The Jazz Hotl Restaurant&Club opened March 21 in the former Europejski Hotel on the Royal Route. The opening featured a concert by jazz vocalist Lora Szafran and was attended by around 300 guests, including well-known artists, actors and journalists. "This is a jazz restaurant offering fusion cuisine, concerts and jazz coming through the speakers every day," said Marzena Witkowska, owner of Jazz Hotl. "From Wednesday to Saturday, we also provide a club with dance music." Jazz Hotl's stage also presents accomplished stars as well as young, talented artists who get few opportunities to perform elsewhere.

The restaurant's decor is dominated by pistachios and creams. It offers seating for 100 guests at black tables that offer a touch of Parisian style. The interior is spacious, elegant and light. "Our guests can have their dishes customized," the owner said. "Our chefs can prepare something special at a patron's request at any time. We combine Mediterranean cuisine with Polish. We're taking from the tradition of the Europejski Hotel, but on the other hand, we'll never forget the tourists who frequent the place, hence the light cooking style."

The menu features items such as sautéed shrimp salad with cherry tomatoes, roasted eggplant with zucchini and tomatoes-plus soups including wild mushrooms and noodles served in a Szechwan chicken broth, and cream of leek. Main courses range from lamb chops with rosemary to veal cutlets, roast duck and pork knuckle with peas, cabbage and potatoes. For dessert, you can order apple pie and cheesecake, both baked according to traditional Polish recipes.

The restaurant also provides a wide selection of alcoholic beverages (wine costs zl.50-350 per bottle).

Club Hotl lures patrons with its deep, red colors and lots of light. The decor stands in opposition to the restaurant: red with austere, metal elements, combined with mild shades trimming the walls and soft cushions on comfortable banquettes. "Refined patrons will be glad to know that cocktails can be prepared according to guests' individual preferences," said the owner. Next to the restaurant is a discreet VIP room for up to 30 people, also with comfortable banquettes and cushions.

Jazz Hotl recently opened a summer patio, for which there is a garden menu featuring a lot of grilled meats and vegetables. Kids can eat from a special children's menu, and there will soon be a playground.

Jazz Hotl, 13 Krakowskie Przedmieście St. (entrance from Ossolińskich St.), tel. 0-22 826-73-71. Restaurant open from 11 a.m. until the last guest; club open Wed.-Sat. from 5 p.m. (parties start at 9 p.m.), no cover (door selection).