The magic Mide Jazz Nights continue...
'Excellence' was the name of the game Friday night at Mide Bistro. The food, the music, and the setting combined to create a magical night out on Queen Street in Niagara Falls. It is occassions like these that remind us of how lucky we are to have such talent available within easy reach.
Mide has been hosting jazz nights since the stunningly pretty bistro opened in the fall. The Mide Bistro takes the opportunity to bring out its best fare and gather some of the best wines and beers the region has to offer. This focus on local producers is something that needs to catch on in the Niagara region. The emphasis that Joseph and Kassie put on local talent, whether its the jazz players, the wine makers or their own food creations, shows that what this region has to offer is second to none.
These 'Jazz Night' occasions create the opportunity for local jazz players to get together play to a really appreciative crowd. Local jazz players John Neudorf (vocals), Warren Stirtzing (guitar) and Pat Collins (bass) played originals and covers selected to enhance the mood of the evening. John's singing fills the room with his smooth tones and stunning interpretations of greats like Tony Bennet and Frank Sinatra. Warren and Pat's accompaniment is perfectly matched, and when John cuts these players loose to explore the soundscape the results are mesmerizing. These players are in demand, and play across north America with the likes of Diana Krall. To have them play to us on Queen Street is quite an opportunity.
The Mide Bistro itself is the perfect setting for these evenings. The warm wood decor and soft lights create a great mood for the music and the food. The big front windows of the Bistro open up on to the Historic Niagara community ice rink in front of Niagara Falls city hall, which emphasizes the warmth and appeal of the indoors that is what a Canadian winter is all about.
Chef Josephs creations once again were perfect for the evening. The Baked Brie with wine reduction jelly server with a nice organic Cabernet from Southbrooke winery is something that really must be experienced at least once in a lifetime. The entres ranged from slow cooked roast beef to a wonderful talapia in a white wine lemon sauce, and the wines selected to go with them create a perfect balance. The desserts were no less wonderful with the now famous Mide Bistro double cheesecake being the dessert of choice, but with a really nice traditional creme brule topping off the list.
In a city known for its glitzy casinos and big events, its nice to know that there's a place for an intimate dinner with excellent food and excellent jazz...
