(jazzalley.com) – Downtown Seattle, Washington

How I heard of this place: Some years ago, a friend of mine wanted to see one of his favorite jazz musicians and needed a concert-companion. I, of course, accepted the invitation! And have never turned down an invitation to Jazz Alley since. This experience, enjoying the music and lyrics of Roy Hargrove and his quintet, was no exception to the rule that Jazz Alley always come through…and exceeds your standard of music, atmosphere and food.

Type of cuisine: “Our menu features Northwest cuisine, and we strive to support local organic farmers, fishermen, and food producers. We use non-GMO ingredients as much as possible. We are also keenly aware of dietary restrictions and food allergies, and therefore have included vegetarian, gluten-free, and non-dairy items on our menu.

Though cocktail reservations are gratefully accepted, we do make every effort to give preferential seating to our dinner customers. If you choose to dine with us, we recommend that you plan on arriving an hour to an hour and a half before show time. Though we are happy to serve you at the time of show, our customers generally agree that an earlier arrival ensures that their attention can be better directed toward the music.

Reservations are recommended for both dinner and cocktails.”

Ambiance: “Jazz Alley is a fixture of the Seattle live music and dining scene, family owned and operated since 1979.” The intimate setting of this small club keeps patrons not more than fifty feet from any on-stage performer.  Elegant and spacious with an air of intimacy and cozy comfort, Jazz Alley truly is the premier among jazz outlets in the world.

What I ordered: To start, the four of us – long-time and brand-new Roy Hargrove fans – shared the Mediterranean Meze ($13): a trio of tzatziki, artichoke spread, and hummus served with slices of warm pita and mandolin-sliced vegetables.

Between the two couples, we also ordered two of the Side of Wilted Greens ($5.50) sautéed in olive oil, lemon and garlic, with cherry tomatoes.

Having perused the menu prior to our arrival, and upon the glowing recommendation of our server, I selected the Seafood Gumbo ($28.50) for dinner. A deep plate of assorted seafood, including bay shrimp, calamari, clams, Andouille sausage and okra, topped with a wild rice pilaf dome and a side of buttermilk cornbread.

My husband and one of our Brazilian companions selected the Omaha Natural New York Steak ($34 each): an herb-rubbed 10oz steak grilled, served with brandied green peppercorn sauce, fried onion rings, mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables.

The fourth in our party, the second Brazilian and fellow jazz-lover, enjoyed the hearty (also recommended by our server) Rigatoni Bolognese ($26.50): simmered beef and pork with onions, carrots and italian seasonings tossed in a rich red house sauce, topped with freshly grated Parmesan.

On a return visit, Sunday, 24 August 2014: Back for a stunningly beautiful performance by Jane Monheit with a collection of Judy Garland’s songs,

we were pleased to indulge tastebuds once again with Blackened Rockfish ($28.50) topped with a house-made Cajun sauce, accompanied by seasonal vegetables, red beans and rice with a side of buttermilk cornbread,

and Broiled Lamb Chops ($36.50) cut from the rack, marinated in herbs and spices, served with a trio of roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables.

What I loved: The steak. My husband always knows what to order! The artichoke spread, too, peaked the interest of the two women…as we nearly licked the serving dish clean.

Why I loved it: Not only is every seat a prime one, the ability to see the wrinkles on the faces of the performers, the sweat dripping down their brows and the amused smiles shared between musicians makes for a truly memorable and enjoyable evening out.

That, combined with the friendly and respectful staff, the mood created by the candlelit-seeming space and stage focused spotlights on the talent and stylings of some of the most recognized and respected jazz musicians the world has ever known, not to mention the abundance of local and organic food available to order makes for the perfect evening out.

Cost: High ($23.50 – $34 per dinner entree)

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