There are fewer more satisfying experiences than finding some unearthed jewel of a restaurant in your own backyard. Just when you think you know about all of the “go to” places, another pops up. Well, that’s exactly what happened with Catch 27.
If you’re wondering about the name, it’s actually pretty clever. “Catch,” on a sign with a fish pictured on it, tells you it’s a seafood restaurant first and foremost. The “27” tells us that the seafood they serve is all caught in the waters of Florida. Florida, you see, was the 27th state to join the union.
“Catch 27.”
A clever mystery solved.
Husband and wife team Stephen and Lindsey Hutson first opened Catch 27 on Hypolita Street three years ago. Their success at that location has allowed them to move to the current Charlotte Street location at the beginning of December, opening the doors on December 4. The Hutsons are very “hands on” as owners, and they take a very active role in interacting with their guests. In a time when it seems that so much emphasis is put on volume; moving through as many customers as possible, it’s comforting and encouraging to see owners who respond to more than just the bottom line. In a town that suffers no shortage of restaurants, they truly appreciate that people choose to dine with them.
Believe it or not, getting fresh ingredients is a bit more challenging than you might think. Stephen has to call his local seafood supplier at 2 o’clock in the morning to put in his order, and the fish, already cleaned and filleted, arrives at the restaurant later that morning after the fishing boats unload their catch. Unless you’re standing on the dock when the boats pull in, your seafood just isn’t going to get it any fresher.
Of course, having the freshest ingredients is only part of the equation. It takes a magician in the kitchen to bring it all together and, in the case of Catch 27, there are two: Mallory Byrne and Joshua Smith. Byrne has been with Catch 27 since 2013 and Smith is the former head chef at The Ice Plant.
When you come to Catch 27, bring your appetite, because you’ll it. The menu is deep and varied, with appetizers starting at $7 for the hummus and a cup of Minorcan Clam Chowder at $3. Entrees are priced from $9 for the Lemon Chicken Sandwich to $20 for the Florida Piccata or the Shrimp & Grits (both of which are highly recommended). For your liquid refreshment requirements, Catch 27 offers beer, wine and soft drinks. Have a favorite bottle of wine you can’t seem to live without? Bring it! Catch 27 boasts a BYOB (wine only) policy. The best part? There’s no charge to cork the first bottle, and only a $5 fee should you opt to indulge in a second bottle for the table. Be sure to check with neighborhood liquor stores – most offer discounts for Catch 27 diners.
Catch 27 offers a quiet, comfortable dining atmosphere in historic downtown St. Augustine that would be perfect for either “date night” or for a group of friends. Everything about it says “Welcome, and thanks for dining with us.”
It’s hard to ask for much more than that.
