4 things to know about the soon-to-open Blue Surf Arboretum West restaurant in Wilmington
Wilmington StarNews
As the new Arboretum West comes together, a restaurant will soon join the apartment-and-retail complex near Ogden off Military Cutoff Road.
Colleen Kochanek, Jon Webb and Stephanie Norris, owners of Blue Surf Café, have been planning a second location at 414 Arboretum Drive. The original Blue Surf opened at 250 Racine Drive in 2011, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner with counter service. For Blue Surf Arboretum West, though, they wanted to create a different atmosphere with a full bar and table service.
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They hope to open 5-10 p.m. for dinner July 6, Kochanek said. Ultimately, they’d like to add daytime service, as well. Here are a few things to know if you’d like to check them out.
Design for an indoor/outdoor atmosphere
The owners wanted to create a space that felt open air, whether you are sitting inside or on the patio. The local art and a blue-and-sand color scheme evoke a beachy feel. And garage doors can be opened on nice days to blur the line between the spaces. One of these doors can also unite the bar, which is mirrored in shape and size on both sides of the restaurant. The complex’s fountain, and a selection of outdoor couches and chairs, complete the feeling.
The bar is a focal point
Aside from the cool layout, a lot of thought went into Blue Surf’s indoor/outdoor bar and what will be served there. The concrete countertop was locally made and the dimensions are extra deep, so it’s roomy enough for drinks and as an eating space.
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Beverage manager Wes Miles said there will be a lot of fresh juices for cocktails, as well as sparking water on tap. Beer taps include local selections and wine drinkers will find Prosecco on draft, too.
Look for an elegant dinner experience
Webb isn’t only one of the owners, he is also the head chef at both locations. Many of the favorites from the café will also be on the menu here.
“But the dinner menu is really a departure from the café,” he said.
In addition to the already popular Mojo Pork, Coconut Pesto and Meatloaf Poutine, he’s added dishes like Chicken Aglio and Kentucky Express. The first is a chicken-and-vermicelli pasta dish with a toasted garlic sauce and grilled asparagus. In the second, an espresso-rubbed filet is served with sauteed greens, potatoes and a bourbon sauce. The daytime menus will be very similar to those available at the Blue Surf Café on Racine Drive.
“But we do want to elevate them,” Webb said. “Take them to the next level.”
House-made biscuits and desserts
Blue Surf is also working with Katie George to create desserts and baked good for both restaurants. She’ll be working out of the new, larger kitchen at Arboretum West that was designed in part to include room for a bakery. One of the menu items is a classic chocolate cake, per Kochanek’s request.
The multi-layered cake includes dark chocolate ganache, meringue, raspberries and raspberry compote.
Link to article: https://www.starnewsonline.com/story/lifestyle/2021/06/30/blue-surf-cafe-owners-adding-second-wilmington-nc-restaurant/7799358002/
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