I know, I know, I promised more of Walda Pairon's work, and more of her beautiful design is definitely coming - only next time. Today, I feel the need to post about one of the highlights of my southern sojourn last week. Visiting good friends and relatives in South Carolina and Florida is always a delight especially after our long and very cold winter, but a restaurant in St. Augustine, Florida captured my heart.
St. Augustine, the oldest city in the U.S., was rather disappointing. So much of it seemed very commercial and not great commercial. Suffice it to say, the only reason I would visit the city again is to dine at the Ice Plant. We asked a waiter at lunch what a really good restaurant for dinner would be. He mentioned the Ice Plant first with no hesitation at all; we took him at his word and mentally thanked him over and over that night at dinner.
What follows is a history of the Ice Plant restaurant, images gleaned from Google Images, a video from Youtube and a recipe for the Brooklynite.
Below is the entrance to the restaurant where we gave our name but no reservations are taken.
Up the stairs with metal banister...
to this...
and this. If you have ever seen my Pinterest boards, they include one entited "Design - Cool and Funky". This restaurant embodied all the industrial design I love - very cool and funky,
The owners traveled up and down the east coast choosing antique elements that would fit their building, such as these ice tongs...
and signage from other ice plants...
even a vintage radio.
Cocktails are one of their specialties. There are identical two bars - this one...
and an identical bar in their overflow room which offers more moveable table arrangements and a space for cocktail classes.
Cocktails are one of their specialties and are such a bright contrast in the industrial space.
Cocktails are made with only the freshest ingredients and special ice shapes.
Note the very large cubes below.
The table to the extreme right was ours. Can't really see the table, but hope you get the idea.
And this was our Brooklynite, recommended to us by our hotel's deskman. He was right - we loved it and had another. We asked our very efficient waitress if they ever shared recipes.
This is what she brought to us. Had to order the Angostura bitters from Amazon which arrived yesterday and I can't wait to serve a Brooklynite to future guests.
Our appetizer - the pickled vegetable platter with cheese. Tasted great with the Brooklynite.
This was our entree which we wanted to share. The chef asked to bring it to us whole so we could see how beautiful it was before division.
We also shared dessert - a chocolate creme brulee with graham crackers and marshmallows. One of the most delicious s'more I ever had.
Vintage sink in rest room which I only add because it was so cool.
And lastly, the video. Hope you can see just how special this restaurant is. I leave you with these words, if ever in St. Augustine, treat yourself at the Ice Plant. I will. And next post, there really will be more Walda.
Happy week-end,
b
