BLUE BAMBOO
Photo courtesy of Stefanie Keeler
Jacksonville's frequently awarded Blue Bamboo serves Asian comfort food with an American flair and a salute to the cuisine of the South. Dennis Chan, chef owner, greets his customers personally and is often seen visiting tables or discussing the local art hung throughout the restaurant. Along with the excellent Asian inspired lettuce wraps, vegetable spring rolls, red curried shrimp, grilled and wok-tossed specialties, diners choose from seasonal American and Southern hits like turkey and pumpkin dishes in the fall, panko shrimp, po boys, chicken and waffles, catfish with fries in various plates that include grits. There are pleasant surprises in store with Chef Chan’s creative fusions and culinary inventions. His Dragon’s Whiskers (a tempura zucchini in graceful long shoestring – like strands), edamame based hummus spread and panko-cheese tomatoes are just three of the popular “only here” specialties that endear Blue Bamboo to its customers.
There’s an extensive wine list, and a wide variety of custom cocktails crafted from the potato vodka made in a local Hastings distillery and several cocktails using gin and absinthe from a Tampa Florida distillery.
Chef Chan is a member of a family that has about a dozen restaurants in the area. The family members grow and locally source much of the produce that is so important to Asian inspired cuisine. His mother prides herself on delicious Asian pears from her orchard and his dad’s garden is rich with seasonal vegetables. Blue Bamboo uses these regional and locally grown items when they are in season. The chef sources organic greens and spinach from Taylor Farms
This is a restaurant worth a visit. Ask about the lunch club for frequent diners and cooking classes
Contact:
Dennis Chan, Chef Owner 3820 Southside Blvd. Jacksonville FL 32216 904.646.1478
Hours:
Lunch: 11:00 – 2:00 Monday through Friday Dinner: 5:00 – 10:00 Monday through Saturday
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