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—Le Bernardin in New York City, The French Laundry in Napa, Calif. and Alinea in Chicago, to name a few. 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 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. Outdoor dining is also available in a calming garden courtyard. |