He Said, She Said

This Chick's Picks With Jerry Watterson

By Rosaria Cammarata and Jerry Watterson

Rustica: Earth, Sea, and Fire

HE SAID: “Chef Jean Marie Josellin has pulled off the thing every chef dreams of but virtually no one succeeds at: a restaurant featuring global cuisine from all corners of the world. Most restaurants need to fit neatly into a category to succeed, but when the food is this incredible, diners will allow you to do whatever you want. Where else can you get tandoori lamb, notable sashimi, and scallop mousse ravioli all under one roof ?”

SHE SAID:“I’ve had everything on that menu, and what I’d like to say is that I didn’t eat it all in one sitting—but that would kind of be a half-truth! Chef Jean Marie is nothing short of a mastermind. He has that rare skill set that can turn a vivid dream into a reality on a plate. And yes, that raviolo... for the love of God. Next time I go, I think that’s all I’m going to have. I’ll have one, then another, and then another. I send everyone there.”

Barley Republic

HE SAID: “Most people I know first visited Barley Republic because they were looking for some place to eat late at night. But they came back because it’s a fun and laid-back atmosphere with great food. Their lamb burger topped with goat cheese is why I usually find myself there. It’s the perfect spot to grab a bite and a beer.”

SHE SAID: “I cannot tell a lie: I have not actually sat and eaten inside there. But I once pulled a piece of fish out of a to-go container that had been sitting in a fridge for a full day. I took that first cold bite and yelled out, ‘Where in the heck did you get this?’ It was that good. By the second bite, I was squeezing lemon on it, dunking it in tartar sauce, and I polished off the coleslaw before I even asked for permission! I felt so bad I left a twenty taped to the fridge for the next time they ordered again.”

Café Alcazar

HE SAID: “One of the joys of St. Augustine is walking through history. At Café Alcazar, you’re dining inside what was once the world’s largest indoor swimming pool dating back to 1888. I love to sit in the space and take in the history and grandeur of the place while enjoying quality Mediterranean food.”

SHE SAID: “I have to admit, it was pretty cool dancing where there should have been a pool. I went there all dressed up like Marie Antoinette during a pirate party with the ‘Royal Family’ and the atmosphere was perfect. I can’t say anything for the food because for some reason it was catered from elsewhere, but I have to say, dancing in that space... I was wondering if that’s what everybody in the ballroom of the Titanic felt like. You know—obviously before they hit the iceberg!”

Cookie Bird

HE SAID:“When you walk in this ice cream shop, you just won’t be able to get over how cute it is. Here you can delight in sundaes that stand out from the crowd. I love to indulge in The Uptown—vanilla soft serve, orange olive oil, bee hill honey, sea salt, and a candied orange slice. It’s the sort of place that will make you smile the whole time you’re there.”

SHE SAID: I had just seen your video on that little place and instead of turning left, I made a right—and then another right immediately into the parking lot! You hit the nail on the head, Jerry; that blood orange, finishing salt, honey, and olive oil combination is purely insane. It brought me straight back to childhood and I was smiling from ear to ear. The owners are amazing and real, and they have my full support. Everything there is beyond good.”

"Loving Our Town" March 6, 2026