by Missy W. on My Dad and I went to nyc one weekend last year. He's really into jazz, so we decided to try out a few jazz clubs. We went to Birdland and Blue Note. I preferred Blue Note. Even though it was in the middle of winter and freezing out and we had to wait in a line that stretched all the way out into the street, the show we would see once inside would be well worth the wait in the frigid cold. Once we were inside, we were seated at a very small table. The place was packed so that my Dad and I were bumping elbows with the people on either side of us. We ordered some food, and even though it was a busy night the waiters were very nice. The food came before the show and I remember it being pretty good. The show that night was a woman (who's name, sadly, I forget) who's voice had an eight octave range. Her singing was amazing and absolutely jaw-dropping. For those who are new to jazz, the songs/pieces she did with her band might have seemed somewhat odd or "out there," but whatever your affiliation with jazz might be, you couldn't have helped but to appreciate her outstanding voice and performance. The show we got to see that night definitely earns 5 stars. I'm detracting one star for the venue, which was a little small and somewhat uncomfortable. However despite all this, the show and experience overall was simply unforgettable, which is why I suggest that anyone into jazz go to Blue Note when in New York.
by Dave Higa on Tangerine was pretty neat. I like Stephen Starr places, having been to the Continental, Morimoto, and Buddakan in NYC, but this place seemed like a different kind of production from Stephen Starr... It was very good, but didn't seem to have the theatrical presence that I've come to expect from a Starr Restaurant (not necessarily a bad thing if you're looking for more of a romantic dinner than a crazy night out). The food is excellent, don't get me wrong, and the atmosphere is very chic, but it wasn't what I expected from a Starr restaurant. I'd recommend Buddakan over Tangerine if you're looking for some good fusion in a more unique environment.
