Thursday, October 8, 1998
Rocco allows diners to revel, relish, relax
ROCCO: Intimate getaway soothes with eclectic jazz, tasty
food
By Jessica Holt
Daily Bruin Contributor
Do not be intimidated by the expensive prices listed on the menu
at the portal of Rocco, a cool new jazz club and restaurant in
Bel-Air. Functioning as an upscale, intimate restaurant from
roughly 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Rocco transforms into a cozy, mellow
jazz bar afterward.
Every night, Rocco features quality jazz groups, affordable and
filling appetizer dishes, and a comfortable atmosphere to
unwind.
Only 10 minutes by car from the UCLA campus, Rocco is located in
a small shopping center off Beverly Glen, just south of Mulholland
Drive. Although close to campus, Rocco feels miles away from the
buzz of big-city life.
The warm, muted atmosphere of the bar area is separated from the
dining area by large, glass-paneled doors. Decorated in warm wood,
stone walls and soft lighting, the bar area features a series of
three bars that zig-zag across the room. This arrangement gives the
customer the option of directly facing the jazz group situated in
the far corner of the room, or choosing a more remote spot to
listen to the music.
Black-and-white photos of jazz musicians line a white wall,
adding cool ambience to the room.
At the bar, customers may order from the more expensive dinner
menu (appetizers range from $7.50 to $16.50, while entrees are
$12.50 to $21) or from the bar menu where all the tasty,
well-prepared choices go for only $6 a piece.
The bar menu features unique salads, fish plates, and cheese and
meat platters. The endive and bleu cheese salad ($6) is refreshing
and light. Sprinkled with walnuts, crumbly bleu cheese and a lemon
garlic dressing, the endive sits on top of small, sliced
tomatoes.
The fried calamari ($6) is prepared perfectly. Often, calamari
comes out tough, but Rocco’s was soft and tender. The tangy
marinara sauce compliments the flavor of this savory dish.
The scallop gratin ($6) comes out piping hot and is filled with
thinly sliced mushrooms and chunks of scallops in a creamy cheese
sauce. It is served in a large scallop shell and looks just as good
as it tastes.
The menu also features a duck salad, a smoked salmon salad,
sauteed shrimp and tuna tataki, among other dishes.
Rocco also has an appealing dessert menu, all priced at $6 as
well. Tiramisu, assorted cream puffs and creme brulee are just a
few of the decadent offerings.
Besides the food, the main attraction is the music. Every night
of the week, various jazz groups play on the small stage area.
Framed only by an apparently unfinished mural evoking an Italian
countryside, the jazz combo becomes the focus of the room.
Rocco provides a space for different types of jazz, including
straight ahead jazz, fusion, world funk, flamenco and more. This
variety promises to keep the atmosphere fresh and invigorating.
This past Tuesday, Rocco showcased a new group called The
Beverly Hills Medical Group. Playing straight jazz, the combo’s
sound was tight. Patrons attentively grooved to the music and
applauded appreciatively at the end of the set.
The comfortable, casual atmosphere allows a real opportunity to
relax. The wait service is attentive and gracious, and more likely
than not, Rocco himself will be there to make sure his guests are
content.
Together the featured jazz, satisfying food and laid-back
atmosphere of this snug bar combine to create a mellow haven away
from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
RESTAURANT: Music starts at Rocco 9 p.m. on Mondays, 9:30
Tuesday through Thursday, and 10 p.m. Friday through Saturday.
There is no cover and no minimum charge.
JAMIE SCANLON-JACOBS/Daily Bruin
The Beverly Hills Medical Group, a jazz band, plays to the
patrons of Rocco restaurant.
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