Following the closure of Jupiter Crab Co. in Jupiter, Florida, enthusiastic diners were keenly anticipating the arrival of a new venue that would take over the coveted location by the Loxahatchee River.
Presenting Blackbird Modern Asian, a dining establishment with a Pan-Asian influence that occupied the site in October 2022, drawing inspiration from Southeast Asia. Nevertheless, it isn’t solely the food that has diners conversing.
The lavish main dining area features a magnificent 12-foot bronze Buddha statue, encircled by bamboo stalks, inventive creations by local artists, and life-sized trees that glow and shift hues.
Named after Paul McCartney’s renowned song, Blackbird (also regarded as a symbol of fortune in Japanese culture) enchants patrons with the famous lyrics, “You have all been longing for this moment to come.”
In addition, there is seating on the second level that provides a panoramic view of the entire restaurant, alongside an upstairs bar designed for al fresco dining while relishing the picturesque sights of the nearby Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse.
The attentive waitstaff graciously greets guests and begins their journey with a variety of crafted cocktails such as Momoa’s “The Kiss,” classic choices like a traditional Mai Tai, a glass of wine (consider the Ava Grace pinot grigio) from their exceptional selection available by the glass, or a sampling of Japanese sake.
Diners can anticipate all meals to be served steaming hot, so orders may arrive at different times, as suggested by the servers. Start with a sampling of dim sum offerings like tender short rib and bone marrow dumplings, crispy Cantonese egg rolls, or flavorful lobster wonton cones.
A selection of Mongolian brisket bao buns, boasting a spicy note, arrives artfully arranged in a bamboo basket, adorned with green apple, pickled Fresno chiles, and Chinatown hoisin sauce.
As you make your way to the small plates on the menu, you’ll find classic dishes presented with a modern twist, including wok-charred edamame, Thai-style beef jerky, and Kung Pao calamari. The highlight of this section is the Chinese BBQ sticky beef short ribs – three tender portions coated in a delightful honey soy glaze and garnished with crispy shallots.
The main course section, featuring meat, poultry, and pork options, presents heartier choices such as smoked burnt ends fried rice, Bangkok street noodles “pad see ew” with smoked brisket, and Chiang Mai pad Thai with grilled chicken and crushed peanuts.
A favorite among diners, beef and broccoli showcases a succulent 10-ounce New York strip steak perfectly cooked and served with Chinese broccoli lathered in a sweet soy sauce.
The Dan Dan noodles are enhanced with a splash of chili oil and blend both pork and beef with mustard greens and radish. The BBQ duck fried rice presents a delightful twist on traditional Peking duck, stir-fried with fresh vegetables and egg.
The desserts are designed for sharing, offering a selection ranging from a chocolate bomb with salted peanut brittle ice cream to Yuzu Key lime with cinnamon graham cracker crumble, Chinese bread pudding bites, and Thai tea crème brulee.
Image Source: Blackbirdmodenasian.com