St. Augustine's Córdova Coastal Chophouse & Bar in the Casa Monica Resort & Spa

St. Augustine's Córdova Coastal Chophouse & Bar

St. Augustine, a town measured by its antiquity, is blessed with a potpourri of fine dining establishments. Among those stands the Córdova Coastal Chophouse & Bar, (Córdova) a relic within a city of relics that affords patrons a fine dining experience under the guise of a traditional chophouse.

Nestled in the historic Casa Monica Resort & Spa (Casa Monica), the recently renovated chophouse seats almost 150 guests within its lounge, private dining room, intimate wine room and open bar that sidles the hotel entrance.

Under the direction of Executive Chef Robert DeGrassi, Córdova’s culinary delights fuse a coastal modern-day fare with the spices of Spain and Morocco the likes of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, clove, saffron and allspice, and of course, the datil pepper.

The simple, yet exquisite, steak and fish fare is accompanied by unusual sides such as grilled octopus and pork belly, crispy mash potatoes and charred broccolini. Each plated delicacy combines ingredients familiar to St. Augustine’s early settlers with food snatched from the city's present-day surrounding waters and farms.

“Our goal is to offer something that is exactly like nothing else,” said Scott Hillman, Córdova’s director of food and beverage. “We’re not just about the food, although Chef Rob has hit the menu out of the ballpark. We’re about a vibe, seen from King Street, that’s validated as soon as you walk into this magnificent castle. We’re St. Augustine’s new it place, not only for tourists, but residents who now have a restaurant like no other in St. Augustine.”

The menu’s craft cocktails also connect the old with the new, the local (the St. Augustine’s Distillery) with a European flare. Wine Down Wednesdays, Sunday brunch and live music are also included within the restaurant’s artistry of ambiance.

“We’re staying ahead of the curve while keeping connected to the city,” added Hillman.

Mediterranean meets Moore is not left solely to its menu. The Moroccan décor of hand-carved wood panels, hand-carved light fixtures, sconces, tiles, mirrored walls and furniture tapestry tantalize the senses to remain in place and savor in the atmosphere.

General Manager Jordan Stokes described the interior as a reflection of the city where antiquity meets luxurious elegance.

“CEO and founder of the Kessler Collection, Richard Kessler wanted to regenerate the history of the Córdova and the Casa Monica,” he said. “Mr. Kessler is a world traveler and rich in experience with art, history and music. Supported by the Kessler Design Team, the renovation speaks volumes of a luxurious European history.”

Named after Augustine of Hippo’s mother, Monica, the Casa Monica and the Córdova have endured many transformations.

Historical documents show that the edifice was built by Franklin W. Smith in 1888 on land purchased from oil and railroad magnate Henry Flagler. Inspired by the architecture of Morocco and Spain, Smith built the hotel with concrete, a material then described as experimental.

Despite a magnificent New Year’s Day opening, Smith was in financial straits within four months of welcoming guests. Desperate, Smith sold the hotel — and everything in it, including its napkins — to Flagler for a reported $325,000.

Renamed the Córdova Hotel, the building was added to Flagler’s hotel destinations, the Ponce de Leon Hotel (Flagler College) and the Hotel Alcazar (the Lightner Museum). Flagler financed several hotels to encourage tourism along his newly built railroad route that travelled between Jacksonville and Key West. The corner edifice flourished for 30 years until the Great Depression ravaged every single building.

After sitting dormant for 30 years, St. Johns County purchased, renovated, and transformed the Casa Monica into a courthouse. In 1997, Kessler purchased the property from the county for a reported $1.2 million and revitalized it back to its original architecture.

In 2001, the Casa Monica was added to the list of Historic Hotels of America. Today, the Córdova and the Santa Monica are among the most recognizable city structures.

Stokes described the Córdova’s artistry as an invitation for locals and tourists to enjoy a luxurious experience like no other.

“The Córdova is the perfect spot to relax, unwind, celebrate something special or simply enjoy nothing in particular,” he concluded.

The Córdova will host a special prixe fixe menu for a “romantic culinary adventure” on Valentine’s Day.

The Córdova Chophouse & Bar is open daily from 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. and for dinner Sunday to Thursday from 5-9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5-10 p.m.

This article originally appeared on St. Augustine Record: Executive Chef Robert DeGrassi fuses Córdova’s Chophouse & Bar menu with a coastal modern-day fare influenced by Spain and Morocco