Jazz Standard

Jazz Standard Restaurant Review:

Music aficionados crowd the soundproof subterranean club at this bi-level jazz emporium, while upstairs a great house band serenades drinkers and diners in the airy, sophisticated room. Unlike most places that combine dining with entertainment, Jazz Standard serves surprisingly good food. Executive chef Kenny Callaghan whips up Southern-heavy American cuisine and ethnic dishes that are hearty and well prepared. For starters, try the devilled eggs with toasted almonds and watercress or the chipotle chicken wings with blue cheese dip. Then order a main course of smoked duck gumbo with homemade Tasso ham or Texas salt and pepper beef ribs. Try to save room for sides of cornbread and sesame coleslaw. Callaghan also prepares a lounge menu of relatively simple items, including pizzas, burgers and quesadillas, for those who are more into music than food.