by Douglas Fair
Staff Writer
A great dining experience in an eloquent and contemporary atmosphere is the goal of Plaza III owner Bard McLean.
The restaurant in the Hyatt opened Dec. 30 to one of the busiest weekends imaginable with New Year’s Eve, a Jacksonville Jaguars home game and the Toyota Gator Bowl — with visiting fans from Louisville and Virginia Tech — all rolled into one three-day weekend.
McLean said the restaurant staff was more than ready for the weekend and was, in fact, anxiously awaiting the scheduled opening.
“We had an aggresive build schedule,” said McLean, noting he originally intended to open the restaurant in time for the Florida-Georgia game in late October. That would have been quite a feat considering McLean purchased the restaurant, which was the former Bravo Ristorante, on Oct. 13.
McLean said the opening weekend was very successful with over 600 guests enjoying the selections featured at the steak house and its wine cellar featuring over 100 of the nation’s top wines, noting many were repeat visitors in town for one of the weekend’s two games.
“The feedback received was that the place was eloquent and charming,” said McLean, adding he intended to make the restaurant warm and friendly for the guests, in addition to bringing back “old style” services for guests.
McLean’s wife, Linda, did a lot of work preparing the decor of the restaurant for opening day, using what McLean describes as a masculine decor.
“It’s a traditional steak house featuring elegant fine dining,” said McLean.
Linda refurnished much of the old Bravo furniture and also looked through photos at the Jacksonville Historical Society to get the images that adorn the restaurant’s walls. Those images include the opening of the Main Street Bridge and an original poster of King Kong that was on display at the Florida Theatre.
Other physical changes include the addition of a bar and remodeled bathrooms, to add a jazzier feel. This suits the overall theme of the restaurant which features music from the 40s and jazz, in addition to a live pianist that is piped throughout the establishment.
McLean said they brought back large booths and also have large tables for dinners. There is a private dining room that comfortably accommodates 18 and an outdoor patio section with a fountain where guests can enjoy their favorite cigar and have a drink. Two of the most requested tables are located by the patio and offer a nice evening view of the city and the fountain lights.
McLean said the restaurant features steaks, in addition to lamb and veal, ribs, chicken and fish grilled over an open flame on their charcoal grill, which is in view of dining patrons.