A Top-100 Jazz Club in the World
Shanghai Jazz has been a staple of the Madison, NJ community since 1995 and in that time was recognized as one of the top-100 jazz clubs in the world! Eventually Tom Donohoe purchased the restaurant from the original owners and has managed to maintain the reputation of the restaurant, but also add his own flair to the menu.
Segment 1
Tom takes us through his background working around the country in high-end kitchens. Eventually he returned to his home state of New Jersey, working at various restaurants and as a consultant before purchasing Shanghai Jazz from the original owners, David & Martha in 2017. He also took us through the history of the restaurant.
Today in New Jersey History
Dick Button was born in Englewood, New Jersey on July 18, 1929. He was a figure skater who is credited with being the first skater to successfully land the double axel jump in competition in 1948. He also completed the first triple jump of any kind, a triple loop, in 1952. Button is also credited with inventing the flying camel spin, also called the Button Camel. He was inducted into the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame in 1976.
Segment 2
We discuss how the menu has evolved since Tom took over the restaurant in 2017. He takes us through the heavy hitters and what people order the most. Mike also offers up some of his favorites on the menu. The two also discuss the downstairs area, Encore Speakeasy, which has evolved to be an exciting and unique experience with incredible cocktails.
New Jersey Fun Fact
New Jersey is home to 11 state forests and 42 state parks.
Segment 3
Tom describes the importance of Shanghai Jazz in not only the Madison, NJ community but in the music community. Performers such as Max Weinberg and other notable acts have reached out to Shanghai Jazz directly to perform because they understand the importance of the restaurant within the jazz community.
Shanghai Jazz: https://www.shanghaijazz.com/
Instagram: @shanghaijazznj @encorebarmadison
Address: 24 Main Street Madison, NJ
Thank you to our sponsors:
Albert & Whitney CPAs: awcpasllc.com
Contact the show: mike@greetingsfromthegardenstate.com
