Whether people are here for the finger food, the wine, or the good conversation, this place is a hot spot and full every night. The warm wood décor, winding staircase, and curvy bar give it a feel all its own. Everyone seems to be having scintillating chats beneath subdued lighting at the bar or the high tables. The staff is attentive and helpful with the less-than-ordinary menu choices. There's a menu of "Great Little Somethings" with creative versions of culinary favorites, like beef tartar, mashed potatoes, and cress in a sanshō pepper cone, or scallops with a Jerusalem artichoke creme in a chili cone. There are also cute little plates of mini burgers, steak, or scallops, served with mini cutlery. The restaurant's name comes from a kombucha drink that's a creation of Dietrich Mateschitz's Red Bull conglomerate (Mateschitz came up with the idea for this place ). Carpe Diem is a convivial and laid-back choice for downtown dining.