JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A new upscale southern restaurant in San Marco, Blue San Marco, opened on Oct. 11 in the old home of Bistro AIX, which closed in September after 25 years. Hurricane Milton did not dampen the grand opening, they were prepared for it.
20-year Chef James Stuart and his 11-year managing partner Joel Mesa, who have extensive backgrounds in the restaurant industry, were very excited to reveal their new restaurant.
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The new menu includes blue ceviche, tiger shrimp salad, and cauliflower steak, topped off with a white chocolate panna cotta.
According to the Jacksonville Daily Record, the building underwent some renovations. The dining room has carpet, and the windows have new awnings with blue stencils.
Now, through Oct. 19, the restaurant will have limited hours. Dinner is Monday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays it is closed.
Starting Oct. 21, the restaurant will resume its full regular schedule, with breakfast from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and dinner at 5 p.m.
The inspired design creates the look and feel of an upscale yet very inviting atmosphere while remaining casual.
Before opening the new location, Stuart had worked for Taverna Oceana since 2016. He has worked with many great chefs, such as Sam Efon, Brian Cripps, and Ben Behymer, which makes him a well-known chef in the community and restaurant industry.
Mesa has been in the restaurant and bar industry since 2013.
As part of the new renovations, both owners agreed to create a section in the restaurant to accommodate the younger generation who don’t drink. Instead, nonalcoholic beverages will be served.
Mesa said nonalcoholic bars like Kava & Co. in San Marco and Wildcrafters in Five Points “have been blazing the trail for this market for years, and we think it’s time for it to break into fine dining.”, according to the Daily Record.
Anyone looking to make reservations can download the Resy app.