Tonight I had one of the top five memorable meals of my life. After reading several glowing reviews about the Aqua Grill I decided to give it a try and I'm so glad that I did.
My server was Dustin. He informed me that he is usually the bartender. He had a friendly demeanor that would go well with that position. Dustin had an extensive knowledge of the menu and ingredients and helped me make a difficult decision in choosing an entree. Excellent customer service.
I had an appetizer of Day Boat Scallops and Parma Ham on toast points that was prepared to perfection. It made the anticipation of the entree almost unbearable. I had Dustin bring me a bottle of Ferrari-Carano 2009 Fum? Blanc - Sonoma County that paired nicely with both the delicate scallop appetizer and the spicier entree I was about to order.
When Dustin brought the green salad with raspberry vinaigrette I placed my request for the Bang-Bang with tilefish being substituted for the cod.
While waiting for the entree, the General Manager, Cary, came to the table and was most gracious. When I told him that they should have a sampler dish because it all looked so good he asked me what else I had been thinking of. I told him that the Pistachio Tilefish on a bed of sweet potato risotto with the cranberry reduction was the runner-up he said he would take care of it.
The tilefish, a mild whitefish with large flakes was crusted with almond and fresh herbs, it was served with Thai chili sauce on vegetable primavera pad Thai noodles. The presentation was playfully creative with a small Chinese food take-out box and chopsticks. In the corner of the platter was a small serving of the Pistachio Tilefish topped with asparagus and fried basil.
The flavors and textures were phenomenal. If I died on the way home I would have died happy and fulfilled. The spiciness of the chili sauce juxtaposed with the creaminess of the risotto was an unexpected pleasure for my palate, it should be on the menu like that. Every bite was a cacophony of flavor and ecstasy.
The worst part about eating here is that I won't be able to come here for the first time again.
Before I left I stuck my head in the kitchen. When I was younger I worked on a cleaning crew that deep cleaned restaurants and found that many restaurants have no concept of cleanliness. That is not the case at the Aqua Grill as attention to detail does not stop with the presentation but also with the preparation.
If you do not try the Aqua Grill when you are in Jacksonville you will be missing out on an exquisite dining experience. My advice is to take off your wristwatch while you dine there and savor every bite.
more