By Cliff Peale
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Newport on the Levee is adding a restaurant/music club to the riverfront development's entertainment mix, bolstering its reputation as a destination for those seeking a night on the town.

Fat Fish Blue, a New Orleans-style restaurant that operates its only location now near Jacobs Field in downtown Cleveland, will open on the Levee's riverwalk level in June, Levee officials said Monday. It will be across from Claddagh Irish Pub in a currently undeveloped space, and will cost up to $1.8 million to build out.

The restaurant will hold about 400 diners, with a stage in the middle of the dining area. Officials promised a combination of Cajun cuisine and live blues music.

"Fat Fish Blue is a place where blue jeans and t-shirts mix with tuxedos and ties," said Deb Townsend, the restaurant's vice president.

Past performers in the Cleveland restaurant have included well-known blues acts such as Koko Taylor, Townsend said. But she said performers also will include local acts and some jazz.

Since it opened in October 2001, the $215 million Newport on the Levee has become a destination spot, particularly on the weekends. Fat Fish Blue will be its 11th restaurant, a spokeswoman said. Other entertainment venues include AMC Theaters, the Newport Aquarium and GameWorks.

But the Levee's developers have said they would like more adult-oriented retailing to attract more business during the week, and officials at Steiner & Associates, minority owner of the Levee, have agreed.

Sales tax and parking revenue have been below projections, and the shopping mix has been dominated by teen stores. Levee officials said they're always talking to potential new tenants.

The signing will bring the Levee to about 82 percent occupancy.

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E-mail cpeale@enquirer.com