Adult fun.

These days, the only events that we go are things that for my daughter or place that we can take her. It was was great then to go out and have some adult fun last night, not in the pornographic sense, of course! Just fun with a group of adults where no-one brought their kids. We ALL love and adore our kids but sometimes we need a break.

In NYC, there are lots of places to hear great music performed but generally, when there is food, it is mediocre. Concurrently, there are amazing restaurants in the city but if they have entertainment, it is average at best. Last night, though, we were treated to BOTH at the Jazz Standard (www.jazzstandard.com). Let me start with the food.

If you've known me for more than five minutes, you know I love food. My meal last night satiated my palate and my hunger at the same time. At Jazz Standard, you have the benefit of the Blue Smoke (www.bluesmoke.com) menu, and that mean three letters: B-B-Q! I encourage you to try other things on their menu but don't leave with at least sampling some of their barbecue! It's amazing. I ordered the "Rhapsody in Cue" which should be renamed "kill one of everything in the barn and put it on a plate"! Some time during the night, my wife asked me how my meal was. My response was the I had reached "full" status 30 minutes ago! I could not stop eating! The chicken was apple and hickory smoked and you could taste the aroma in every juicy bite. The pulled pork melted in my mouth and was as tasty as I have ever experienced. I now want the sausage that was on my plate at EVERY meal that have even if it's a sundae! And that brings me to the ribs which were delightfully succulent and flavorful. I never finished the meal and when I had reached the brink of my food coma, the last uneaten rib sat on my plate, mocking me for not having a larger stomach. When I walked in and looked at the menu, I was sure that I was going to have the pecan pie for dessert. Let's just say that after the 'kill one of everything in the barn and put it on the plate' meal that I had, pecans were the FURTHEST thing from my mind! Now on to the music:

The performer that night was Somi. The minute she began to sing I was transported back to my childhood days when I used to listen to Miriam Makeba. Mama Africa, as she was known, had a way of conjuring up spirits deep within you when she sang and I felt just as moved listening to Somi. She masterfully blended jazz rhythms with melodic undertones from her native Uganda and music from that region. He voice was harmonic and earthy and refused to allow you to sit idly by. I found myself unconsciously rocking to the beat and noticed others doing the same. Her accompaniment was excellent as well, especially her pianist. And I was happy to report that I still don't know what the bass player's eyes look like which is a requirement for jazz bassists for me! LOL  Last night, she was recording a live album so if you purchase it, you should be able to her us cheering quite loudly at the end of every song!!

I had a great time last night. I definitely intend to return to the Jazz Standard, and without a doubt, to Blue Smoke to conquer Rhapsody in Cue, and intend to pick up Somi's live album when it comes out! You should too!

As always, these are my thoughts...what are yours?