Blue Surf Restaurants In Wilmington, North Carolina: Meet The Chef
We sat down with Executive Chef Jon Webb of Blue Surf Cafe and Blue Surf Arboretum West in Wilmington, North Carolina. Blue Surf Cafe is the original location, beloved by locals and visitors alike. The casual, surf-themed cafe serves Californian-inspired modern American cuisine in a laid-back atmosphere. Blue Surf Cafe promises an unforgettable dining experience whether you eat inside or on the patio.
Image: Executive Chef Jon Webb of Blue Surf Restaurants in Wilmington, North Carolina
If you’re in the mood for a more upscale coastal-themed dining experience, Blue Surf Arboretum West offers a New American menu and sophisticated ambiance. Their alfresco dining environment with a large fire pit and indoor-outdoor wrap-around bar create the perfect spot for an elevated evening out.
1. Tell us about what your morning routine looks like, and how you like to end your day?
My morning routine starts with a cup of coffee and an hour of peace and quiet, before anyone else comes in. Followed by day of planning and setup.
Image: Blue Surf Cafe in Wilmington, North Carolina
I like to end the day at home with my family.
2. Do you have any awards or achievements you’d like to mention?
Yikes. Not sure I try to cook that way, but if Michelin comes with stars, I’ll let you know.
3. Do you have a favorite chef that you look up to and what advice would you give to aspiring chefs?
Great respect for many chefs, but none I really idolize. My advice to aspiring chefs is learn good technique and, if you don’t really love this craft then don’t do it. There are far easier ways to make a living.
Image: Blue Surf Arboretum West in Wilmington, North Carolina
4. What do you typically cook at home?
Simple food. Quick things. I try to cook a lot of what we grow. I can live off tomato sandwiches in June. Though the air fryer sees a lot of tater tots for my daughter.
5. What’s a food trend that you’re loving right now and why?
Have been really inspired by some Italian American cooks/chefs lately that are applying the food of their youth to current food ideas. Always was a sucker for good Italian American food, but it is not always executed well. Seeing these chefs show the world how to do it with really great execution is fantastic. Makes me hungry. Makes me want to cook.
Image: Blue Surf Cafe in Wilmington, North Carolina
6. What’s the strangest food combination you’ve ever tried? And, did you like it?
The strangest thing I have eaten is Surstomming in Sweden. It is anerobic fermented canned fish that is typically served with potatoes, tomatoes, crisp bread, and butter, but can come with other things as well. No I do not like it. Smells terrible.
7. Have you ever cooked for a celebrity? Do you have a story to tell?
I could list a few I guess, but I’d rather mention that I cooked with Jose Andres World Central Kitchen after Hurricane Florence. Amongst the best experiences of my career.
Image: Blue Surf Arboretum West in Wilmington, North Carolina
8. What’s your Instagram so readers can follow you?
You can check these ones out for freshest content! @bluesurfarboretumwest and @bluesurfcafe.
9. What cocktail or beverage do you enjoy most?
Coffee, black.
Image: Blue Surf Cafe in Wilmington, North Carolina
10. Tell our readers why they should visit a Blue Surf Restaurant?
Good food in a relaxed atmosphere. You can’t go wrong.
Image: Blue Surf Restaurants in Wilmington, North Carolina
