|
Lotus Noodle Bar is a passion project for Chef Barry Honan, a distinguished culinary artist who trained at several of the country's top restaurants from coast to coast. Former alumnus of 3-Star Michelin restaurant Le Bernardin in NYC, Chef Barry Honan was mentored under Chef Eric Ripert. During his tenure as a sous chef, Le Bernardin was awarded the best restaurant in the world in 2018 and 2019. With techniques honed through years of rigorous training and experience, Chef Honan embodies the essence of precision and artistry in the kitchen. At Lotus Noodle Bar, Chef Honan and his wife Lauren are returning to their St. Augustine roots to raise their family and bring their own vision to this intimate and highly acclaimed restaurant in St. Augustine's historic district. Best described as Modern Japanese integrated with French Technique, Chef Honan's cuisine showcases the seasonal bounty of local farms and exquisite product direct from Japan. Menu items include elevated ramen dishes such as the sublime Garlic Noodle Mazemen, with blue crab, koji butter, fried garlic and togarashi and the hearty Spicy Tan Tan with aged white miso from kyoto, spicy ground pork, toasted sesame and ajitama (marinated boiled egg). Starters, meant to be savored and shared, are called "Kyoyu" and are unlike anything you will find in Northeast Florida: Tuna Sashimi with pickled shallots, charred chili Kewpie and tomato Ponzu; Tartare with miyazaki a4 wagyu beef, roasted garlic kimchi aioli and 24-hour soy-cured egg; Banchan: koju-cured pork belly bacon, blistered shishito and spicy pickled daikon. Every vessel tempts with a delightful surprise of flavor, texture and visual composition. The carefully curated Wine List and Cocktail Menu feature outstanding wine selections, many available by the glass; a wide selection of Japanese beer and sake, and creative cocktails with innovative flavor profiles, perfect to complement the menu. Open Tuesday through Saturday for dinner at 5 p.m. Lotus is a reservation only restaurant; available through Resy via the links provided. Awarded St. Augustine's #1 pick by Time Out, Lotus also offers outdoor dining in a calming garden courtyard.
|
