A new Asian restaurant is coming to Crescent Beach, with Chef Carlos and Phet Valotha taking over the former T. Smith Asian Bistro at 6975 A1A South.
The husband-and-wife team behind Libby’s Thai Bistro in St. Augustine and Lemongrass Thai Bistro in Jacksonville purchased the restaurant in June and are rebranding it as A1A Asian Kitchen.
The restaurant spans about 5,000 square feet and seats 150 guests, with a menu bringing together flavors and dishes from across Asia, including Thailand, Japan and Vietnam.
Chef Carlos, who is originally from Laos, has spent years working in the Northeast Florida culinary scene. The new menu will include dishes such as Lobster Kao Soi Ramen, Thai BBQ Pork Ribs, Kiew Wan Curry and Crispy Whole Snapper with pineapple-infused red curry sauce.
Guests can also expect a selection of sushi and sashimi.
The Valothas are keeping some of the dishes that were popular under the previous restaurant while introducing new dishes developed through their years in the local restaurant industry.
“We’re keeping some of the dishes that our regulars have come to love and have added new items that we’ve perfected over the years working in the Northeast Florida culinary scene,” Chef Carlos said.
For Phet, the new restaurant adds another chapter to a career in Northeast Florida’s Asian restaurant scene that stretches back to 1996. Before opening A1A Asian Kitchen, she and Carlos operated several concepts in the area, including Thai Room in Jacksonville Beach, Lemongrass Restaurant and Galangal Thai Restaurant near Nocatee.
A1A Asian Kitchen also has a full bar and serves lunch and dinner Monday through Friday, dinner on Saturday and is closed Sundays. Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 2 to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 3 to 6 p.m.
The restaurant is also planning a lineup of weekly entertainment. Monday night trivia begins August 10, while Jazz Jam with Russ DeFilippis and Rusty Springfield takes place Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Salsa dancing is scheduled for Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., with live music Tuesday through Saturday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
