17King St. St. Augustine

By Irene Merenda

Several weeks ago, we went to 17 King (formerly many different restaurants, most recently Bourbon and Boards) with another couple.  Restaurants in this location seem to turn over very rapidly.  This one opened in May and I surely hope it stays!

We were immediately welcomed to the restaurant at our reservation time and shown to a booth.  Our friend asked me to point out, in this review, that the booth was very comfortable, even for smaller people.  (If you are a height-challenged reader, you will identify!)

We started with cocktails and wine, with prices ranging from $7 (Left Hand Milk Stout) to $15 (G-Sonoma Cutrer Chardonnay.)  Our friend, who knows wine better than I do, said that the wine list was extensive and varied.

Our server, Kate, was friendly and professional.  She responded quickly to our requests and was very attentive to our table.  We were surprised that the restaurant was only about ½ full on this Friday evening at 6:30. A guitar player entertained us with lovely, subtle background music.  It did not impede our ability to have a conversation at all.  We were told there is music every evening.

Our shared appetizer, the Pesto Burrata ($17) was served with a sourdough baguette and served with pesto, micro greens and a vinegar glaze.  It was large enough for the 4 of us to share.  It was excellent.

The grilled shrimp Polenta ($35) had   Argentine shrimp seasoned with chili oil.  It was served over corn polenta with fennel sausage gravy and microgreens.   Nothing about that dish appealed to me, but my friend who ordered it thoroughly enjoyed it.  To each his own!

The grilled salmon ($38) had a burnt orange glaze over pepper couscous.  Sides were grilled asparagus with pickled onions and microgreens.  I have found that, when grilled to the correct consistency, salmon is typically good in restaurants.  This one, however, was exceptional because of the glaze that was slightly sweet, but did not overpower the taste of the salmon. The asparagus was not overly cooked and very tasty.

My blackened red fish ($38) was a special that day, and it was melt-in-your-mouth delicious.  I hesitate to order anything blackened, because I usually find it too salty.  I asked for minimal blackening for that reason.  It was served with rice and roasted brussels sprouts that were crunchy and brown on the outside and tender on the inside.  The entire dish was perfect.

Frank’s grilled pork chop ($42) was served in slices with the bone on the plate, with charred carrots and fingerling potatoes.  The very tender meat was dressed with an herb salsa verde and lemon zest.  He loved it!

We shared a side of lemon almond broccolini ($10), which we really didn’t need because the sides that accompanied the entrees were plentiful, but it was delicious and was eaten in its’ entirety.

Summer, the restaurant manager, came to our table, mid-way to make sure we were all happy with our menu choices.

When I looked at the restaurant website before writing this review, I was delighted  to learn the following:

 “Each month we choose a local nonprofit to support, and the goal is simple: turn a night out at 17 King into something that also gives back to our community. All month we dedicate a menu item to that charity and give the proceeds to the local causes that make our community stronger. During our 17th celebration we invite the non-profit to celebrate with us, and take care to shine light on the work they do.”

What could be better?  A restaurant with great food, great service, nice ambiance, background (NOT loud) music and has chosen to give back to the community.

17 King wins 5 Spoonbills!

If I were a betting lady, I would place a bet that 17 King St. has finally found its long-term resident.  It is open Tuesday-Thursday 4:30-9pm, Friday-Saturday 11am-10pm and Sunday 11am-9pm.  Reservations can be made through Resy at their website, 17kingsta.com.