Tough economic times (and perhaps even a bit of lousy management) have downtown’s Jade Theater now with disconnected phones and, we can only figure, a closed sign on the door.

Up in Hillcrest, those rumors of Wine Encounter closing are true as there is a “for lease” sign on their door.  Apparently the partners decided to dissolve this venture and then possibly open another wine bar when the economy becomes more favorable.

On a sad note, Julian Velovan, who managed among others, Wine Encounter and Wine Lover,  died unexpectedly a few weeks ago.