Minton's

Minton's Restaurant Review:

The live jazz and supper club tradition celebrated at Minton's Playhouse for more than three decades has been resurrected by restaurateur Alexander Smalls. This upscale restaurant is marked by polished hardwood floors, chiffon drapery, leather banquettes, white tablecloths and a live performance area where musicians, some of whom played at the original Minton's Playhouse, take center stage. The cuisine consists of experimental takes on Southern comfort fare with touches of French flair. An appetizer of seared foie gras has concentrated flavors, while "The Low Country Experience" sampler platter with oysters, smoked trout and pickled shallot, fried okra with country ham, blue crab fritter and creminis filled with okra is also a fine starter. Smoked Berkshire pork chop with yam grit cakes and winter vegetables in an apple currant sauce, and the "'Hoppin' John Pilau" with country tasso ham, sweet pepper agro dulce and crispy black-eyed peas are a couple of entrée highlights. Desserts include a caramelized banana cream pie. The wine list is diverse with sparkling, whites and reds from various parts of the globe.