Alvin’s Jazz Club is a throwback to the height of jazz culture in the 1930s and ’40s. Tucked inside the Journey Centre in Mahogany, the club features photos and illustrations of jazz performers, racks of wine, a glittering, Gatsby-like bar and a small stage at the centre of the room.
Every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the club also offers a jazz brunch where guests can wine and dine while listening to a live singer and accompanying instrumentalist, often on the piano or drums.
Part of Vintage Group, Alvin’s has an extensive wine and martini list, but it’s also known for original, specialty cocktails like the Summertime Sour (made with Zubrowka vodka, Lillet, yellow Chartreuse, cucumber mint syrup, lime juice and egg white) and the Passion Fruit Paradise (made with dark rum, Aperol, papaya syrup, passion fruit juice and Peychaud’s bitters).
Of course, as with any brunch, mimosas and Caesars are on the menu, too, and can be ordered as individual drinks or shareable drink platters. The Caesar platter comes with six ounces of vodka, gin or tequila in a premixed jug of Caesar, served with a variety of garnishes. The mimosa platter comes with a bottle of Prosecco, orange juice, grapefruit juice and a variety of garnishes.
As for the food, brunch options include savoury favourites like the Jazz Standard (a plate of eggs, bacon, hashbrowns, toast and arugula salad), as well as four types of eggs Benedict: the classic bacon and hollandaise; the Halifax, which has lobster, shrimp and avocado; the Alberta, with braised short rib, grilled tomato and chimichurri hollandaise; and a baked potato version.
For those in the mood for something sweeter, the stuffed French toast with dulce de leche, mascarpone and caramelized banana is a must-try, and even features house-made haskap berry syrup.
Alvin’s Jazz Club, 176 Mahogany Centre S.E., 403-313-1051, alvinsjazzclub.com
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