TAKE (BLUE) NOTE

barkeep

If you’re looking for a hat trick in the food, drink and entertainment departments, you do not want to miss Blue Note Hawaii. Located in Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort at 2335 Kalakaua Ave., Blue Note Hawaii is an expansion of the Blue Note jazz clubs located in New York, Washington, D.C., and Milan. Open seven days a week with two performances each night, Blue Note has attracted a range of both local and internationally known musicians since it opened late last year. I waited to check it out when a group I recognized was performing, and when I saw Kalapana on the calendar last month, I purchased tickets right away.

Seating in the jazz club is based upon what ticket section you purchase, or you can grab a seat at the bar for a smaller fee. It’s first come, first served and standing room at the bar, so I recommend getting there early (sets begin at 6:30 and 9 p.m. nightly). I chose loge seating and enjoyed a great view of the stage, as well as a comfy booth to sit in.

I knew right away that my first drink would be the Blue Note, Hawaii Martini (pictured), a blend of Skyy vodka, Cruzan coconut rum, Blue curaçao, pineapple juice and fresh sour. I was a bit nervous that it would be too sugary, but all of that hesitation went out the door when I took the first sip: A sweet-and-sour note quickly turns into a hearty coconut flavor that leaves you wanting to gulp instead of sip. I actually ordered two!

My last drink of the evening was the Hawaiian Kona Coffee Martini, designed as a dessert martini. A sweet mix of Kona coffee, Amaretto Lazzaroni and Bailey’s Irish Cream, it was the perfect nightcap that left a lasting buttery cream flavor.

Blue Note Hawaii features a full bar alongside their specialty cocktails, as well as a food and dessert menu. If you’re heading that way, be sure to park at the Ohana East Hotel for a discounted rate of $6 for four hours with validation. Live music and tasty beverages, what could be better?