Jazz the way you like it!

So, where do jazz lovers and foodies go after the sun goes down? Well, you can follow the well-beaten path to Jazz Central Cafe Bar on 28 Jupiter St., Bel-Air, where Makati’s assorted night creatures, mostly yuppies, congregate after work or after 6. Its brick structure is a welcoming sight, enticing you to go up the winding staircase. Surely, you won’t be disappointed. The ambience of the place reflects what Makati is all about: A mix of sophistication, vibrance, action, and fun, fun, fun!

The bar’s ultra-modern interiors blend shades of blue, green, yellow and gray. The cocktail bar is encircled by chairs and the stage, making it accessible to everyone. The whole place has a seating capacity of 150 to 200, but a deck is available if you want more privacy for a truly intimate evening.

Putting up a jazz bar came naturally to Ofelia Gloria and her teenage daughter Margareth Gloria, Laura Gueco, Vicky Angeles, and George Gueco. They all love good music and know how to have a good time. So when the opportunity presented itself, they immediately grabbed it. And they’ve been playing beautiful music together for a year now.

Running a bar is no easy task, the owners of Jazz Central agree, but more heads seem to make the job lighter. Mrs. Gloria sees to the day-to-day operations of the bar while her very creative daughter Margareth serves as her consultant. Mrs. Angeles is both president and PRO. Mrs. Gueco is the queen of the kitchen and also the head of the purchasing department. The lone guy in the team, George Gueco, mans the marketing department.

Of course, singing along and dancing around can leave one very hungry. Jazz Central dishes up an array of palate pleasers, ranging from light to hearty. Bestsellers of the house include gambasitas (a real hot fave, which comedian Pepe Pimentel just loves), quesadillas, gambas, crispy spareribs, and native delights like grilled squid. Other crowd favorites are sisig and your choice of meat, seafood or chicharon samplers. Meat lovers will surely go crazy over Crazy Eight, large German franks served with mashed potato. Or the new crispy beef spareribs, which regular customer Alma Concepcion, beauty queen-turned-actress, simply can’t resist. If that’s not filling enough, try the rice meals that come in hefty portions.

But it’s not just the good food that’s got people — including regulars like PSC Commissioner Eric Buhain and singer Anna Fegi — coming back to Jazz Central but also its great ambience, and super courteous and efficient staff.

And what’s a watering spot without drinks? The cocktail bar mixes up favorite classics as well as innovative concoctions. There’s also its drink of the month. This month of hearts, the drink of the month is aptly named Foolish Heart.

Beer drinkers will also love the buy-one, take-one promo from 5 to 8 p.m. on all beers, which are a steal at only P30 per bottle.

Originally planned as a jazz venue for the young and the young once, Jazz Central eventually added other types of music to its lineup. Singers Mia de la Cruz, Jen and Charm Shartel enchant with their alluring voices on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday while different bands take center stage on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. The talent lineup changes every month to keep the music fresh and exciting. There’s something for everybody — retro, upbeat, Latino, name it, Jazz Central has it just for you! Wednesday and Saturday retro nights fill the place with songs from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s, as performed by Jay Cayuca and the LOC band or the Moments band. Friday nights are sure to get everybody shakin’ to Latin and upbeat music as belted out by the charming Mai Castro and the Onda Latina band. And the dream team behind Jazz Central has lined up more sizzling nights of music.

Jazz Central also caters for seminars, corporate parties, debuts, children’s parties and assorted events. Mrs. Gloria, your party coordinator, guarantees a worry-free affair to remember. For inquiries, call 895-6798. Jazz Central is open from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.

So when the sun goes down, put on your strappy sandals, and let your hair down. It’s time for fun — jazz the way you like it!

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You can e-mail me at icewave42@yahoo.com.