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Creole conjures up
images of shrimp remoulade, gumbo and catfish, which is exactly what
you will find at this Harlem outpost of food and jazz. Sitting on the
corner of Third Avenue and 116th Street, Creole Jazz and Supper Club brings a more upscale
mood and swinging rhythm to this part of the neighborhood.
At first sight, Creole seems like
just another brightly lit storefront, its awning decorated with the
restaurant’s motif. But a peek through the window allows passersby to
see the band playing just inside. Enter through a velvet draped portal
and meet friendly staff who invite guests to sit down for
dinner, drinks and live music. The raw brick and the red
tones give this dining room and its generous bar a needed update.
The menu is simple and features a
variety of creole, soul and southern choices. The appetizers range from
salads to catfish strips to crab cakes. As seems to be the trend these days, the appetizers are the most interesting
choices. Main courses are uneven. Like much of the traditional food in
the south, many items are fried, so keep that in mind when ordering.
The vegetarian offerings include a successful gumbo, which is served
over rice. Less successful are the pasta dishes, which are all
penne-based.
Wine offerings are very run of the
mill, and the beer selections limited, but cocktails are much more
interesting, as are the lovely bartenders who serve them (and sometimes
sing along with the other musicians).
The best things on offer are the
truly southern choices (southern fried chicken, collard greens, catfish
strips), and the jazz and roots music playing in the front of the
room.
Guests can enjoy ensembles that
feature some of the city’s most seasoned jaz, funk, roots and world
beat artists, as well as some of the younger generation of talented
musicians. Great place to meet friends for the evening, or to
bring out of town guests.
Creole is a daring enterprise, and
the menu may be too over-priced for the neighborhood, at least for now.
Big changes are in store for this section of the east side. For the
moment, it is worth making the trip uptown on the 6 train to grab a
bite and to hear some great live music.
Call ahead to see who is playing, or visit the website. Sets start at 8PM.
Tags:
catfish, collard greens, Creole, funk, jazz, soul, southern cooking
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Posted on 8/17/2006
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