The Jazz Standard (literally)

After the Jazz Brunch we had at Garage cafe we took a while to digest, and then I took Tiffany down to Jazz Standard for dinner and show. I had looked online a few weeks ago and seen that The Steve Grossman Quartet was performing for the first time in 15 years stateside on November 21st. (Steve played with Miles Davis on several of his records) The Jazz Standard is situated right under BlueSmoke, a well known BBQ restaurant, and the food comes from a shared kitchen.

You enter JazzStandard through the same entrance as BlueSmoke, behind a second closed door. A walk down the stair case lined with musicians past leaves you in the red-hued dining area (with lowlit back bar). The hostess was extremely friendly and accommodating (both my girlfriend and I are extremely indecisive). After we decided on our seats (right in front of the drum set), we were presented with menus for our perusal. We were amongst the first people in the Standard, and it filled up quickly. The menu is classic BBQ cuisine, and a full bar menu. To start Tiffany opted for the Wheat Beer, and I went with a Porter (both great). We were given the perfect amount of time before the waiter came asking for our order, and did not have to scramble to make a decision. (Great for the indecisive again).

The first time I ate at BlueSmoke, I met a woman from Texas who told me that Bluesmoke was the most authentic BBQ she has had away from home - and this past trip supported that statement once again. We split the Fried Chicken and the Rhapsody 'n Cue. (great name) The Fried Chicken was awesome (and I am not a fried food person), it was incredibly moist, with a crisp THIN breading. The quality of poultry was top notch, and it was a satisfying not stuffing dish. The Rhapsody featured Ribs, Smoked Chicken, Pulled Pork, Mashed Potatoes, and Greens - all delicious. The ribs were perfectly cooked (juicy, soft, fall of the bone) and the Chicken was fantastic. Tiffany, "the anti-smoked food" eater was blown away. The flavors were delicate, and the moisture kept inside was idyllic. The pulled pork was great also - with sauce that made it a highlight of the meal.

As we were finishing, the lights dimmed, the musicians took the stage, satiated diners relaxed in their seats and the show began. It was wonderful. The show lasted about an hour, at its close the crowd erupted in applause (for the food/service/and show). Walking up the stairs to street level an elderly gentleman caught my obviously pleased eye, tapped his wife, and with a smile and a nod said "tonight's going to be a great night!" It certainly was.


Even if you wouldn't consider yourself a live music buff - Jazz Standard is a great alternative to your run-of-the-mill dining experience. Pairing perfect service, food, and ambiance is a rare occurrence in New York City but Danny Meyer seems to do it over and over.

::applause::

-gingergrub