210 at Fedora
For the past year, 210 at Fedora (210 W. 47th) has been serving up hot jazz on the Country Club Plaza. And that's not to mention delicious food by way of head chef Jean Paul Pelletier. It is a combination that continues to work very well.

"In November of '96, we made the decision to switch from background piano music to live jazz," says general manager Glenn Rempel. "It was a good move and one that has brought us much success, especially on Thursday nights with Dave Stephens."

Fedora regularly features three area performers: trumpeter Pat Morrissey on Wednesdays, vocalist Stephens on Thursdays, and drummer Tommy Ruskin in a Saturday afternoon jam. In addition, jazz fans will find a varied weekly lineup on Friday and Saturday nights that includes such popular Kansas City musicians as Angela Hagenbach, Karrin Allyson, Max Groove, and Sons of Brasil.

If dinner before or during live entertainment is your preference (reservations are taken), Fedora offers a wide-ranging menu that includes gourmet pizzas, steaks and seafood. There are also nightly specials. Those wanting to drop in and just enjoy the music are also welcome and will have little problem finding a seat. In the live entertainment area between the bar and the bandstand are tables, chairs and even some comfortable couches. Particularly enjoyable is seating next to the windows that provides diners with a street level view of not only Plaza strollers, but the brilliant Plaza lights during the winter months.

With a menu in the $9.00 to $25.00 per plate price range, Fedora offers much for the music fan regardless of budget. "There is the perception that, since we are on the Plaza, we are extremely formal," says Rempel. "But, in fact, we are actually a casual restaurant that anyone can enjoy."

Incidentally, that Fedora is currently featuring live jazz is not without some irony. According to historians, it was on this same location in the late 1930s that Charlie Parker played his first professional gig with Jay McShann (then it was called "Martin's 210"). On November 6, a plaque will be placed outside the club to commemorate that historic occasion.

Live jazz at 210 at Fedora is featured nightly Wednesday through Saturday, and on Saturday afternoons, 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Call 561-6565 for reservations and additional information.

-- Bart Swartz



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