Karen Ponzio Photos
Ric Cunningham and Rohn Lawrence at NOLO.
In the years that I have been frequenting the city on a regular basis I get asked for recommendations about two things consistently: where to hear live music and where to get a good meal. In New Haven, Sunday brunch combines the two.
Three brunches fairly close to each other — at Elm City Market, South Bay New Haven, and Atelier Florian — advertise events that include music. I had attended only one of them before. I decided that, in the name of all of those people who are looking for more options, I would peruse what was available all in one day.
My first stop was the Sunday Jazz Brunch at Elm City Market — an event I had attended and written about previously and had also attended when I was not on the job. Almost three years since it began, the event appears to still be going strong. Last Sunday’s event featured Bassology, a New Haven-based band that included Danielle Valentin on vocals, Jocelyn Pleasant on percussion, David Chevan on bass and Michael Carabello on keyboard. They began with the classic “Paper Moon,” kicked it up with “Route 66,” and even added a little bossa nova. the whole time trading smiles and giving each other time to shine on their instruments. Adults and children slowly filled in the bright and sunny seating area while others who came in to shop stopped and took in the music for more than a few moments as well. Everyone in the place seemed to be moving and swaying to the music whether they were there specifically for it or not.
One of the bountiful baked goods at ECM.
ECM offers a variety of brunch selections that are $10 and less that you can order at the counter and then have served to you in the seating area. You can even just grab a yogurt or baked good, or just a coffee — which is what I did, as I knew I would be attending a few different places and did not want to fill up fast. ECM also has the earliest start of all the brunches I attended (10:30 a.m.) so if you’re an early riser this may the one for you. Also, you can pick up whatever you need for Sunday dinner or the week ahead since it is a full service market.
My second stop was South Bay New Haven on College Street, and I was the first one to arrive. On this particular Sunday keyboardist Bob Nunno was set up next to the bar and played a host of contemporary classics including songs by Alicia Keys, Michael Jackson and Elton John. He also played some Isley Brothers for me, which was perfect and lovely for this airy and refreshing spot. With its front windows open and outdoor seating, it’s perfect for people watching. There is a prix fixe menu offered for brunch as well as an a la carte menu.
A classic brunch cocktail at South Bay.
This is where I decided to partake in a beverage, going with a traditional Bloody Mary, though the cocktail list offered more than enough interesting choices. I felt like I was on a vacation somewhere tropical, and thought this would be a great spot for someone who wanted to get away from it all without having to get away hardly at all. This brunch runs from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Now that’s a meal i recommend - at Atelier Florian
My third stop was Atelier Florian on Chapel Street, where Nick DiMaria plays every Sunday with a variety of different musicians from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
This week he was joined by Bentley Lewis on guitar for light and jazzy instrumental riffs that suited the casual elegance of the surroundings. This restaurant also offers sidewalk seating and occasionally has its front windows open to the patio as well, but either way the music is easily heard and accessible.
This is where I decided to have a meal, and what a meal it was. Quiche, frites and a salad, so plentiful that I took some of it home with me. The pot of mussels that many patrons were enjoying as I walked by looked pretty amazing as well. According to manager Mark Tuocy, the restaurant will also be starting a jazz night every Thursday after Labor Day.
As I was heading home, I recalled that I had seen that Nolo on State Street had also begun having live music on its patio during brunch, so I decided to stop if I saw anyone there when I drove by.
I did indeed see music being played — by none other than New Haven legendary guitarist Rohn Lawrence and saxophonist Ric Cunningham.
Lawrence and his guitar are well known throughout the area and Cunningham, who is originally from Guilford but now lives in Tampa, told me he was up for the summer and began playing there with Lawrence back in June. This brunch runs from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., so if you tend to be a late riser on a Sunday this might be the place for you. They also have pizza on their brunch menu and beer made on the premises by Erector Brewing. And then there are Lawrence and Cunningham, who are seriously fun and seriously swing. They also played some Isley Brothers for me on that covered patio. It was cool and breezy even in the 90 degree August afternoon heat.
More information about each restaurant’s menus and events can be found on their websites and Facebook pages.
