By Irene Merenda

Preserved Restaurant, 102 Bridge Street, St. Augustine, FL. 904-679-4940

My husband and I have been to Preserved several times, as it is one of our  “old city” favorites.  Most recently, we were there on a Saturday night to celebrate our anniversary.  I made our reservation through Open Table, and we were greeted by the hostess with “Happy Anniversary, Mr. and Mrs. Merenda!”  We were seated at an outdoor table (our choice) on their patio.  We were quickly approached by a lovely server, who also offered her congratulations and asked us whether we would like  a glass of sparkling wine or dessert “on the house.”  We chose the former.

We began our meal by ordering roasted oysters. ($14) Typically, my husband orders raw oysters, to which I have a strong aversion, however, the roasted oysters have converted me.  They were served with chunks of bacon and a garlic cream sauce and all was covered with a delicious Parmesan-herb crust.

Our next appetizer was a crock of watermelon gazpacho, their house soup du Jour. ($9) It was refreshing, flavorful and excellent.

My husband ordered the bouillabaisse ($30) which had large chunks of fish, scallops, shrimp and mussels in a tomato fennel broth.  The entree was served with a baguette.  My husband felt that, although good, it was not as flavorful as some that he has had in France.

My seared scallops ($35) were huge and cooked perfectly with just a bit of browning on the tops.  There was murasaki aligot (which, thanks to Google, I now know is a white sweet potato and cheese puree) surrounding the 5 scallops and was topped with some greens that were crunchy and wonderfully spiced.

For a side dish, we ordered the roasted mushrooms and asparagus ($9).  The asparagus was cut into tender chunks and the mushrooms were roasted to perfection.  This side could have stood just as described, but served with chunks of the restaurants signature bacon, it was beyond excellent.

The couple next to us, with whom we had been chatting throughout our meal, ordered desserts that they told us we must also order, so of course we did!  It WAS our anniversary, after all!  The creme brulee ($11) had a nice crispy top and delicious, not overly-sweet creme and was garnished with berries and mint. 

The S’mores Bouchon ($12)  was a dense, rich brownie topped with a toasted meringue, and surrounded by graham cracker crumble with caramelized white chocolate.  We were not disappointed by either.

Preserved is an “occasion” restaurant.  It is pricey, but well worth it!  And, so importantly, the restaurant has its own parking lot! 

5 spoonbills out of 5!