Jon Webb is the accomplished head chef/co-owner of Blue Surf Cafe located at 250 Racine Drive and Blue Surf Arboretum West at 414 Arboretum Drive. Webb grew up in the Wilmington area where he received a culinary training at Cape Fear Community College and went on to earn his diploma in culinary management from Le Cordon Bleu.
When the popular Blue Surf Cafe was bought by Wilmington residents Colleen Kochanek and Stephanie Norris, Webb was named head chef. And as the new management team provided freedom to Webb in creating the restaurant menu, Blue Surf Cafe quickly became a favorite brunch and lunch spot.
Blue Surf Cafe’s vision to provide great modern American cuisine in a casual setting, and the cafe has been satisfying Wilmington diners for more than a decade.
Several years ago, Blue Surf Restaurants’ management team opened a second location that offered more upscale table service and Webb’s culinary skills were put to work creating an original menu with a full bar and beverage program. On 2021, Blue Surf Arboretum West opened in a beautiful setting with a creative menu including wines and cocktails to match.
Although more upscale than Blue Surf Cafe, the newer restaurant still offers a casual vibe with great food that Chef Webb pairs with his wine picks from around the world.
Conveniently located on Military Cutoff just across from Landfall’s Arboretum Drive gates, Blue Surf Arboretum West serves both lunch and dinner with Wine Night featuring Chef Webb’s food and wine pairings held once a month.
Discover the World’s Wine Regions – Blue Surf Style
Chef Webb’s selections of wines for the restaurant compliment his entrees with perfect pairings that Arboretum West offers during the restaurant’s monthly Wine Nights that are typically held on the last Tuesday of the month. It’s an opportunity for Webb to showcase his expertise and discuss his selections from around the world that pair with his five-course menu.
“We always start with bubbles because they are light, palette-cleansing, and a more social beverage, the perfect starter,” Webb explains. “Then we choose a progression of wines, featuring lighter-bodied wines first leading to heavier-bodied swines with each course,” he adds. Webb compares flavor notes with Blue Surf Arboretum West’s sommelier making sure there is a progression of flavors for each pairing on Wine Night.
“I always pick the wine first and build the menu off the wine, so I enjoy creating a menu that reminds me of the place where that wine is made,” says Webb. “Our heavier wines are typically served with fattier, richer courses. Lighter wines are typically served with salads and seafood.”
Chef Webb’s second course often features a seafood dish with a refreshing citrus flavor and of course, matching wine. The third course almost always features a red wien, and the fourth course highlights an intense, full-bodied red or a Cabernet. The fifth course is a dessert and wine pairing. Webb and the sommelier are on-hand to discuss the menu and wine pairing each month.
Webb’s Picks: Everyday Pairings
Wilmington foodies will appreciate these recommended pairings by Chef Webb.
Braised Beef: Pair braised beef with Leese-Fitch Zinfandel or Obsidian Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon.
Chicken Paillard: Pair Chicken Paillard with Marcel Dubois, Vouvray or Orin Swift “Mannequin” Chardonnay – Russian Rover, California.
Braised Beef and Lamb: Pair braised beef and lamb with Alexander Valley, Syrah, a beautiful, full-bodied wine.
Be the first to know when wine dinner menus are released. Visit bluesurfrestaurants.com and subscribe to stay up-to-date with wine dinner alerts, exclusive promos and more! Diners enjoy going home with wines they tasted at monthly Wine Nights.
Monthly Wine Dinners: 5-Course dinner featuring a particular wine region, the last Tuesday of every month. Mark your calendar for 5:30 and reserve your table online!
Hours of Operation:
Mon – CLOSED
Tues-Thurs – 11am-9pm
Fri – 11am-10pm
Sat – 10am-10pm
Sun – 10am-9pm
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