When I was a teenager, I was listening to a local radio station’s annual broadcast of, “The Twenty-Four Hours Of Christmas.” Among the usual traditional songs they were playing, I heard a song entitled, “It Doesn’t Have To Be That Way” by an artist I had never heard of before named Jim Croce. Luckily, I was recording the hour of music onto a cassette tape and caught the song. Immediately, I rewound the tape and played the song several times – absorbing the heartfelt lyrics and amazing melody. It was at that moment that my love for this talented and gifted singer/songwriter was born.

Since that day, I have evolved into such a fan of Croce’s music that I know almost every song the man has ever written, I have owned every album, seen every DVD – and frequently quote his songs at the end of many of my columns. What attracts me to Jim Croce’s music the most is his ability to transfer his life experiences into song. Much like this column, Croce was able to, as Arlo Guthrie once so eloquently put it, “Write the soundtrack of his own life.” From the most common of incidents to his most personal, Jim Croce left behind a legacy of music that allows anyone willing to listen a personal and detailed account of the all-to-short life that he lived.

Despite the fact that I am such a huge Jim Croce fan and have amassed quite a collection of his great works, there is one thing I always wanted to do that I never did. Something that is a must for any Jim Croce fan, or anyone that wishes to learn more about this true artist – visit Croce’s Top Hat Bar & Grill. But, as always in my life – I was able to scratch that much desired experience off of my “to do list” last night – when Karen and I headed there for dinner, music, photographs and memories.

Located on the corner of 5th and F Streets in San Diego’s Downtown Gaslamp District, Croce’s was created by Jim’s late wife Ingrid and is located on the very spot where Jim last professed his love for the woman of his dreams before he passed away. Decorated with photographs of Jim, Ingrid, their son A.J., both of their families and items from his illustrious career, the restaurant serves as a well-deserved shrine to a man whose musical contributions will be enjoyed long after his unfortunate and untimely death when his plane crashed in 1973.

When I entered the establishment, I instantly felt the presence of Jim, as well as the love that Ingrid has for him to create such a heartfelt tribute to her late husband. As I sat at my table enjoying a Fat Tire draft glancing at the many pictures on the walls as his music echoed from the speakers – I realized why so many people still love him – and why he is the popular musician he is even though he was stolen from us over 30 years ago. Unlike most musicians who are in the industry for the money, the fame and the women – Jim Croce was a musician in the truest sense of the word. His songs are something that people can both enjoy and relate to – and attribute to help them write the soundtrack of their own lives – and that is something I truly admire about him.

Serving classic American cuisine, the food was as good as the experience of being there. Our first course, which was served by our very friendly and knowledgeable waitress Jenny, was Szechwan Yellow Fin Tuna Sashimi, which was so flavorful I could have eaten four helpings of it. It was served with a wasabi aioli, which was a decorated mix of wasabi and soy sauce that wrapped the sashimi in a blanket of flavor that was so enjoyable, I actually found myself saddened as I consumed my last piece.

Following our main-course worthy appetizer was Croce’s Classic Caesar salad. I have had many, but this was the most light and airy version I have ever eaten. Thanks to its fresh, crisp Romaine lettuce, porous croutons and tasty dressing – I was able to revel in the flavor of the salad without filling my stomach and being unable to finish my main course.

As with most places I go to eat, my main course – was of course – Grilled CAB Prime New York Steak. It was cooked precisely as I love it – blood rare – thanks to Jenny who was able to relate to my love of rare meat because she eats it the same way. I love a good steak – and this one was one of the best I have ever had. Served over a bed of forest mushroom ragout, smoked gouda mash and grilled asparagus – the flavor of that course will be as memorable as being at the restaurant itself.

After dinner, we headed into the bar area where Karen and I enjoyed the music of David Patrone and his band, who delivered a mix of big band, jazz and nightclub music – expertly performing each song they played – including my request of, “Someone To Watch Over Me.” As our waitress April, a seven-year veteran of the restaurant served me another Fat Tire, Karen and I sat under a hand-painted mural of one of Jim’s most famous portraits at a candlelit, black velvet covered table with the only light coming from a neon sign that read, “Blinchiki,” which is Russian for blintzes and is the name of Ingrid’s first coffee house that she opened in Hillcrest. As I sat there enjoying my beer, the ambiance, the music and my very satisfied stomach, I was so happy that I finally made it to Croce’s that I kept proclaiming to Karen how excited I was that I was there. After about an hour of enjoying our post-dinner concert, we said goodbye to Croce’s and headed back home.

Last night’s unforgettable experience at Croce’s Top Hat Bar & Grill was truly worth the wait – and will certainly not be my last. Before we even left the restaurant, I was already planning my next trip there. I can’t tell you how much of a thrill it was to celebrate the love I have for one of my favorite singer/songwriters by enjoying great food and music in an establishment dedicated to his legacy. It is truly a shame and a great loss that Jim Croce is no longer with us – but I am so grateful to Ingrid for creating Croce’s so myself and others can still live the Jim Croce experience. I was told by both Jenny and April that Ingrid actually works there Saturday nights and is very approachable. I can’t tell you what an honor it would be for me to meet her and thank her for keeping his music alive, so I will no doubt go back there on a Saturday night to meet this incredible woman – and tell her how much I enjoy her husband’s music – and the lengths she went to in order to preserve his memory.

Thank you Ingrid.