Ksenia F.
Yelp
Reason for my visit here: free Tuesday Jazz, a weekly event. Added bonus - they have a full menu and a full bar, if you decide to dine here while listening to some awesome music.
Parking is confusing as there is a sign for "Venkman's out back" but the next turn has a "Do not enter" sign. I'm still not sure where exactly their parking is but luckily there's plenty of it on the street.
The entrance is through their patio, which isn't popular in winter but it houses 3 large green eggs and suggests possible green egg food specials (not during my visit though).
The host desk is located to the right as you enter and the entire venue is wide open so you can see it all right away. I really like the cozy, romantic, and surprisingly intimate atmosphere here, in spite of all of the tables and entertainment. It does not feel crowded at all, even with all tables taken. The candles help, too ;).
One of the walls has been turned into a picture gallery and some of the art pieces are quite fun to look at and unconventional.
There truly isn't a bad seat in the house; you can see the stage from every table.
Jazz starts and 8 pm but they begin warming up around 7:45. The venue fills up quickly, especially after 8 pm so definitely make reservations.
The menu "looks" like it has plenty of options to chose from.. Unfortunately I had a very hard time selecting dishes as upon further investigation most dishes are deep fried/heavy.
The specials that night were cheese dumplings, fancy ass cheese dip, and fettuccine with fried corn bread. Someone really likes their cheese here ;).
Items we ordered:
- Maple Roasted Squash described as - Burrata, Basil and Marcona Almond Pesto, Lemon, TGM Ciabatta ($17);
- Fennel Shrimp - Savannah Shrimp, Melted Fennel Broth, Cioppolini Onions, Tokyo Turnips, Oyster Mushrooms, Braised Green Aioli, Ciabatta ($17);
- Crunchy Salad - Farro Verde, Arugula, Bread and Butter Fennel, Pickled Butternut Squash, Carrots, Radish, Toasted Sunflower Seeds, Dill, Citrus Vinaigrette ($10).
The squash was nothing like I expected - 2 squash halves stuffed with burrata. The dish came out EXTREMELY greasy, with grease dripping all over the wooden board it was served on. I honestly didn't even care to try it, it was so unappealing. Just 2 globs of grease..
The fennel shrimp and the crunchy salad had better luck. I actually quite enjoyed both. Shrimp wasn't overcooked and the veggies in the dish were still crunchy. Same for the salad; I'd order both again if I had to eat here.
The Jazz itself was awesome! Definitely worth just coming out for the show. You can also bring your own instrument and join in, if you are musically inclined. Nobody uses sheet music here and just jams off each other.
Overall: great music and service, full bar, patio, bar style menu (imo), street parking. I will definitely be back but eat else where prior to the show.