True jazz aficionados know that Ralph Sharon, the featured pianist at the St Julien Hotel’s Saturday afternoon teas, is a Colorado treasure. The six-time Grammy award-winning pianist, bandleader, arranger, and composer tickled the ivories for Tony Bennett for 40 years. In addition to his own list of solo albums, Sharon has collaborated with jazz greats from Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Woody Herman, Buddy Rich, and Dizzy Gillespie to Mel Torme. In fact, it was Sharon who introduced Bennett to the music of his signature song, “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” and he encouraged Bennett, long ago, to expand his popular musical leanings to include the jazz genre.

What many jazz fans don’t know, is that Sharon’s silky, smooth playing is not only open to those lucky enough to score a table at teatime, but it’s also accessible to customers of T-Zero Bar, on the east end of the lobby. With a full bistro menu, T-Zero offers another way to pair great wine and food with Sharon’s classic sets.

Tip: Order a glass of wine from T-Zero’s well honed list, and pair it with a perfectly charred, fig-prosciutto pizza made all the more special with creamy gorgonzola, tangy balsamic jam, and a scattering of peppery arugula.

900 Walnut St., Boulder, 720-406-9696