Eating Scene

Brett’s Waterway Café

Long an anchor of the marina and downtown Fernandina Beach, Brett’s sets the standard with fresh flavors, delicious seafood and steak, and unmatched sunset views.

BY MICHAEL GASS • PHOTO BY SHERRY CARTER

Brett’s Waterway Café is the centerpiece of downtown Fernandina Beach. Perched at the westernmost tip of Centre Street, it presides over all the island’s favorite festivities. It is from this vantage point that Chef Brett Carter has been setting the bar for culinary excellence in Fernandina Beach. His sense of style and flavors remain fresh, and his commitment to quality unequalled. Many a young culinarian has worked alongside or looked up to Chef Brett, and our community is better for it.

On a recent Friday afternoon, I met up with some of my favorite people on the porch at Brett’s to wind down the work week. When I arrived, I found my friend, Christie, already at our table and chatting it up over the porch rail with Captain Kyle McCarthy of Amelia River Cruises; he and I had just said hello in the parking lot. Dozens of people milled about as revelers anxiously awaited their sunset cruise, creating a sense of anticipation and excitement on the dock and the porch, making us feel like we were right in the center of everything. Th ere were pelicans and people everywhere, boats came and went, the sun started its evening descent, and for a moment, everything was right.

A few minutes later, Christie and I were joined by my parents, and soon after our very good friend, former co-worker, and Brett’s veteran server Cortney Gray came right behind them to get our drink order. Dad kept it simple with Budweiser, but the weather was perfect and the table behind us had a pitcher of Rosé Sangria full of fresh peaches and grapefruit, and so I had to side with the ladies.

As the tour boats headed out, they took with them much of the volume. Conversation fl owed easily, and Cortney came back to let us know about the menu features for the evening. We got started with an order of Brett’s Café Chips, homemade potato chips topped with sweet and tangy pulled pork, sliced jalapeños, and melted cheese. We also asked for an order of the Bam Bam Shrimp; perfectly fried local shrimp drizzled with their signature Bam Bam sauce. It’s a sweet-and-savory shrimp explosion with just a hint of heat.

We came for drinks and appetizers, but when the Lucy Ferguson headed for Cumberland Island, dinner service began and the Scallop and Pork Belly evening special was the temptation of the table. We decided on the scallops and an order of Fried Shrimp to share. Th e pork belly was silky smooth and paired wonderfully with the scallops, which came surf-and-turf, divided by an island of creamy and delicious risotto and roasted asparagus. Th e sear on the scallop was the perfect crispy contrast to its delicate flesh, finished with a lemon butter sauce. Th e dish was perfect. Th e Fried Shrimp were breaded lightly and fried golden brown, served on a nest of crispy French fries with all the accoutrements. A definite crowd pleaser.

While Brett’s Waterway Café is the perfect spot to celebrate a Friday afternoon and welcome the weekend, their delicious food and hospitality make it a great place to celebrate anything at all. They are open Tuesday to Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., with the dinner menu beginning at 5:30 p.m.

