The Backstage Lounge – the latest exciting idea in dining entertainment from David
Jackman, is open for dinner 5-10pm nightly serving Asian-inspired dishes, with beer on tap and a few good wines. The opening menu features wraps, rolls, potstickers, pork ribs and roast duck – unexpected dishes, perhaps, but interactive and spicy.
You know where the Rio Theatre is? (hint: 1205 Soquel Ave, in eastside Santa Cruz) The Backstage Lounge is right next door.
The uninspired and meagre wine list matches poorly with the food. I’d want a choice of Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Cab Franc or Pinot Noir with this week’s menu. And no indication on their website if they offer sakes (an obvious pairing). I wonder what their corkage policy is? The lack of a tea list suggests they haven’t put much thought into that either (a decent pu-erh would be nice). Unless someone I trust really recommends this place, I’ll pass. Still nothing exciting in that neck of the woods. Charlie Hong Kong went downhill years ago after Charlie Deal left; The Crepe Place? Meh; Lilian’s, great staff and lively atmosphere, but old school East Coast Italian? Ok for lunch, I guess.