Jax Executive Chef Natalie Blake, founder and proprietor Amiee Lovitz and GM Brad Lovitz
The Short Street entertainment district will soon have another new and interesting restaurant/lounge.
The Jax (www.jaxlex.com) will open in early May at 101 W. Short St., featuring a concept focused on being a friendly “neighborhood hangout” where customers can enjoy globally inspired, locally sourced cuisine, cocktails and culture, including live music.
The Jax is the brainchild of founder and proprietor Aimee Lovitz, who began her food-service career working part-time while attending Marshall University. After college, she worked for Red Lobster, attaining a general-manager position, and she subsequently rounded out her experience in the real-estate field.
This is a family affair with her brother, Brad Lovitz, in the role of general manager. Brad also attended Marshall, earning a degree in business management. The executive chef is Harrodsburg native Natalie Blake, who appeared on the TV show Hell’s Kitchen.
The eclectic menu features creations by both Chef Blake and a collaborative effort by Aimee Lovitz and Allison Davis, who is the chef and owner of Wild Thyme. Global inspiration, locally sourced ingredients, authenticity and affordability are the focus of the menu.
The “Cold Eats” portion of the menu features items such as rustic loaf with dipping oil and Caprese. The “Fresh Eats” section features salads. “Sharable Eats,” such as Crackling Jax and cheese dishes, are perfect for sharing.
The “Hot Eats” offerings include Caribbean jerk wings, sliders, taco boards and Brie papardelle. There are some unique dessert dishes, such as a Town Branch float and the “Be Sinful Board,” which is billed as the ultimate chocolate experience. The bar will also use local ingredients and will feature a great line-up of spirits, wines and beers.
In addition to a food and beverage menu, it will have a “Be Menu,” which is an event schedule. Examples include Be Sophisticated (wine tasting events), Be Famous (open mic nights on Tuesdays), Be Distinguished (bourbon of the month), Be Retro (throwback Thursdays) and Be Generous (charity nights).
Aimee Lovitz envisions The Jax as a community of friends. She loved playing jacks as a child because it enabled someone to make any place a playground. That is the spirit of this neighborhood hangout.
The hours of operation will begin initially at 4 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. on weekends. Eventually the restaurant will open for lunch. The Jax also will feature live music, beginning at 9:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.
You can find The Jax on Facebook and follow it on Twitter.