Nice Atmosphere...poor organization
I have mixed reviews of Jazzeppi's in Biloxi, a fine dining restauraunt featuring Italian-ish dishes with a Gulf Coast twist to it. First off, Jazzeppi's is a very popular place to eat, one of the staple fine dining restauraunts in this emerging city (I wonder though if it may be due to that the owners are VERY well known in this area and have a wide circle of friends).
I have eaten in many restauraunts throughout the states, as well as in many Western European countries...so I have become somewhat experienced on what a great restauraunt should offer. My wife made a Valentine's evening booking for 4 (2 parties) at 8PM. When we arrived at 8, the manager informed us they were running behind and it would be about 30 minutes. She directed us to the bar and told us she'd come get us...No problem since they have one of the cities only Martini Bars, something I wanted to experience as well. At 8:30, our second party didn't show up and we called them...only to find out they arrived 5 minutes after us, and were seated! The manager never came to get us, so we were at the bar while the other couple already had appetizers and a bottle of wine! Observing the owner, I did notice that she was frequently confused and her method of tracking guests was unorganized. So for organization, I cannot give a favorable rating.... a "1" out of "5".
Even though it was extremely busy, they should have had a system in place...all other fine dining restauraunts I've bee to had this.
The ambiance (decor, lighting, color scheme) was very attractive with earth tone colors and warm lighting. The only negative was that the A/C was much TOO COLD. When it came on, it blew as cold as it could and many customers were scurrying for their coats. Seating was quite comfortable and inviting. Also, Jazzeppi's extremely close proximity to the railroad traks (directly across the street) caused noticeable shaking of tables and seating when large trains passed by, of which 3 did that night. The train's noise was very noticeable, though muted, and would detract from a romantic mood. Ambiance gets a "3.5" out of "5" (the A/C problem brought it down)drug it
Table setup and server attention was lacking since we were missing one glass of water. Also, the menu states that bread was served with dinner, but we had to ask for it. The server could also have been friendlier. He was quite knowledgeable of menu items, and the glasses were continually topped with fresh ice water (something many servers miss). So for the service I give a "3" out of "5"
Not everything was bad though! The bartender was excellent with drinks served fairly promptly. The long bar was also nicely laid out and looked "lived in" and comfortable

Now to the food. The Crab Claws appetizer was quite tasty. They were lightly battered and fried, and marinated in a vinegarette which created a pleasing texture and flavor.
Menu items ordered were as follows: Blacken Ribeye; very tender and flavorful. Blackened is a great Cajun/Creole method of cooking where the meat is seared on a iron skillet with a special blackening seasoning. It looks burnt, but isn't, and the flavor can be incredible. This steak was no exception, though the 12 ounce size and additional items with the main dish was not quite worth the high price paid ($26)...there are too many steakhouses on the coast that also serve a great blackened steak with more on the plate for halfthe price.
Grilled Trout with Shrimp on a pasta bed with a crabmeat cream sauce. The dish also had "dashes" of Tasso to enhance the flavor. Both my wife and her friend loved this dish, and it had the most food on the plate of the 3 entrees ordered. When I tasted it, the flavor was light, with a good blending of ingredients. Though I liked it, it wasn't the best Trout I've tasted.
I ordered the Yellowfin Tuna. I grew up eating "Ahi" and have enjoyed it at numerous upscale restauraunts in many different presentations. I asked the server how large the serving was and he told me it was 10-12 ounces...just about the norm. When it came, it was actually closer to 8 ounces...quite small, and was served on a bed of fresh spinach. The Ahi was slightly overcooked with a somewhat bland taste, and it didn't come with anything else, so a moderately hungry person would go hungry after this dish.
Also offered on the menu was a 6 oz. steak and 6 oz. lobster meal priced at $49! Serving size was much too small for both to even consider it for the price. For the quantity and overall taste of the food was quite good...not great, but definately good. However, for the average price of $26.95 per entree, it was not worth the cost. This is because there are too many other upscale choices on the coast that serve food that is just as good to much better tasting than Jazzeppi's for about 20% less.
The Valentine menu was changed, but several items were still on the regular menu (from what I was told) and the regular menu prices are still quite high.
The Tirimasu was excellent and qite generous in portion size...my wife thoroughly enjoyed it.
Food rating with all things considered would be a "2.5" out of "5" mostly due to the high cost. (I'm not scared away by high prices since I will gladly pay a premuim price for a wonderful meal and service)
My final impression of Jazzeppi's is a comfortable restauraunt that is trying to compete in the fine dining category, but lack of pefect service and hostess organization, keeps it from measuring up. My overall score for Jazeppi's with all things considered would be a "2.5" out of a possible "5".    [18 Feb 2004 15:39:22]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Blackened Ribey or Trout

     ­Randy L