Kris Wessel brings authentic, homey & Floridian eats to The James Hotel on South Beach this October

6/12/2012

An Upper East Side favorite will hop across the bridge this fall as Kris Wessel (pictured) of Red Light plans to open Florida Cookery in the upcoming James Royal Palm Hotel on South Beach. Eater reports Wessel will bring "his authentic and homey flair" and an "unpretentious perspective on regional offerings." Early menu musings include frog legs bathed in lime leaves, lychee roasted quail and mango pie. Wessels reports to Eater: "My goal is to provide a hyper-regional experience that will allow me to utilize my knowledge of local product while also showcasing what a rich melting pot South Florida cooking represents."

Slated to open in Oct 2012, The James Royal Palm will also feature Catch restaurant by Top Chef alum Hung Huynh.