The Beehive (by Kosta)

When entering The Beehive below the BCA the vibe is akin to descending into a subterranean speakeasy. Exposed brick walls set in a maze-like interior along with dim mood lighting resembles what one might imagine the interior of a beehive to feel like.The aesthetic evokes a vintage 1920s feel with a bit of a modern edge. This bohemian restaurant/bar/venue offers live music and shows nightly on a stage surrounded by cabaret style seating near the back. 

As I and Sarah Sparks were led to our table we noticed the bustling floor, but everyone seemed happy and engaged. We were seated just outside the cabaret area against a railing, so we had an excellent view of the stage. There was an unobtrusive jazz band playing. A soulful trumpet was accompanied by smooth bass, guitar and drums adding atmosphere. The feel was very relaxed; the jazz was a quality addition to the meal. While The Beehive is known as a jazz club it has a variety of live music and shows such as Blues, Funk, Latin, Reggae, Electronica, Country, Cabaret and Burlesque.

We had a chance to speak with the General Manager and Wine Director– Bertil Jean-Chronberg. He was very personable and happy to discuss where the ingredients come from and the Beehive’s philosophy. Bertil also curates and manages a very impressive wine list, of which we got to sample with our entrees. The Beehive is proud of its green sensibilities and is committed to local ingredients and distribution. They receive fresh vegetable three times a week and get most of their seafood off the boat daily. The Executive Chef, Rebecca Newell, has taken these ingredients and created a menu that encompasses Middle Eastern, European and American influences into a well-balanced and unique experience.

After taking in the ambiance we ordered two cocktails. First up was the Janie Jones ($12) with Hendricks, canton ginger, Aperol, and lime. It was strong on the gin but well blended just how I like it. A nice bitterness suffused the drink ending with a tangy twist. Next we tried the Black Heart Ice Tea ($11) consisted of Jim Beam, Cassis liqueur, lemon, and ice tea which provided a light and lemony counterpoint.

The Seafood Platter ($40 for 2) was an array of fresh seafood appetizers set to tantalize. We started off with a half dozen exceptionally clean oysters. They were firm with a good snap and a touch of saltiness. These oysters came from Maine, and were quite large and tasty. Four colossal, fresh shrimp sat in the center of the plate. The shrimp wasn't local due to the waters being too hot at the time, but we were told they will soon return to local providers. An interesting addition to the platter was smoked bluefish pate, a creamy mixture of butter and bluefish served with a side of crispy and sparingly salted kettle baked chips. The flavor was complex and I would say it was similar to good kippers. We finished off with small chunks of tuna with a delicate lemony taste, served up in a cup with crusty wafers of bread and butter gherkins which made for a great tuna tartare.

The appetizers came out soon after we downed the seafood platter. Moroccan Cigars ($10.50) were a mix of savory, spiced ground lamb, encapsulated in flaky phyllo dough. The harissa on the side made from red coriander, cumin and hot chili’s added a piquant and spicy touch.The Steamed Mussels ($15) were buttery, succulent, and smoky with a bit of kick. The rich broth was comprised of a base of Fisherman's Amber Lager and Old Bay seasoning. A heaping pile of mussels were in the deep bowl served with a few crunchy strips of bread. Bold, strong flavors in the broth brought it all together.

The last appetizer was the Truffled Potato and Cheese Pierogies ($11), a dish to die for. A thick and savory dough wrapper surrounded the potato and cheese filling. Topped by caramelized onions and with just a tad of truffle oil drizzled over them, they provided a tasty starter. A tender arugula salad and sour cream was served on the side.

We picked two sides to accompany our meals. The Cauliflower with Harissa ($6) was sauteed with a spicy harissa and cloves of garlic and roasted red peppers sprinkled throughout. This was a great side, just enough to really whet ones appetite. Their take on Poutine ($10.50) was entailed crisp strips of wide yet thin hand cut steak fries smothered in cheddar and savory gravy. This would be a great late night side or appetizer.

Our entrees were the Blackened Scallops with Heirloom Corn Jalapeno Grits ($26) and the Seared Duck Breast with Plum Sauce ($26). Both were amazing and paired with a delicious Malbec wine. The duck was very light and not too fatty, the bit it did have was succulent. It was seared on the outside and oh so tender on the inside. Cooked just right at medium rare and coated in a delicate plum sauce, the sweetness of the sauce mixed nicely with saltiness of the duck. The whole dish was finished off with a side of basmati rice and vegetables and topped off with sweet roasted grapes. The scallops were meaty, but delicate, with just the right amount of give, not chewy at all. They were blackened and slightly seared. They sat on top of thinly sliced russet potatoes and spicy grits. The grits were creamy and infused with jalapenos and cheese. Strips of red peppers, corn and wilted kale were liberally added throughout. Between the spice of the jalapenos and the other complimentary ingredients this was absolutely heavenly.

As the meal came to a close we tried one of their smaller deserts a chocolate praline concoction. The chocolate was somewhere between fudge and mousse, it was oh smooth and sweet. Whipped cream and strawberries on top finished this off leaving us quite satisfied.

If you like music, live shows and good food, The Beehive is a hip and interesting place to spend the evening.  I've already been back once since this trip!