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F E A T U R E D R E S T A U R A N T
Rustic, old Florida charm and beautiful sunsets on the river make local seafood and Southern specialties even better.
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Traditional Low Country Boil is on the menu as well as popular party fare.
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By Wendy White Kniffen, Publisher
Photography by Tammy Harrow, Luna Blu Photography Standard Oil tycoon and railroad magnate Henry Flagler is considered by many to be Florida’s first modern developer. He discovered St. Augustine while traveling with his wife in the late 19th century. Seeing not only a need but a lucrative opportunity to build luxury accommodations and rail transportation throughout the state, he transformed St. Augustine into the winter playground of the rich and famous. On the afternoon of February 11, 1900, Flagler and a group of men brought their boat up to a rustic fish camp on the sandy shore of the Tolomato River. Flagler asked the owners—Frank Andreu Usina and his wife, Catherine—if they would prepare a meal of roasted local oysters for his party. The Usinas obliged and, afterwards, a hat was passed for a contribution. The Usinas received more than a week’s salary at the time. Frank Usina was a descendent of one of the families of indentured servants from the Isle of Menorca who escaped from a failed English colony in New Smyrna and fled to the safety of St. Augustine in 1768. He and his bride, known by the family as “Aunt Kate” shared Mr. Flagler’s entrepreneurial sensibilities. They expanded their rustic camp and began serving meals of fresh oysters, clam chowder, potato salad, baked beans and biscuits. Occasionally chicken or shrimp pilau or fried fish was offered. A vernacular frame building was erected in 1910 and a boat was purchased to transport guests from St. Augustine. The building housed Usina’s Pavilion and then Oscar’s Old Florida Restaurant until it burned in 2001. The property has remained in the family, and the Usinas rebuilt on the site and opened Aunt Kate’s in March 2009. Today the tradition continues of serving fresh local seafood and Southern specialties to visitors and locals alike. Though now they come by car as well as by boat, the vista from the shore is nearly unchanged. Now the menu features a wide variety of selections including steak, ribs and chicken dishes, but Menorcan clam chowder, steamed oysters and fresh local fish are always offered. The new restaurant retains the same rustic, Old Florida feel as the original building. Family photographs and memorabilia adorn the walls telling the story of the Usina family and the guests they have welcomed over the years. Owner Frank Usina Jr. and many family members stay involved with the management of Aunt Kate’s but day-to-day operations fall to General Manager Brian Howell. “It is a pleasure to work in such a special place,” he comments. “To be so connected with not only history but nature makes Aunt Kate’s unique. It’s great to see regulars who feel as home here as in their own home. It’s a treat to see people experience Aunt Kate’s for the first time. In this fast-paced world, they almost can’t believe a place like this still exists.” In keeping with the tradition established by Aunt Kate herself more than a century ago, local seafood is the focus of the menu. From peel-and-eat shrimp to catfish fingers to fried gator tail for starters, to popular entrées such as Shrimp and Grits, Low Country Boil or Aunt Kate’s Seafood Platter (shrimp, scallops, catch of the day and crab cake—grilled, broiled or fried), the choices are extensive. “I think Frank and Aunt Kate would be happy if they could see the restaurant today,” says Howell. “I think they would be proud that it still honors the Southern-style hospitality that came so naturally to them,” says Howell. “And I think Henry Flagler would be pleased too. I can imagine he would still be pulling up to the dock around 4 o’clock with a group of friends ready for a round of oysters and beer.” Aunt Kate’s serves lunch and dinner daily from 11 a.m. Full bar features Happy Hour from 3-7 p.m. Enjoy live music and beautiful sunsets on multi-tiered decks. Covered pavilion overlooking the water is available for private parties. |
With tiered decks overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, diners enjoy watching a variety of native birds such as this great egret.
“THERE IS A REAL SENSE OF
TRADITION HERE. IT IS JUST PART OF THE ATMOSPHERE.” —MANAGER BRIAN HOWELL
Choose from specialty frozen drinks, a spicy Blood Mary or a frosty draft beer.
At the entrance to Aunt Kate’s, a gracious fern-lined porch and a selection of comfortable seating welcome diners in Southern Style.
Aunt Kate’s Restaurant on the River
612 Euclid Avenue • St. Augustine, FL (904) 829-1105 • aunt-kates.com |
