Jacksonville restaurateur Kelvin Nole foresees an upscale dining renaissance in Ponte Vedra Beach.
The Indonesian-born entrepreneur plans to unveil Black Pearl — a Japanese-Italian fusion restaurant — to a 4,200-square-foot space on A1A in the Ponte Vedra Pointe Shopping Center this winter.
Nole, who relocated to the River City from the West Coast several years ago, told The Citizen that the venture will seek to invigorate the local Asian-dining scene beyond Teriyakis and dumplings.
The Eurasian mashup will combine classic elements from both cuisines, resulting in such delectable dishes as miso carbonara and wagyu carpaccio.
Black Pearl, which will be located between an Enterprise Rent-A-Car and a barber shop, has released conceptual images in recent weeks showing a sleek bar area decorated with Japanese art.
The space will seat roughly 100 guests and feature a separate lounge for private events.
“In Japan, the term ‘black pearl’ (kuro shinju) can symbolize rarity, beauty, and value,” reads a post on the restaurant’s Instagram.
“Black pearls are highly prized for their unique color and luster, making them a symbol of elegance and luxury. They also carry cultural significance in Japanese folklore and art, representing something precious and rare. And we are coming to bring black pearl essence with our imagination and creativity to create rare and unique moments for your dining experience!”
