The Sound Bite Restaurant
The Sound Bite is New York's newest jazz club offering live music and a taste of Southern, Cajun and Italian cooking. Chef (and Emmy Award-winning news anchor) Julian Phillips teamed up with his wife, renowned jazz vocalist, Barbara King, to create new spot in Hell's Kitchen.
In celebration of the public opening on Friday, January 19, 2018, media were invited to preview the restaurant the day before. Guests entered at the restaurant to the melodic and mellifluous voice of Barbara King, who serenaded the guests all night long. The interior of the restaurant looked like something straight out of a newsroom. The restaurant theme marries media with jazz melodies and pays homage to both industries – fully equipped for live broadcasting and live jazz performances. In addition, the walls are filled with autographed headshots of media and jazz icons.
A cocktail tasting started the event, and the drinks were intoxicating in a good way. The unique cocktail menu consisted of unconventional flavors, and was curated by nutritional biochemist, author and explorer Alex Ott. Ott has crafted beverage menus in more than 300 of the world’s most well known establishments. The Sound Bite’s cocktail names are derived from slogans used in the news industry like “The Live Shot,” “The Crash & Burn,” and “The Headliner.” The crowd's and my personal favorite was definitely "The Kicker."
At last came the the tasting. The eatery specializes in blackened wings and fusing Cajun, Southern and Italian flavors. Julian's Famous Blackened Wings, Southern smoked Mac-N-Cheese were passed out, and not surprisingly, nearly everyone asked for seconds, and even thirds. The delicious wings were some of the best I ever had, and the seasoning leaves your fingersnails bit dark, so be sure to lick them good afterwards.
The Sound Bite opens to the public today, so be sure to stop by today and look for dishes like Julian's Famous Blackened Wings and "The Kicker" to go along with it. The space will feature live jazz music Friday and Saturday nights and is also wired for live productions.
The Sound Bite Restaurant is located at 737 Ninth Avenue between 49thand 50th Streets.
