(Above) Award-winning syndicated broadcaster Tavis Smiley hosted a VIP pre-opening party at Jazz Urbane Cafe on June 13. (Left) Bill Banfield, left, and Tavis Smiley greet guests at the event. 
At the corner of Warren and Washington streets in Nubian Square, a lively new dinner and dancing destination beckons. Jazz Urbane Cafe, a longtime passion project at the intersection of music, food and gathering opens this summer.
Executive chef Guara Pimenta let his creative juices flow in the opening menu. Afro-diasporic flavors are mixed, matched, blended and updated for dishes like the Seiji Ozawa, a yellowfin tuna tartare paired with lime chive cream, avocado mousse and house-fermented pepper sauce and The Jobin, a Brazilian fish stew in a creamy coconut sauce.
“It’s not just staples,” Pimenta said. “It’s not the fried chicken from New Orleans or Savannah or North Carolina. I use my imagination and add to it.”
Some swaps are subtle but impactful, like the use of chicken thighs in the jambalaya vs. chicken breasts for a juicier, more flavorful result.
Like the familiar names of jazz icons dotting the menu, there are many comforting, well-loved flavors. Expect to see warm cornbread, shrimp ’n grits, jambalaya and a chicken and waffle sandwich. For a fancier night try a cold smoked filet mignon, the Duke Ellington, or a lobster mac-and-cheese, the Mary Lou Williams.
On the bar side, the team made an effort to work with Black-owned liquor brands and vineyards like Brown Estate from Napa Valley. CEO and managing partner Charles Hunter, a Columbus Hospitality Group alum, says getting to know local taste and adjusting the offerings accordingly is key.
“My thing is starting off easy, listening to the guests and building towards what they really expect this place to be,” said Hunter. “We’re trying to make sure everyone is happy and satiated.”
Jazz Urbane Cafe is the brainchild of Dr. Bill Banfield, who runs the Jazz Urbane recording and performance collective and contributes cultural essays to the Bay State Banner. The cafe will work in tandem with the performance collective, Banfield’s band will play there regularly and with JU-CAT, the Jazz Urbane Community Arts Transformation nonprofit.
The cafe had a VIP soft opening party on June 13 with a performance by the jazzy gospel group Take 6. An official opening date has not been announced, but the team hopes to open the doors to the public in the next few weeks.
The cafe will have live music every night, with weekdays designated for piano, salsa and other genres based on popularity. Whether guests come for cocktails and dancing, a lavish dinner or a family meal, there’s something for everyone. On the food menu, vegetarian, gluten-free and other dietary restrictions will be accommodated as well.
“I think today bringing everyone together is really important,” said Pimenta. “I want people to feel joy.”
ON THE WEB
Learn more at jazzurbanecafe.com