AMELIA ISLANDER DINING GUIDE

Amelia Island Coffee ~ For more than 16 years, Amelia Island Coffee has been a welcoming place to meet. Th is family-owned business features friendly service, locally roasted single-source coffee, cold brew, select organic teas and freshly baked pastries, pies and cakes. Breakfast and lunch are served all day, along with small plates and appetizers in the evening. You’ll fi nd a selection of mainstream and craft beers along with varietal wines, as well as ice cream, milkshakes, frappes, fruit smoothies and frozen lemonade. Th e ambiance of a 100-year-old building is enhanced by outdoor, pet-friendly dining. Open 7 days, 7 am Mon–Sat and 8 am on Sun. Major credit cards. 207 Centre Street. (904) 321-2111. Ameliaislandcoff ee.com. Amelia Tavern ~ Restaurant & Brewpub on Centre Street provides delicious local food and cold brews to the friends and guests of Amelia Island. Our kitchen serves amped up southern comfort food, where you’ll see enough diversity to be surprised without losing sight of the simple stuff you love. The collection of house brews and craft beer options are curated to match the menu, with plenty of pairings to fi t any palette. A.T. is a brewery infused gastropub, or a brewpub with great food, something like that - just stop in, grab a bite and a sip, you’ll see. We are doing it our way, the right way, for you and for this Island. Bar Zin ~ Our philosophy at Bar Zin is quite simple: create a fun relaxed upbeat indoor/outdoor atmosphere where friends and families can enjoy creative, fresh American bistro cuisine. We offer a diverse beverage menu of great wines, local brews, and Saki martinis. When possible, we source from local farmers, local products, and local businesses to create a farm-to-table style menu. Our vision is to create a neighborhood atmosphere where everyone will feel welcome; a place where everyone will have a relaxing and fun time. barzin-bistro-winebar.com. Lunch, dinner, Sunday brunch. Major credit cards. 4924 First Coast Hwy at Palmetto Walk Shopping Village. (904) 310-6620. Brett’s Waterway Cafe ~ Th e only restaurant on the island where you can dine overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, Brett’s offers a wide choice of seafood, chicken and beef with daily specials both at lunch and dinner. Th e view of the water, the impeccable service and the refined ambiance will enhance your dining pleasure. The large rectangular bar overlooking the Fernandina Harbor Marina is a pleasant place to enjoy a drink. At the marina on Front Street. (904) 261-2660. Open 7 days, Mon-Sat. Burlingame ~ In the historic district just off Centre Street at 20 South 5th Street, this restaurant offers seasonally inspired modern American food with a twist. Th e small menu enables our team to focus on a handful of exquisite dishes developed from the freshest ingredients each season. Our superb service and casually elegant atmosphere create a special experience. Extensive wine/beer list. Reservations recommended. Open 5:30pm Mon – Sat. Closed Sun. (904) 432-7671. BurlingameRestaurant.com. Crab Trap ~ Nautical decor and friendly service makes for a casual, relaxing atmosphere. Dinner daily off ers seafood—fried, grilled, broiled, or blackened—as well as steaks, chicken and oysters year round. Entrees $8.95 - $18.95. Call for seasonal hours. Beer, wine, and cocktails. Family owned and operated since 1979. 31 N 2nd Street, (904) 261-4749. David’s Restaurant ~ David’s has an amazing steakhouse & seafood menu, upscale romantic atmosphere, and professional service. New Caviar menu with toast points or Blinis and accoutrements consisting of crème fraiche, red onion, capers & chopped egg. Full bar and large wine menu including wines by the glass. Dining creations such as Filet Oscar, our Signature 16oz. Grilled Delmonico Ribeye, and when available our 24 oz. Porterhouse Steak. Daily fish specials as well as English Channel Dover Sole & Chilean Sea Bass. Vegetarian & Vegan options. Happy Hour Sunday - Thursday 5 to 7 pm (except Special Events & Holidays). Lounge Menu & Port Flights. Incredible Whole Alaskan King Crab 6-10 lb. average. Full dessert

We Brew Beer.

Fresh ~ Organic Natural

A Cafe for Conscious Eating Conveniently Located Inside Nassau Health Foods

Meals To Go • Office Lunches

Open Mon - Sat 8am - 3pm • Sun Closed 833 TJ Courson Road Fernandina Beach, FL

904-277-3141 www.nassauhealthfoods.net

ASIAN STREET FOOD IN DOWNTOWN FERNANDINA BEACH Small Plates • Noodle Bowls • Rice Bowls • Baos Beer • Wine • Sake • Vietnamese Coffee Open 4 - 8pm Mon - Sat Happy Hour: 4 - 6pm Mon - Thu 232 North 2nd Street Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 904-775-5577

AMELIA ISLAND - FLORIDA

LEDDY’S PORCH

Southern Comfort Food Lunch Wed-Fri 11:00am-2:30pm Come try our fried chicken! Brunch Sat & Sun ~ 10:00am-2:30pm $10 bottomless Bloody Mary’s & Mimosas!

