Mount Vernon's "Cranberry Tree" bears fruit

By E.J. "Rocky" Balboa

Few would argue that, excluding the world-famous Tulip Festival, Mount Vernon doesn't draw a whole lot of attention to itself; and most around here like it that way. But gingerly tiptoeing through the tulips isn't what the Cranberry Tree Restaurant's all about; and judging from the crowds, they don't buy into the sleepy-little-town approach of doing business.

In fact, the only rows of "two-lips" on display here are on the faces of their customers, each turned up in happy smiles. Celebrating ten years of Wednesday night karaoke, "The Tree" is a standing-room-only fun factory, where the drinks - and the singers - refuse to be watered down. The primarily 30-plus audience is best described as respectfully rowdy, loud but not too loud, and never short on appreciative applause to its 40-person-plus rotation of talent. A small sound system is surprisingly effective here, due in part to Jigsaw Productions' veteran operator Bill, who uses an effecient, forward-motion approach to his craft. Give equal credit to the outstanding acoustics of the double-decker lounge, where you can carry on a conversation normally while still enjoying every nuance of the excellent voices found here.

The Cranberry's restaurant side is top-shelf, high-end intimate dining, with all the bells and whistles you'd expect from a four-star establishment, including one of the largest (and spendiest) wine list in the area. If dinner's not in your budget, the lounge's appetizer menu is both tasty and portion-friendly, with giant platters of munchies going for under seven bucks. Try the outdoor deck, complete with BBQ grills, to take advantage of Washington's hit-or-miss sunshine; and don't forget to tip - the servers here are quick, knowledgeable, and truly cater to your every whim.

Classic country and old-time rock 'n roll dominate Cranberry's smallish song selection, leaving many college-age pratrons pining for music updates; but that doesn't appear to dampen anyone's spirits. For the hardcore karaoketeer it can get frustrating waiting ninety minutes or more between songs - very common here, and since the host doesn't sing, it's difficult to gauge where you are in the rotation; but again, dancers shimmy and shake on the postage stamp-sized dance floor endlessly, keeping the room's energy as high as a treetop. Bottom line? A night at "The Tree" is enjoyable and rewarding, and berry, berry good.