Pesca Vilano: Coastal Cuisine at Its Best
Fine Dining, Fine Wines, and Fine Times
By Buzz Thomas
Experienced travelers can likely recall one of two experiences when the term hotel restaurant is mentioned. It’s either a bland, disappointing, no-name bar and grill, or it’s a memorable culinary journey (akin to Salt at the Ritz-Carlton in Amelia Island). Pesca Vilano most definitely falls into the latter of those two categories.
Allow me to introduce you to Chef Michael Lugo and his latest fine dining creation, Pesca Vilano. This visionary chef has deep roots in St. Augustine’s ever expanding and evolving culinary scene. He is the founder of Viva Hospitality, which houses the culmination of all his creative works. His flagship restaurant, Michael’s, has received numerous honors and accolades. La Nouvelle, a charming French nouveau bistro that now lives in the historic Jefferson House, is where he enjoys flexing his classical training in French cuisine.
His newest addition, Pesca Vilano, is largely influenced by our Florida coastlines and is in Vilano Beach, on the east side of the Vilano bridge. When the Hyatt Place decided to renovate, they knew a truly special restaurant was needed to match their fresh, contemporary art deco vibe.
Lugo was entrusted with the task of making Pesca Vilano a culinary destination. While it may seem that it is just another fine dining option, for Lugo, it’s much more than that. “Florida Coastal is how I describe our cuisine. Being born in Puerto Rico but having spent the majority of my life now in Florida, I connect with the many cultures that influence our gastronomy. Pesca came from the name of my late father’s favorite red wine in Puerto Rico. He passed while I was in the middle of developing the concept, and it inspired me in the naming. Also, El Pescador is a restaurant in Fajardo that gets fresh lobsters from fishermen daily. As it was my father’s favorite seafood, I had to pay homage to him with a lobster paella on the menu.”
Lugo also has a long-standing love affair with wine. He regularly travels to Napa Valley, not only to unwind, but to gain inspiration. All three of his restaurant concepts excel with their extensive wine lists. It’s no surprise that Lugo has received Wine Spectator’s “Award of Excellence” for an impressive 11 years in a row.
For this tasting, a Pellet Estate Napa 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon was perfectly paired with a center cut filet mignon rubbed with a signature spice blend and served with tamarind demi-glace, charred onion soubise whipped potatoes, baby bok choy, and parmesan frico. The steak was cooked to a perfect medium rare and was ridiculously tender, yet it preserved the chew a carnivore craves. Followed by a sip of the Pellet Cab, with its notes of cassis, tobacco, lead pencil, and plum, it was a superb collaboration. The charred onion was perfect with the velvety, sweet, luxurious demi-glace. The baby bok choy was tenderly steamed, and the parmesan frico was a brilliant addition, providing a salty, textural component.
Pesca Vilano not only offers a new twist on these favorites, but its incredible rooftop offers its own ambiance. The menu there is lighter and more relaxed but is equally as creative. To enjoy the full experience, here’s my advice: Take a scenic coastal drive down A1A, hand your keys to the valet, and enjoy dinner downstairs. Delight yourself with an unforgettable dessert by their amazing pastry chef. Then, ascend to the rooftop for panoramic views of the ocean and downtown St. Augustine, amazing cocktails, and various entertainment options.
Pesca Vilano, 117 Vilano Road, Hyatt Place Hotel
Hello@pescavilano.com, 904-267-0185
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