A fresh chapter is unfolding for the gastronomic landscape in downtown St. Petersburg, as husband-and-wife team Shawn and Jeanna Damkoehler bring their innovative vision to the space once home to 400 Beach Seafood & Tap House.
Drawing inspiration from the abundance and beauty of the ocean, Juno & The Peacock embraces a high-minded concept of gratitude and appreciation for the natural splendor surrounding us, particularly along Beach Drive. The restaurant’s prime location offers views of the glistening water, creating an idyllic setting for alfresco dining. The new venture promises to delight diners with New American Coastal Cuisine, continuing their tradition of excellence, already evident in their Mediterranean concept, Allelo.
Located at the bustling corner of Fifth Avenue North and Beach Drive Northeast, in downtown St. Petersburg, Juno & the Peacock isn’t just about the food — it’s also about creating an experience.
Named after Aesop’s fable “The Peacock and Juno,” the restaurant embodies the story’s essence of beauty and dignity. The bird’s splendid feathers serve as inspiration for the restaurant’s design, sophisticated yet understated, opulent but welcoming.
The Damkoehlers enlisted design firms Brand Bureau and AvroKO to craft an ambiance of unparalleled sophistication. The result is a harmonious fusion of European-inspired, al fresco dining, sleek interiors featuring luxurious terrazzo floors and tasteful brass accents throughout. This meticulously curated environment provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable dining experience, transforming every moment into an art form, while the patio offers an alfresco experience with panoramic views of Beach Drive.
At the helm of Juno & the Peacock’s gastronomic endeavor is Executive Chef Drew Dimitrovski, whose vision matches the grandeur of the restaurant itself. Renowned for his meticulous attention to detail, Dimitrovski brings a diverse background that deeply influences the innovative menu. His journey, rooted in European-based French techniques and enriched by explorations into Pan-Asian cuisine, has shaped his unique style. Drawing inspiration from various coastal traditions, Dimitrovski has crafted a menu that propels New American coastal cuisine to new heights. Each dish, expertly prepared using only the finest ingredients, showcases a blend of bold, diverse flavors while staying true to the New American coastal theme.
Juno & The Peacock’s cocktail program, led by Beverage Director Ingi Sigurdsson, takes patrons on a nostalgic journey through the decades, featuring iconic drinks that defined each era, reimagined for contemporary tastes. The menu showcases classics like the 1970s’ Harvey Wallbanger, a smooth blend of vodka, Galliano, orange juice and egg white, updated to offer a more balanced, and refined, experience while retaining its vintage charm and it’s served with a peacock feather. Representing the 1980s, the Miami Vice cocktail captures the era’s tropical, fruit-forward craze by combining Piña Colada and Strawberry Daiquiri, enhanced with a modern twist of bursting boba. Available in both traditional and zero-proof versions, these drinks cater to all preferences. Oenophiles will delight in the extensive wine selection, meticulously curated by Allelo Wine Director Michelle Richards. In contrast to its sister restaurant’s Old World focus, Juno & The Peacock boasts an impressive list of over 1,400 predominantly, New World wines, offering the perfect pairing for every dish.
For the posher palate, the Grand Plateau at Juno & The Peacock offers a lavish selection of ocean-fresh delights. This indulgent spread features lobster salad, smoked salmon, crab Louie, shrimp cocktail and oysters, showcasing the finest bounty the sea has to offer. It’s a luxurious experience for seafood lovers seeking the best in quality. Seafood enthusiasts will also appreciate the Crab Cake, a generous 4 oz portion of lump crab meat served with a silky Dijonnaise foam and a delicate garnish of chervil. For a creative twist on a beloved classic, the Creole Caesar salad reinvents the traditional Caesar with vibrant flavors from New Orleans. Crisp romaine is tossed in a bold, blackened Caesar dressing, accompanied by tangy peppadews, cornbread crumbles and Parmigiano-Reggiano, creating a satisfying dish that seamlessly blends Southern flair with timeless elegance.
Juno & The Peacock’s commitment to exceptional ingredients is evident throughout their menu, particularly with the incorporation of Dean & Peeler beef. This distinguished supplier is renowned for their ethical, and sustainable, farming practices, guaranteeing an extraordinary dining experience with each bite of their premium beef. The Dean & Peeler Smash Burger epitomizes this dedication to quality, showcasing patties of the highest caliber. This creation is enhanced with white American cheese, flavorful mushrooms, a lavish truffle aioli and delicate shoestring potatoes, all nestled within a soft brioche bun. The result is a burger that challenges traditional notions of gourmet dining, captivating the senses and redefining expectations of what a burger can be.
To conclude your meal, the Key Lime Pie is a stunning and delicious finale, offering the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. The silky-smooth key lime filling is complemented by a rich graham cracker crust, while the whipped meringue topping, perfectly toasted, adds a delightful texture and depth. Adorned with edible flowers and artfully placed raspberry coulis, this dessert is as beautiful as it is refreshing. Each bite melts in your mouth, making it a must-try for anyone seeking a sweet, yet tangy, end to their dining experience.
The arrival of Juno & The Peacock marks a significant milestone in the area’s epicurean evolution. This exciting new establishment, along with its sister restaurant Allelo, further solidifies Beach Drive’s status as a premier dining destination. The addition not only expands the range of exceptional dining experiences available to locals, and visitors, but also contributes to the area’s vibrant atmosphere. With each new addition, Beach Drive strengthens its reputation as a culinary hotspot. As these restaurants continue to push boundaries and offer unforgettable dining experiences, Beach Drive is poised to remain at the forefront of the region’s food scene, for years to come. ♦
