Jupiter, that sun-kissed haven on Florida's east coast, has a new contender vying for the attention of discerning palates. Ara, opening their doors to the public today, promises a journey of global cuisine with a southern Mediterranean focus - all nestled within a luxurious setting.
Steven Fondu, who grew up working in his father's New York restaurants, moved to Florida during the pandemic. Settling in Jupiter, he thrived at Pushkar Marathe's acclaimed restaurant, Stage, as head bartender and assistant general manager. Feeling ready to start his own venture, Fondu found his opportunity when former MLB player Frank Seminara purchased the building that once housed Crosby Kitchen & Bar and encouraged Fondu to open a new restaurant there. The result is Ara, named in part as a tribute to Seminara.
Ara's kitchen is helmed by executive chef Kayla Casale, who brings her experience from prestigious establishments like The French Laundry in Napa Valley and Wolfgang Puck in Las Vegas. The menu features southern Mediterranean-inspired dishes, including Spanish carabineros prawn linguine and an innovative beef carpaccio with watercress, arugula, and goat cheese. "We encourage each guest to embrace their own personal eating style," says Casale.
The restaurant's ambiance is truly spectacular, envisioned through the lens of Anna Woodman Interior Design, blending luxurious gold and pewter accents with natural, sophisticated elements. "Designing a space that combines elements of both elegant royalty and the natural world has been an exciting challenge," says Woodman.
Today marking their highly-anticipated grand opening, Ara offers a welcoming atmosphere where guests can enjoy late-night cocktails and desserts accompanied by live saxophone music. "Ara is a place where everyone is welcome," Fondu says. "I want everyone to feel special and really enjoy each mouthful and moment spent here."
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