MERMAID BAR

Classic cocktails, great wines, & craft beers Happy Hour ~ 5-7pm Daily Open Mon-Sat 5-10pm

Available for private dinners, catering, celebrations, & more.

OUR PHILOSOPHY IS SIMPLE ~ Southern comfort food and interesting cocktails.

menu and after-dinner cordials. Lounge opens at 5 pm, dinner at 6 pm, Closed Tuesdays. Young Adult menu available. Reservations highly recommended. Private wine room holds 12 & private dining room up to 50. Resort casual. 802 Ash Street. (904) 310-6049. Make reservations online at AmeliaIslandDavids.com. España ~ Featuring Old World cuisine from Portugal and Spain, España off ers an intriguing menu in a comfortably elegant atmosphere in downtown Fernandina Beach. Owner/chef Roberto Pestana serves mouthwatering tapas like Grouper Ceviche, Portobello al La España, and Shrimp with Garlic, all served with España’s homemade bread. Entrees include a classic Seafood Paella, and a variety of fresh local seafood and meats. España also features an extensive wine list and an excellent homemade sangria. Available for private parties. Reservations recommended. Major credit cards. Open 7 days. (904) 261-7700. 22 South 4th Street. Fancy Sushi ~ We serve fi ne Japanese cuisine from our Hibachi grill, the best Tempura and the tastiest Teriyaki this side of Tokyo. We give you all the fi ne foods with friendly service. Come by and give us a visit and we’ll serve you with smiles and the freshest sushi that you won’t fi nd anywhere but here at Fancy Sushi. Open 7 days. (904) 261-9855. 1478 Sadler Rd. Florida House Inn ~ Southern cooking at its fi nest at Leddy’s Porch. Menu includes Southern Salads, Sandwiches, Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Collard Greens, and much more. Black Board specials daily. Open for brunch Wed. – Fri. from 11am – 2:30pm and Sat. – Sun. 10am – 2:30pm. Th e Mermaid Bar at Th e Florida House Inn is open Mon. – Sat. at 5pm. Daily drink specials and Open Mic every other Th ursday night. 22 South Th ird Street, (904)491-3322. Joe’s 2nd Street Bistro ~ Located in historic downtown Fernandina, Joe’s 2nd Street Bistro serves innovative cuisine in a relaxed, island atmosphere. Enjoy fresh seafood, game, and specialty dishes in a charming 1903 home, or outside in a New Orleans-inspired courtyard. Jacksonville Magazine Top 25. Extensive wine list available. Reservations recommended. (904) 321-2558. Open seven days. Lagniappe Restaurant ~ [“lan-yap”] One of Jacksonville Magazine’s Top 50 Restaurants and voted #1 Chef and #1 Amelia Island Restaurant by “Best in the 904” voters across NE Florida! From the melting-pot culinary heritage of Charleston, New Orleans, and Savannah comes Lagniappe, where you can always expect a little something more. Chef-owner Brian Grimley’s respect for Southern tradition, culinary curiosity, and a quarterdecade’s experience in Virginia’s Tidewater District shine through a delectable line-up of evolving charcuterie selections, house-smoked meats, and seafood must-haves like po’ boys, salmon brûlée, and the occasional whole fried fi sh! Dig in with loved ones over wine, considered cocktails, and curated bourbons in a refi ned yet relaxed atmosphere. Open daily, 11am–10pm; Happy Hour 3pm–6pm; Sunday Southern Breakfast 10am–3pm. 4810 First Coast Hwy. lagniappeamelia.com Th e Mustard Seed Cafe ~ Located inside Nassau Health Foods, Th e Mustard Seed is Amelia Island’s only organic eatery and juice bar, with an extensive, eclectic menu featuring vegetarian and vegan items. Daily specials include local seafood, organic chicken and fresh organic produce. Salads, wraps, sandwiches, and soups are available—all prepared with Th e Mustard Seed’s impeccable style. Popular items are chicken or veggie quesadillas, grilled mahi or salmon over mixed greens and tuna melt with Swiss cheese and tomato. Open for breakfast and lunch, Mon - Sat., 8 am - 3pm, and 10am - 2pm on Sun. NassauHealthFoods.net. 833 T. J. Courson Rd. (904) 277-3141. Pogo’s Kitchen ~ Serving southern cuisine with a bend, with a menu that celebrates the full medley of Southern flavors. Cocktails and wine selections are simple but creative. Visit us for dinner, lunch or brunch at POGO’s Kitchen—a bright, open eatery tucked away from the main lines, waiting to unpack your day and refill your glass. (904) 432-8483. pogoskitchen.com. Pozzi Bistro ~ A new “Old World” style restaurant. Espresso bar and café by day and a full menu restaurant by night. We offer pastries, espresso drinks, blended shakes, and brunch specialty beverages, and brunch each day. In the evening, come and taste charcuterie, cheese, and wine, or a relaxing meal in our dining room or on our outdoor patio. Our simple menu features steak, lobster, crabcake,

