
system, over 40,000 songs for would-be “American Idols” to choose
from, a large dance floor and a full service bar to keep people happy.
The “How Can Be” Lounge kitchen provides a $4.95 all-you-can-eat
buffet lunch, weekdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Chow points out that
the buffet is available “to go” also, as is the extensive Chinese
and American food menu, available at all hours of operation. The
wonton soup is a crowd favorite.
Make any statement and Chow says,“how can be.” “She sings
real good;” Chow says, “how can be.” “Nice crowd tonight; how can
be.” Soon the phrase became very popular among patrons, so he named
Chopstick’s III, the “How Can Be” Lounge. He likes the slogan so
much, he sells T-shirts with a caricature of himself with his trademark
smile and the slogan on the front. Chow says he’s sold 100s of the
shirts and that they now are worn all over the western United States.
The Karaoke system is a combination of Sound Choice and CAVS
systems. With four great KJs on the staff (another in training),
Karaoke seven days a week from 8 to close, the entertainment is constant.
Monday evenings, The Captain is at the controls. Tuesday and Wednesdays
KiiSu is spinning discs. Thursdays, Steven takes over, Friday, Arik
is the KJ, Saturday, Steven is back and on Sundays KiiSu entertains
the fans. Even on weeknights, there is a good crowd, so come early
to get good seating. “How Can Be” Lounge has a pool table for those
who like to wield their favorite cue.
Chopstick’s III has a large outdoor patio. With Oregon law
forcing all lounges to be smoke-free by January, 2009, Chow says
he will likely put a roof over at least part of that patio to satisfy
smoking customers. This venue has developed a great following in
it’s little over a year of operation. Groups wishing to book a party
for their company, birthday, anniversary or holiday celebration,
find the large room great for their needs. To begin the reservation
process for your party, call Shirley Chow, David’s wife and manager
of the “How Can Be” Lounge at 503-283-3900, or just drop by the club.
There is never a cover charge, even for the upcoming New Year’s
Eve Party. Business hours are 4 to midnight on Sundays; 11 a.m. to
midnight on Monday through Thursday; Fridays 11 to 1; and Saturdays
4 p.m. to 1am. Chopstick’s III, the “How Can Be” Lounge has their
official website at www.myspace.com/HowCanBe. You figured that out?
How can be?
If you like Karaoke and you’re looking a new place to do your
thing, you and your friends should take the short drive up Martin
Luther King Blvd. to Columbia Blvd. and Chopstick’s III. You will
have a great time and you’ll no doubt leave knowing “How Can Be.”
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