It’s already shaping up to be a hot summer, with temperatures climbing into the upper 90s (and it’s only June!). In this kind of weather, the mere thought of needing to turn on the oven to make dinner is enough to make you start sweating. Plus, when it gets this hot, it’s sometimes hard to even find the motivation to cook.
The team at Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar has developed a new menu just in time for these sky-high temperatures — no cooking required on your part. Big Red F culinary director Sheila Lucero and executive chef Kyle Mendenhall collaborated on the new menu, which is one of the largest overhauls the restaurant has done in years. They’ve put together an innovative list of dishes that are perfect for summer, with a focus on lighter, fresher flavors.
As part of Jax’s certification with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch, all of their seafood is always sustainably sourced, and the new menu is no different. The updated menu highlights ingredients from some of the restaurant’s favorite seasonal fish and shellfish partners.
Below, take a look at some of the new dishes on the menu. Of course, Jax always has caviar, ice-cold raw bar platters, chilled shellfish, salads and other refreshing menu staples, too. You can dine indoors or grab a table in their extended covered patio on Pearl Street. Be sure to save room for dessert and some house-made limoncello, too.
Ahi Tuna Poke
You’ll come back for this appetizer again and again (and, honestly, it would make the perfect hot-weather lunch for one!). This bowl has just the right amount of spice, with a super savory and satisfying spicy-chile-peanut sauce, served over avocado, sticky rice and tuna. Crispy shallots and ponzu add the perfect finishing touches.
Blue Crab Garganellli
Made with hearty summer peas, mint and lemon, this delicious dish is packed with summer flavors. The blue crab is served with egg pasta, shellfish butter sauce and a little Calabrian chile for a little kick.
Alaskan Halibut with Anson Mills Grits
Ideal for nights out on the patio, this Instagram-worthy dish features halibut served with asparagus, caramelized onions, crispy grits and English peas.
Jax Maine Lobster Roll
Don’t worry: Jax’s delicious lobster roll isn’t going anywhere, but the restaurant has taken the time to simplify and streamline this beloved sandwich.
Grilled Hawaiian Yellowfin Tuna Steak
This new tuna dish highlights Jax’s commitment to seasonal, sustainable seafood. It’s made with line-caught yellowfin tuna, rather than critically endangered bluefin, and served with a totally refreshing Mediterranean flair. The tuna is paired with fresh-grated tomato sauce, grilled summer squash, sweet garlic purée and crispy roasted kalamata olives.
Stuffed Tomato and Quinoa Pilaf
This “accidentally vegan” dish features marinated sea island peas, grilled summer squash and tomato garlic puree.
New England Sea Scallops
Made with hearty turnips accented by crispy guanciale, these sea scallops are both light and satisfying. They’re served with celeriac puree, roasted cauliflower, arugula and puffed quinoa.
Father’s Day Kit
For Father’s Day, Jax is also doing a fun special that’s perfect for all the dads in your life (especially those who love to grill!). The restaurant is offering Father’s Day Grill Kits, complete with a choice of protein (four filets, four scallop skewers, four tuna steaks, eight burgers or four salmon cuts), choice of Caesar or wedge salad, a pint of DiNoci Dairy Free ice cream and a six-pack of beer. Pickup is June 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and each package is $150; each kit serves four people.
