Before streaming or MP3 downloads, there were physical formats for recorded music. Among them, none has come back from premature predictions of its demise more than vinyl records. While cassettes, compact discs, and even eight track tapes had their fans, it is the oldest medium that seems most enduring. With vintage vinyl now an established phenomenon, it makes sense to pair it with food and drink. Just as bookstore cafes offer snacks and light meals in an environment designed for bibliophiles, Central Records does the same for audiophiles.
umami chicken sandwich
As its name suggests, Central Records is located on Central Avenue, one block south of the Roosevelt/Central light rail station. A bike rack is found right outside along the shaded sidewalk. The combination of record store, broadcast studio, and cafe occupies a small storefront that belies its depth. Upon walking inside, customers see a sunny area up front and tables that extend deeper into the space, where they are surrounded by shelves full of records for sale, as well as back issues of music magazines like NME, which is now returning to print after a hiatus.
veggie and cheese sando
A square bar at the back completes the space. Customers can order there, although table service is provided at most times. A printed menu offers an assortment of toasts, sandwiches, salads, sides, and snacks for leisurely enjoyment while listening to music. There is always something on the turntable, but another option for anyone with some headphones and a mobile device is to scan the QR code on any of the records for sale. Doing so enables streaming of the album for either immediate listening or making a decision about purchasing the actual vinyl.
smoked salmon sando
The menu has light Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences with an emphasis on foods that pair well with wine. Although Central Records does not open until later in the morning, or even noon during the summer, it still begins with a selection of breakfast-oriented toasts, many of them with sweet ingredient combinations like cheese and honey or banana and butter. One savory selection that stands out is the smoked salmon toast. Rather than using slices of salmon, the smoked fish takes the form of rillettes, or spread, that is also the foundation of a sandwich.
olive and almonds
The smoked salmon "sando," as they're called here, pairs the rillettes with slices of watermelon radish and sprigs of arugula within a crusty baguette. A meatless vegetable and cheese sando features tomato confit and goat cheese as its predominant flavors with a little umami boost from mushroom pate. At the opposite end of the spectrum is the gabagool sando, an assemblage of cured meat, roasted peppers, and cheese inspired by Italian-American tradition. An umami chicken sando is a gussied up chicken salad sandwich that is equally satisfying.
little gem salad
Sandwiches don't include sides, but many of the smaller plates work well in that role. A little gem salad is enlivened with sun dried tomato, goat cheese, and pistachio. A plate of olives and almonds is another case of using quality ingredients with minimal enrichment or adornment. A slightly more elaborate dish is the seafood tapas. Slices of baguette are topped with tomato confit and chermoula, a Middle eastern herb sauce, and then layered finally with a choice of either smoked mussels or boquerones, white anchovies marinated in olive oil and vinegar.
seafood tapas
Central Records' typical menu is replaced or augmented with other choices on two occasions: On weekends, a brunch menu incorporates Middle Eastern favorites like a smooth, creamy hummus served with a fluffy pita and house pickles and shakshuka toast with whipped feta, fried egg, and parsley. On Thursday evenings, there are "jazz special dinners," themed multi-course meals with featured entrees such as salmon and couscous or mussels and merguez sausage. A different DJ each week plays selections from the record collection to accompany the food.
hummus plate
Dessert takes the form of assorted pastries displayed at the counter. Recent selections have included mocha toffee danish, chocolate glazed cake, and a citrus tart with meringue.The small bar focuses on wine with a limited selection of bottled beer, classic cocktails, and espresso drinks.The food and beverage approach here creates a suitable environment for relaxed enjoyment of refreshments while listening to music curated by DJs. Just like the juxtaposition of vintage vinyl with music streaming, it's a thoughtful combination of the retro and the modern.
824 N. Central Ave., Phoenix AZ 85004
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