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: Billiards goes upscale at new Avalon Entertainment Club In preparing the research on his club, Rocca said he found that in the clubs he visited 30% to 40% of the tables were used by women. As a result, he said a priority was to ensure a "comfort level" for women to come in either by themselves or in a group. The game does make for an ideal iceâ€"breaker while "fresh, light and healthy" food and drink simply rounds out the experience. MEET FRIENDS "It‘s a fun place and a clean place where friends meet and where you can meet friends," said general manager Marianne Edward, who explained that the place is ideal for women. "They can be as adept at the game as men. It‘s like a club at a ski hill where you all have someâ€" thine in common." Avalon‘s concept combines bilâ€" liards with fine food and spirits plus music, dancing, darts, theme nights and more â€" all in 7,000 square feet at Oakville Town Centre II, Dorval Drive and the North Service Road. Its aim is to provide a complete night out for those 25â€"plus unhamâ€" pered by the usual "taboos" of pickâ€" up joints and the overâ€"indulgence of alcohol. "Billiards has changed to a great degree," says Patrick Rocca. "It‘s gained more respect and notoriety especially with women. The old connotation of a smoky, dingy, brawlâ€"filled room is gcone." Mayor Ann Mulvale‘s symbolic break to officially open Oakville‘s new upscale billiards club did not exactly conjure images of pool sharks past but perhaps that‘s just as well: the president of Avalon Entertainment Clubs is determined to make his establishment a success by breaking with tradition. By HOWARD MOZEL Oakville Beaver Staff "We want people to say ‘It‘s Acmas" â€" GRAND OPENING PARTY Thurs. Feb. 25, 8pm 4 "If you can make a business deal on a golf course you can do it over a game of pool," said Edward. In addition to a small selection of sportsâ€"oriented video games, Mayor Ann Mulvale tries her hand at billiards after getting some tips from Patrick Rocca, president of the new Avalon Entertainment Club. about time Oakville,‘ " said Edward. The centre of attention, of course, are the Brunswick pool tables â€" available at $10 an hour â€" around which customers can socialâ€" Avalon will host a wide variety of theme nights such as Ladies Night (Thursday) and Karaoke nights. In fact, beginning March 3rd the club will be part of the eightâ€"week Great Canadian Karaoke Challenge. "I know one family with all their own cues who are just ready and waiting," said Rocca. PRIVATE LOUNGE A separate room complete with pool table, board room table, TV, VCR and telephone â€" is also availâ€" able for private functions. The centre of attention, of course, are the Brunswick pool tables â€" available at $10 an hour â€" around which customers can socialâ€" ize or cut a deal or two. Everything you need is provided, even the Rules of Play framed on a wall. For those requiring more personalized instruction, Rocca said a pool pro will be part of the staff. Tournaments and house leagues are planned, as are visits from internaâ€" tionally renowned champions. Sundays will be Family Day. i 3 $4 Although they are not required, VIP memberships are available to everyone at $50 per year. Privileges include priority reservation of bilâ€" liard tables, four exclusive memâ€" bersâ€"only nights, complimentary beer mug, Avalon hat and turtleneck shirt plus more. The food â€" ranging from pasta to Polynesian dishes â€" is prepared in a kitchen overseen by chef Joseph Votto. As for drinks, there will be a selection of imported and domestic beers and wine available by the glass and halfâ€"bottle as well as nonâ€" alcoholic beverages, fruit juices, cappuccino and espresso. Avalon will be open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. DANCE NIGHTS Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings will feature dancing with music provided by a disc jockey. 5i9