Where’s the Jazz?

It’s impossible to walk past Marine Drive and not peer over at the erstwhile Pizzeria and Jazz by the Bay — Pizza by the Bay since 2010 — for two reasons. One is to read the board above the restaurant to see what Nana Chudasama has to say that week,and the second is to reminisce a moment from the glory days of jazz. But recently,Pizza by the Bay’s red windows have been shut,while a group of workers hammer and saw at the structure. The signboard at the entrance indicates that they are open,but part of the restaurant is still under construction.

The renovations started over a month ago without attracting too much attention. First to get a complete overhaul was the inside section of the restaurant that still had the same mood and vibe albeit without its old patrons. A walk around the refurnished place reveals that it is nothing like its old self. A glass ceiling with yellow lights and white furnishings have replaced the black and blue that dominated the interiors earlier. The iconic bar has been replaced by a much-smaller stage and part of the seating area. The new bar has instead been moved to the wall opposite the entrance and doubles as the buffet area for the afternoon special of soups and salads. A few black-and-white frames and a pillar that states the erstwhile names — Talk of the Town,Not Just Jazz by the Bay and Pizza by the Bay — are the only remnants of the place that has been synonymous with the spirit of live music in the city since 1964.

“Jazz by the Bay was an institution for many years,but the whole industry has changed now,” says Bruno Loosli,CEO of Mars Enterprises,which owns Pizza by the Bay. “It was time for a makeover so we’ve made it more spacious and brighter. We will also now combine the indoor and al fresco dining sections.” This change has been welcomed by patrons of Pizza by the Bay,assures Loo sli.

It isn’t surprising,given that the frequency of bands performing at the restaurant and its patrons had dwindled over the last few years. At the same time,the outside section serving the restaurant’s popular soup and salad combo meals at lunch time and pizzas,snacks and beers with the view of the setting sun,still has its set of loyalists. “In fact,Pizza by the Bay became more popular over a period of time,” explains Loosli.

The prices are still more or less the same,Loosli assures. However,the menus for both the food and drinks are more extensive. But does it make up for the fact that the jazz culture as we knew it no longer exists?

“We’ve taken the best of both Jazz by the Bay and Pizza by the Bay and combined them,” says Loosli. And even though the small stage may not accommodate a five-member band with a drum kit and keyboard,it will still shine the spotlight on the performance arts. “We’ll continue to have live performances,but only solos or duets. We are also looking at hosting poetry readings and stand-up comedy,” he adds.