and more. Top off your evening with one of our house made desserts. Wed - Fri 11am - 9pm; Sat & Sun 9am - 9pm. 300 Ash Street. Call (904) 310-3779 or email info@pozzicoff eeandwinebar.com. Sliders Seaside Grill ~ Th e Caribbean on Amelia Island! Exotic seafood and steaks served to order are the specials of the house. Enjoy a beautiful oceanfront view inside, or on the patio, located steps from the beach. Open daily for lunch & dinner. 1998 S. Fletcher Ave. at Sadler Rd. (next to the roundabout). (904) 277-6652. Story & Song Bistro ~ Neighborhood bookstore/bistro serving breakfast and lunch indoors or in the “secret garden” courtyard, home of Amelia’s “Wings” murals. Enjoy favorites like a genuine Bronx bagel, quiche, Ina Garten’s chicken salad, and seasonal specials made with fresh, local ingredients. Organic coffee, Rishi tea, rose lemonade, beer and wine also available. Monday-Saturday 9 to 2, Sunday 11 to 2. 1430 Park Avenue at the 14th St. entrance to Amelia Park. (904) 601-2118. Thai Spice Cafe ~ Located on Sadler Road next to Jersey Mike’s. We are proud to prepare fresh authentic Thai food. Our menu features traditional Thai dishes, Curries, fried rice, appetizers, soups, salads, and other Thai specials. Come join us for lunch or dinner, or call us for carry-out orders. Happy Hour 5 - 8pm Everyday! Buy 1 get one free House Wine! M - Th 11am - 3pm and 5 - 9:30pm; F 11am - 3pm and 5 - 10pm; Sa 12 - 9:30pm; Su closed. (904) 432-7748. thaispicecafe.com. Townies Pizzeria ~ Townies is the “Locals’ Choice for Island Pizza”. All of our food is prepared fresh to order. Townies uses real cheese, only the fi nest quality ingredients, and fresh local produce. Unlike the big pizza chains, our sauces don’t come out of a paint can. Pizza! One Luv! 819 TJ Courson Road. (904) 277-4755. Order online at TowniesPizzeria.com or call! Wicked Bao ~ Enjoy Asian Street Food in a charming historical building in downtown Fernandina Beach. Small Plates, Noodle+Rice, Baos. Beer, Wine, Sake, Vietnamese Coff ee. Happy Hour 4-6 Monday -Th ursday & Dinner 4-9 Monday - Saturday. 232 N. 2nd St. (904) 775-5577. Please fi nd our menu at WickedBao.com.

The place to meet for locally roasted coffee, fresh food, pastries, beer, wine and great company.

Voted #1 coffee shop on the Island* Locally Owned. Veteran Operated.

Open daily for fresh coffee and tea, breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks. For Catering info, email ricky@ameliaislandcoffee.com. Friday Night Trivia

Intimate Fine Dining

Open for Lunch & Dinner 6 Days a Week Closed Tuesday

To read additional restaurant reviews, visit ameliaislander.com.