At most jazz clubs, music is the focal point while food is an afterthought. But that’s not the case at the intimate Smoke Jazz & Supper Club where the cuisine and music converge into a happy duo. With seven nights of live music and a kitchen now helmed by acclaimed chef Patricia Williams (she joined Smoke in March), this supper club is for both jazz aficionados and food lovers. Williams, a former professional ballerina, has an extensive restaurant resume, including Sarabeth’s, District and Butterfield 8. At Smoke, she’s now creating bold, seasonal dishes that stand up to the jazz bands that fill the stage.
Haute Living: Is there anything new at Smoke Jazz & Supper Club since your arrival in March?
Patricia Williams: As for the dishes, the newest one is Seared Jumbo Sea Scallops, heirloom carrots, ramps, corn hollandaise. The music is constantly changing and we have music for brunch Saturday and Sunday.
HL: What are some of your favorite dishes at your restaurant?
PW: The lazy duck, Alsatian spaeztle, candied kumquats, the green and white asparagus salad, green goddess dressing.
HL: Where do you like to dine when you are not working?
PW: I have several standards that I know are always good: Jean Georges, Boquerilla, Standard Grill, and Gramercy Tavern.
HL: What is your ideal meal?
PW: It all depends on the season. In the winter it’s cassoulet. In the warmer months, whole grilled fish such as dover sole. Though the winter and cold weather is better for shellfish, I enjoy eating raw oysters and clams with mignonette and perfectly ripe epoisses cheese with some good bread.
HL: What’s your favorite special occasion spot?
PW: Anissa. I think Anita Lo has a great palate and the restaurant is the perfect size.
HL: What’s your favorite NYC neighborhood?
PW: Mine. It’s Hell’s Kitchen. I am close to the park, close to the water, within walking distance from Lincoln Center and many good restaurants.
HL: What do you like to do on your days off?
PW: Have lunch, take ballet class, and hopefully go to a performance.
HL: Your favorite vacation destination?
PW: That’s a difficult decision, but it’s a toss-up between Paris and San Sebastian in Spain.
HL: What’s your most memorable meal?
PW: A woman that has one Michelin star cooked it. Her name is Reine Samut. She has a small inn and restaurant in Lourmarin. It was a tasting menu of black truffles. YUM.
HL: What are your favorite five ingredients?
PW: Tomatoes, avocado, bread, lamb, and chorizo.
Smoke Jazz & Supper Club is located at 2751 Broadway; 212.864.6662
To contact Tracey Ceurvels visit her blog, The Busy Hedonist, or email her.
