Jan Norris: Food and Florida

At tonight’s opening and tomorrow in advance of the Palm Beach Marathon on Sunday, the new B.B. King’s Blues Club will offer a special pasta dish for runners in training. Normally, pasta dishes ($20 each for primavera or marinara with a beverage and cookie) aren’t on the menu.

Gumbo

'Cue and sides

The hall-of-fame singer’s club - based in Memphis, Tenn. – opens in CityPlace tonight with a Southern menu that includes their signature fried dill pickles, and dishes such as gumbo, fried green tomatoes, catfish, and of course, barbecue ribs. Steaks, seafood, salads and nibbles for the bar fill out the menu choices.

A Gospel Brunch is planned

Fried dill pickles

They’re settling in just now, but in about a month, look for a Gospel Brunch to be offered on Sundays, with choir performances and a brunch menu in place. Currently, there’s a dinner menu plus a late-night menu for the bar and music crowd. 

Of course – there’s music

B.B. King is slated to come down and christen his restaurant in early winter. Music acts – the second half of the restaurant is the live music room – are already booking  to perform here; the web site lists a preliminary list of performers. A “rockin’ party” is planned for New Year’s Eve with limited tickets already on sale ($100 for seats; $40 for standing-room).

B.B. King’s Blues Club

• 550 S. Rosemary Ave. (in CityPlace, 2nd level), West Palm Beach
• Phone: 561-420-8600; web site: www.bbkingclubs.com
• Open: Daily, from 4 p.m.