Java Jazz Cafe Bistro in New West - A lil' Java, a lotta Jazz [Saab Ken]

[ROLAND'S NOTE: Thanks Ken for another guest review! Kare kare is one of my Filipino favourites. If anybody else wants to contribute a review, join the site and post it yourself or email it to us.]

We felt like getting a good dose of live jazz over the long weekend and headed out to New Westminster to Java Jazz Cafe Bistro (12 - 6th Street,
New Westminster, 604 521-2929) on 6th Street. This was our second time there (forgot to submit a writeup after the first time).

Java Jazz has become a local New West institution for great live music in a cozy, family-friendly setting. I don't know too much of their background but know it is owned and operated by the Dayao family, an ensemble of talented musicians and singers. Ed is almost always seen slouched on the piano filling the room with notes of glorious classics from the 20s through the 50s, while his wife Salve (star of the show), various family members and all staff take turns at the mike (between cooking and serving guests) giving toe-tapping renditions that could potentially wipe out all contestants in "Canadian Idol". Salve told us they used to be entertainers at The Westin Bayshore Inn for ten years and are also proprietors of their music/singing school. Impressive considering between gigs they also run the restaurant 6 days a week to midnight, to 1am on Fri/Sat nights.

Back to the venue .... a small but tastefully renovated space has been transformed into a bistro/lounge that serves authentic homecooked Filipino meals, western offerings like burgers and pastas, and an assortment of tantalizing desserts. Between the four of us we ordered a Chicken Kare Kare (peanut based stew with eggplant, cabbage and bokchoy), Beef Caldereta (spicy beef brisket stew), Pork Adobo (soysauce & vinegar based stew) and a special dish of the day (didn't get name) I can best describe as creamed taro leaves served with a grilled fish resembling a large sardine or herring. All very delicious served with rice on the side. Didn't venture for desserts this time as we opted for quick coffees and a stroll to Queen's Park before sunset. Total after taxes was about $55.

Contributed by SaabKen