A new seafood restaurant has found its home in Tallahassee. The Front Porch, developed by Hunter and Harp, opened Oct. 30.
The restaurant provides a unique experience with its raw bar, which features fresh locally sourced seafood, such as shellfish and crustacean. It also offers Florida lobster tails and four types of oysters.
“Seafood is a nice change from the regular steak, beef and chicken meals,” said Johnathan Blair, a sophomore history student from Tampa. “It is good to eat something else from the usual day-to-day meals.”
In addition, the seafood prepared at The Front Porch has an array of Portuguese flare. Joe Rego, executive chef of the restaurant, is f was champion of “Chopped,” a television show on the Food Network.
Before coming to Tallahassee, Rego gained experience in some of the most successful restaurants in Atlanta, New Haven, Conn., and Boston. He is an accomplished chef and has received a variety of awards.
One of Rego’s specialties includes the lobster cannelloni with shiitake mushrooms, lobster brood, tomato confit and asparagus tips. Other specialties include the seared magret duck breast and Portuguese-styled pork and clams.
Laquesha Conley, a freshman political science student from Miami, said she is an “extreme” fan of seafood.
“The first thing I do whenever I go to a seafood restaurant is run towards the crabs,” Conley said. “ I love shellfish, shrimp, fish and everything in between. This restaurant is a dream for me, and I know I will be coming here quite often.”
There are various options for salads, handmade pastas, desserts and a wide selection of fish on the menu. The average dining price ranges from $10 to $30.
The atmosphere of The Front Porch reflects an upscale environment with a casual dining experience. This 1920s restored home has an estimated 300 seats for patrons among the deck, porch and interior.
The restaurant takes reservations, which are good for large groups. Walk-ins are also welcomed. The attire is casual and The Front Porch provides valet services.
“When we walked in on opening night, I was truly blown away,” said Denaya Bilks, a junior English student from Jacksonville. “ The décor is very quaint and the food is on point.”
The restaurant caters to many different events and functions, such as having events with friends, a corporate luncheon or a rehearsal dinner. It has an estimated 1,300 square feet of area across three private event spaces in which seating availability ranges from 16 to 75 people.
The Front Porch, located at 1215 Thomasville Rd., is open for dinner daily at 5 p.m. A limited lunch menu is available daily between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Call 850-222-0934 for bar hours and other weekend hours or visit frontporchtallahassee.com.