St. Johns Magazine The Perfect Bite

Pesca Vilano

5/14/2024

www.pescavilano.com

by Lori Allen, My Wandering Fork

Has this weather been something or what? One day it's freezing, the next it's so hot it makes you want to head to the beach.! I guess that's why I love it here so much. I get just enough of the cold for my northern roots then back to the warmth and sunshine that I crave. So with Spring break and Summer heat just around the corner I found the perfect place to hang out and enjoy the views, the ocean and some really good eats.

Vilano beach is the new "hot" spot with its revitalized area that gives off that cool Miami beach vibe, pastel colors and all. Here you will find Pesca by Michael's (Pesca Vilano) located in the new Hyatt Hotel. The owner and creator is one of our very own, Chef Michael Lugo ( From Michael's Tasting room) and if you know his food you know what an amazing and inventive chef hes is and once again he doesn't disappoint! His new adventure inspired him to go back to his native roots, Puerto Rico and bring to us some Caribbean flavors with a latino flare.

While the main dining room offers a really exquisite dining experience (lobster paella or caviar anyone?) It's the rooftop restaurant/bar that had my attention. I'm not one to miss a good viewing rooftop bar and tapas and this one is awesome. The view is spectacular, on one side you can see our historic beloved St. Augustine downtown and on the other side you can smell the salt of the ocean and hear and see the waves crashing in. There is no way to go wrong up here! So let's get to the point as to why My Wandering Fork is checking this place out...It's the food and hand crafted cocktails don't you know it!

Oysters, two different kinds, one roasted and the other raw served with a passion fruit mignonette that is so light and tangy that it compliments the natural saltiness of the oyster. You will want to slurp down as many as possible of these!

Next fresh Poke tuna tacos. Tossed in furikake that has a savory umami flavor served in a crispy wonton taco topped off with a touch of wasabi. The crunch mixed in with light fresh tuna is heaven in a bite.

Octopus you say? No Not Calamari but real marinated octopus, the kind the Caribbean is famous for. Pesca's named their dish Salpicon de Pulpo which basically means finely minced together garlic,onion,pepper and a squeeze of lime. This style of cooking brings out the juiciness of the octopus while maintaining its freshness. I love that they serve it in a homemade plantain cup topped off with a cool creamy avocado crema. If you are even a little bit adventurous this one's for you!

So they have these Yuca Croquettes, think mozzy sticks elevated! Yuca is a starchy vegetable root much like a potato commonly used throughout the Caribbean and other countries. The yuca is boiled, seasoned and formed into a ball, then

The Art of Culinary Fusion

stuffed with ooey gooey cheese, rolled in panko and deep fried. A pure mouth bomb of goodness.

Anyone love bao buns ? Those super soft, almost sweet like buns originating from China are usually filled with all kinds of goodies. At Pesca's they make theirs stuffed with tamarind short rib that is the tenderest, pickled veg, cilantro, and a little fresh Jalapeno to add just the right amount of heat. Warm buns, marinated meat and a little heat. Sounds like a winner to me!

I could go on and on with all that Tapas that Pesca's has to offer, from fresh seafood to burgers and chicken, lumpia, churros, homemade desserts and more! All served so uniquely with that caribbean latin flair. But you must not forget to try a uniquely handcrafted cocktail (or two). Their lavender mojito is soothing and minty all in one! I was lucky enough to try their famous Pesca Punch's made with Lugo’s Pitorro Rum(Puerto Rico born owner) , guava, pineapple, lemon, bitters all served in this fantastic fish mug! So refreshing and light a perfect cocktail for a sunset and warm ocean breezes....Simply enjoy! Well My Wandering fork is off to find another adventure...see you all soon!