Bellwether

The new Bellwether in downtown Jacksonville is another jewel in the crown of the group that owns Restaurant Orsay and Black Sheep. Strategically located at 100 N Laura St. it is within walking distance of major business. I stopped in for lunch and one of the craft cocktails, and of course a chat with mixologist Michael Bloom who shared some information with me.

What is unique about your bar area?

What is unique is there are not many bars downtown, then we can factor in the area itself and the clientele. With a lack of restaurants or shops, the majority of our clients are business people who come in for lunch or come back for happy hour and snacks in the evening. It’s unique in the right way, it feels like we are alone, but we realize we are a destination spot.

When is Happy Hour?

Right now we are hosting Happy Hour Tuesday through Friday from 3 pm to 7 pm.  We feature draft wine, discounts on beers plus we have a sizeable cocktail section with good prices.

Tell us about your best-selling drink?

The most popular drink on the cocktail menu would be the Mexican Cook Out or The Undisclosed. They are at opposite ends; both have a citrus flavor with one being a little smoother and sweeter to drink, the other has a somewhat smoky punch to it.

Do you serve any local liquors or brews?  

Yes, we serve beer from at least 4 or 5 local breweries, Intuition, Bold City, Veteran United, Cigar City and Aardwolf on draft plus we also carry canned beers.  As far as liquor we have spirits from   Manifest and St Augustine Distilleries

What compliments do you hear most often from your customers?  

Just being open only a few month, we mostly hear how much people like the look of the space, and how pristine the surroundings are. Customers also tell us they are happy with the variety of food and beverage offerings.  There is something for everyone on the menu.

When customers are having a really good time at your business what are they doing?

Ordering the same special drink from the menu, make us feel they are enjoying themselves and the drink they selected.

Busiest night of the week?  

Since we have not started opening for dinner service yet, I would have to say Wednesday is our busiest happy hour. We have a lot of groups coming in on that night, and we are starting to build a regular happy hour crown every day.

What does your staff enjoy the most about working here?

I believe with the Black Sheep Restaurant Group; it is definitely like a family.  Everyone enjoys their job.  People are not coming in miserable, and individuals who work here want to be here. We all depend on each other to the point we hang out together outside of work, we are a very tight knit group.

What do you want more people to know about your business?  

Probably that we are here and it is an excellent destination for happy hour drinks and eats.

There is something for everybody; we have a nice variety of drink and food offerings. We have TV, Private Dining Room for parties or business meetings. Plans to open for dinner later in the month are currently in the works.

Drink Recipe: The Undisclosed

1.5 oz. Manifest Gin

  1. oz. Aperol

Splash of Lemon Juice

Splash of house made strawberry shrub

Shake over rocks vigorously then strain and fill the glass with crushed ice.

The method is done partly for presentation, and partly due to the shrub holding up fairly well it will dilute without altering the flavor.  Top with more ice and some Ginger Beer dress with Orange Slice.