Vibrato Grill Jazz

SingWise says the definition of Vibrato “is the voice vibrating subtly and very quickly between two pitches that are very close together.” Cocktail Floats says the definition of the night club version of Vibrato is a mesmerizing destination vibrating subtly all kinds of cool very quickly between two regions – West LA and the San Fernando Valley; two distinct areas that might be very close together in proximity, but socially and culturally so different.

And yet the Vibrato vibe, coming from its perch above the apex of these disparate locales seamlessly bridges one to the other. That’s because no matter where you’re from, who doesn’t appreciate cool music, great food and the most attentive wait staff? (Thanks so much Adrian for such a fun night. I know we were a handful!)

Whether you’re coming from Beverly Hills or Westwood, or Calabasas or Encino, prepare to climb your way up Beverly Glen to the otherwise non-descript Glen Centre strip mall, home of the aforementioned Vibrato Grill Jazz.

This is Vibrato’s 20th year, opening in 2004 by legendary jazz trumpeter Herb Alpert and his daughter Eden. And since then, the place has become THE hot spot for Hollywood elite looking to enjoy a great night out without all the baggage that can come with visits to the other favorite celebrity haunts down below. Here, everything is just so, so good. Make no mistake, though, here it is most certainly all about the music.

On a recent visit, The Yellowjackets were on stage, and they did not disappoint. Truth be told, I hadn’t seen the ‘Jackets since high school and that was a long time ago. But cool of all cool, founding member Russell Ferrante was on piano and this was a treat because the last time I saw them he was on piano, too! These guys in their current incarnation still sound amazing. Do yourself a favor and spend some quality time cuddled up to the jazz fusion wonder that is The Yellowjackets.

We ordered quite the spread of apps, including the ahi tuna tacos, the lamb chop lollipops, shrimp cocktail, a beet salad, and some incredible drinks. I leaned heavy into my Belevedere Gibson (cheers to the bars out there with pickled onions in the back for a proper Gibson – you’d be amazed at how difficult it always seems to be to order such this most simple of drinks – a column for another day!) The wives enjoyed Lollipos & Roses and the “Rise” Hibiscus Margarita. All three ended up as the perfect backdrop for our Cocktail Floats™. I was a little worried by the solid metal Martini “glasses,” but the glow of our floating flower, complemented by the others on the table, made everything sublime. The ultimate finger foods, fantastic company, laudable service, the Yellowjackets on stage and a quiet and subtle party-within-a party-right at our table.

You can Google this place to find out the regular list of celebrity clientele; we won’t bore you with the long list of boldface names. But please check out their calendar of upcoming shows. It seems Eden knows everybody, and everybody knows Eden, likely because she has co-created, and continues to steward, a true star high above Southern California. As a star, Vibrato looms high but not so high that it’s unreachable. Not just pretty to look at, this star needs to be enjoyed, embraced and experienced. And if you’re looking for another glimmering sparkle to help dress up your drink and light up your night, drop in a few Cocktail Floats™ when you drop into Vibrato. This place oozes classy LA club.

Visit Vibrato Grill Jazz