There is nothing like listening to live jazz music and sipping on a hand crafted cocktail. On Saturday, October 8th, we stopped by SOUTH restaurant who was proudly hosting Mandy Harvey in their dynamic series of live performances. She performed hits from her latest album, All of Me, a testament to her undeniable talent and love for music.
When we stepped in the restaurant we were directly to the back of the entrance marked “SOUTH Jazz Parlor”. A separate hostess led us to our table where we could enjoy selections from the entire restaurant menu as well as bar menu. We were delighted to be able to browse the menu as the lights dimmed. Our server stopped by to take our drink order before the opening number. We selected a Mississippi Mojito, the traditional mojito with Bulleit Bourbon, fresh mint, lime and sweet syrup, and a House Herbal Collins served in the restaurant’s own bottle conditioned collins combining fennel, ginger and citrus flavors with local Rowhouse gin.
Since we have never enjoyed selections from the bar menu, we started with the Duck Confit Flatbread topped with pimento cheese, white bbq sauce, and peppadew as well as the Seafood Gumbo with fried okra, calamari, and clams. We loved both items and will definitely be back to enjoy a meal at SOUTH’s bar.
For our main dishes we tried the Short Rib Pot Roast, a new addition to the menu, with creamy collards, grits, and the classic Carolina Shrimp & Grits with Anson Mills lobster grits, N.O.L.A. sauce, and pea greens. Next time we’ll be sure to check out the Cornmeal Dusted Salmon with smoked tomato pirlou, creamed corn, and creole tomato butter (another new addition to the menu).
We couldn’t resist but to end the evening with SOUTH’s most popular dessert- Bourbon Pecan Pie with a cornmeal crust and butter pecan ice cream. It was the perfect compliment to the smooth jazz music. Overall we loved our cocktails and food, but what was by far the most memorable
le factor of the evening was the music. Mandy Harvey performed 2 sets that evening and as guests of the early set we were invited to stay for the late set. We were totally blown away by the music. Playing a collection of original songs, as well as some covers. It is easy to see her passion for the music.
Jazz music is nothing without the stories behind its inspiration and struggle. Harvey lost her residual hearing nearly 10 years ago to a connective tissue disorder, but she performs her music with absolute perfect pitch and timing. Harvey performs barefoot, to allow herself to feel the rhythm of the music, and is equally sought after as an inspirational speaker, for her unbelievable story, as for her lovely voice and defiant musical talent. In 2009, she released a self-produced album titled Smile to acclaim from jazz critics. Since then, she has performed at Washington, DC’s landmark Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and earned VSA’s Top Young Soloist Award in 2011. All of Me is her third album to be released, you can find it now available on her website and Itunes.
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