| rev:text
| - I recently visited Jazz Bistro for a New Years party during a short trip to Toronto. I booked sight unseen, based largely on the reviews and description of the party; a 4-course meal and six hours of jazz for $150. The experience was good for the most part, save some issues with the seating.
The Bistro is set up like a wide, shallow horseshoe of dining and bar space around a central performance stage. It has two levels; a main floor, where the entrance and performance stage are located, and a second floor that closely mirrors the first floor, save a balcony cut-out over the stage area. The main floor is where the bulk of the action happens; the stage performance, the dancing (although there isn't a true dance floor), and soft lighting. The second floor is more remote, dimly lit, and located up an external stairway; it has about eight tables surrounding a balcony offering narrow birds eye views (the top of the performer's heads, 2-3 patron tables, and none of the dancing), and another approximately 20 tables in cozy corners with no view of the stage. The second floor would have been fine for a larger group where people are more interested in chatting over a meal with music in the background, than for individuals wanting to primarily see the band and experience the scene.
Upon arrival my friend and I were ushered to a second floor table, despite seating being available on the first floor. There were also no party favors at the table, as there were on the first floor. I brought my concerns about the remoteness of the location to manager Ira, (who is unfortunately quite handsome and pleasant, which made it hard to complain) and was told that the second floor views were just as good, and in many ways preferable to those on the first floor. Unconvinced after 90 minutes, I persisted, and got moved to the main floor, where there was still available seating right next to the stage. For the first time that night I felt part of the party; able to see the full band and the other patrons. The seating issue was the sole low point of the night.
The food was delicious. The meal started with a selection of 3 breads (which we had to request be heated) as well as a delicate mushroom consomme. I then had a Mahi tuna appetizer, expertly prepared, and a lamb Wellington entree. Dessert was a selection of 5 chocolates, including an ice cream and white chocolate bark. My friend had the steak and lemon tart. The beverage list included a number of Canadian cocktails, and the pours were adequate.
The music was top notch. The first two hours featured a jazz pianist playing at an ornate grand,golden piano, The main act, Soul Soup, came onstage at approximately 10:30, and played a two hour set of rocking mashups of American Jazz, R&B, and Soul favorites. Patrons took to the floor during the main act, and danced with abandon. Champagne flutes were passed out just before midnight, and we toasted in the new year to a rollicking version of Auld Lang Syne. All in all, it was a relaxed and jovial atmosphere.
I would recommend Jazz Bistro to anyone visiting Toronto, provided that you aren't unwittingly confined to the second floor after paying full price.
|
![[RDF Data]](/fct/images/sw-rdf-blue.png)
![[cxml]](/fct/images/cxml_doc.png)
![[csv]](/fct/images/csv_doc.png)
![[text]](/fct/images/ntriples_doc.png)
![[turtle]](/fct/images/n3turtle_doc.png)
![[ld+json]](/fct/images/jsonld_doc.png)
![[rdf+json]](/fct/images/json_doc.png)
![[rdf+xml]](/fct/images/xml_doc.png)
![[atom+xml]](/fct/images/atom_doc.png)
![[html]](/fct/images/html_doc.png)