Bistro Aix owners Jacques Klempf and Fraser Burns announced last week that the restaurant will reopen Thursday, Feb. 8, after sustaining damage from Hurricane Irma.
The award-winning restaurant, located at 1440 San Marco Blvd. in Jacksonville, closed in September 2017 to repair the damage.
“Ever since Hurricane Irma passed, we have been working hard to get Bistro Aix ready for service again,” said Klempf, a Ponte Vedra resident. “We are eager to welcome back our valued guests, neighbors and friends.”
The updated interior design features a lighter color palette, as seen in the floors, curtains and subway tile in the open kitchen. Recovered chairs and tables were sanded to reveal a lighter finish. The private dining room, which previously featured a dark color palette of red and black, is now a modern and sleek white room with dark oak furniture that can accommodate up to 45 guests. Additionally, the marketplace counter has been replaced with a 10-seat farm table. Outdoor patio tables and couches are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Danis led the four-month restoration. Design Cooperative was the designer.
“The support we have received from the Jacksonville community over the past several months has been nothing short of incredible,” said Burns. “We extend our deepest gratitude to our design team, construction partners and Bistro Aix team members for their dedication.”
Returning guests will see many familiar dishes on Executive Chef Shaun Trachtenburg’s menu, including French onion soup, brie en croute, blue cheese chips, steak frites and wood-fired pizzas. New entrée options include seared duck breast, whole trout and pan-seared U-10 diver scallops served with Anson Mills grits.
The bar menu, under the direction of Beverage Director Cory Berlin, will offer a rotating selection of locally sourced draft beer, French wine and craft cocktails. A happy hour menu with discounted beverages and bar snacks will be served Monday through Friday from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m.
Executive Pastry Chef Michael Bump’s dessert menu includes classic French desserts with a creative twist, including chai crème brûlée, banana crepes and house-made ice cream.
Reservations can be made at BistroX.com and through OpenTable.